Arduino Examples #2 Use an Arduino as a FTDI Programmer

In this instructable I will show you how to use an Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, Diecimila, Mega 2560, Mega 1280 or Nano to program an Arduino Pro, Pro Mini, Mini, LilyPad or any other device with a ATmaga168, ATmaga328 using an Arduino. But this only works on 5v boards NOT 3.3v boards. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for other Arduino examples please feel free to leave a comment and I will write back as soon as i can.

Step 1 Get The Hardware Required

Hardware Required
1-arduino Duemilanove, Diecimila or Nano
1-6 pin female header
6-jumper wires

Comments

[godito]

Hi there,
are you sure it works with the UNO as well? I used to use the 2009 w/o problems, but now with the UNO I cannot get it working. Is it an issue with the IDE version perhaps?
Thanks

[Trey Frost]

Do you have to remove the micro controller? Wouldn't it be easier to just reprogram it after you disconnect the other Arduino?

[qazwsx755]

No, you don't have to remove the micro controller from the Arduino with the built in FTDI chip but yes you would have to reprogram the Arduino then.

[WineSoaked]

I would think that if you shorted the RESET pin on the ATmega to GND, then it basically removes the IC from the circuit, making the FTDI chip the only thing you'd be programming. I've been wrong before however, so it's worth testing...

[REA]

slightly unrelated question: what did you use to make the picture of the arduino and the circuit? ive seen other 'ibles with pictures that look like this.

[adrian.robb]

I believe it's called Fritzing: http://fritzing.org/building-circuit/

[REA]

oh, hey look at that! thank you very much!

[adrian.robb]

No problem ;P

[saastamo]

Does the receiving chip have to have arduino bootloader? I need a programmer for ATtiny 2313. So there won't be bootloader but I just want to put my program in. I mean I wanted to use it like the USBtiny in http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/avrreadflash

[qazwsx755]

Yes the receiving chip does has to have the arduino bootloader or it won't program right. You would have to use an ATmega328 with Arduino Bootloader available at http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9217 or an avr programmer.