This simple AVR Programmer will allow you to painlessly transfer hex programs to most ATMEL AVR microcontrollers

without sacrificing your budget and time. It is more reliable than most other simple AVR programmers available out there
and can be built in very short amount of time.

AVR programmer consists of in-circuit serial programmer (dongle) and small pcb with a DIP socket where you can fit your
microcontroller and have it quickly programmed.

You may also use this programmer as a stand alone in-circuit serial programmer that can be used to conveniently program
AVR microcontrollers without removing them from the target circuit.

Entire AVR programmer has been build with using common parts and fits in the case of the serial connector. The socket pcb
has been created to fit a 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller, but you can build a socket pcb for any other AVR
microcontroller out there. This AVR programmer is compatible with a popular PonyProg software that shows you a status b
of the programming progress.

AVR In-Circuit Serial Programmer

AVR Programmer's PCB (front) with 9-PIN female RS232 serial connector.
 AVR Programmer's PCB (back)

Fitting AVR Programmer's PCB in RS232 serial case.

Finished AVR Programmer with standard 6-PIN ICSP connector.

AVR Socket PCB

Socket PCB has very minimal number of components and is used for programming your desired AVR microcontroller
outside of your target circuit.

Socket PCB with 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller.

There are two connections; ICSP that connects to AVR Programmer, and external +5V supply.
 Socket PCB consists of the PCB, 28-DIP socket, 4MHz crystal resonator, or crystal with two 22pF decoupling capacitors, and
two header connectors. Two-PIN connector supplies +5V voltage to the AVR microcontroller, and 6-PIN ICSP connects to
AVR Programmer dongle.

Supplying microcontroller with external +5V voltage as opposed to taking it directly from computer's serial connection port
ensures that the chip is receiving exactly +5V voltage and provides very reliable error free programming.

Socket PCB for 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller.

+5V voltage supply for AVR chip may be provided from external power supply or even better - directly from USB
connection.

PonyProg
o send hex file from your computer to AVR microcontroller you will need to download and install
00. After the installation, the first thing you will need to do is configure PonyProg to work with our AVR
. To do this go to "Setup" menu and select "Interface Setup". The following window will be shown and
areas show you exactly which options should be selected.

tep select "AVR micro" and your microcontroller type that you will be programming (ex. ATmega8).
 PonyProg configuration is complete and we can open hex program with which AVR microcontroller will be
to "File" menu, select "Open Program (FLASH) File ...", and point to the hex file to open it up. You should see
s as shown on the screen below. If you haven't connected AVR Programmer dongle to your computer's serial
n now is the time. Make sure that AVR Programmer is physically connected to your AVR microcontroller
ket PCB or through ICSP 6-PIN connector. Finally click on the highlighted icon "Write Program Memory
or go to "Command" menu and select "Write Program (FLASH)".
es" button to confirm the programming.

t, relax and watch the programming progress on the status bar. PonyProg will program AVR microcontroller and
hex file was transferred without any errors. For your information this process shouldn't really take more than 10
s. This depends on the size of the program that you're trying to flash.
mming is completed "Write successful" window will be shown letting you know that AVR microcontroller has
mmed, and is now ready to be used.

Build your own LC Meter and start making your own coils and inductors. This LC Meter allows to
measure incredibly small inductances making it perfect tool for making all types of RF coils. LC
Meter can measure inductances starting from 10nH - 1000nH, 1uH - 1000uH, 1mH - 100mH and
capacitances from 0.1pF up to 900nF. The circuit includes an auto ranging and "Zero Out" function
to make sure the readings are as accurate as possible ... [more]