AVR Programmer Method¶
Step 1: Get The Programmer¶
These instructions are written assuming you are using one of our CKT-AVRPROGRAMMER devices. While other, similar AVR programmers can be used, those are not officially supported (i.e. you are on your own / use at your own risk). Once you have the programmer board, proceed to Step 2.
Note
These instructions are written assuming you are using the Windows operating system. While technically possible to update using a Mac, we are not Mac users, and therefore don't have the hardware to write a detailed set of instructions. Maybe this will change in the future, but for now, please find a Windows machine or someone technically adept to help you. If you are a Linux user, then we assume you already know what to do...
Step 2: Install The Driver¶
Driver installation only needs to be done once. If you have already installed the drivers before on the computer you are using, you can skip to Step 3.
a) Download¶
Download the latest version of the Zadig driver installer from:
The latest version might be different than what is shown above - that's ok.
b) Run Zadig¶
Once the download completes, locate the file you just downloaded. Double click on it to run it.
You may get a User Account Control dialog. If so, click Yes to allow the program to run and make changes to your computer:
If it asks to check for application updates online, click No:
c) Plug in Programmer¶
Next, plug the programmer into a USB port on your computer. The red and blue LEDs should light up on the programmer. If they don't, then stop here and figure out why. Is the USB cable plugged in securely to both the computer and programmer board? Is it a good USB port on the computer? Make sure the red and blue LEDs light up on the programmer before continuing.
d) Install the Driver¶
With the programmer connected (and LEDs lit), the Zadig window should now show ISE AVR Programmer as an option. There might be other devices listed, too, but select ISE AVR Programmer:
The other fields should auto-populate as shown above. Click the Install Driver button to begin the driver installation. This may take some time, so please be patient. When complete, you should get a message saying the driver installation was successful:
Click the Close button, then close the Zadig program.
If you encounter any errors, or the installation does not succeed for any reason, first try rebooting your computer and repeating the installation process above. If the driver still does not install, then don't proceed. You will need to first troubleshoot why the driver is not installing correctly.
Before Continuing
Unplug the programmer and replug it into the USB port before continuing. This makes sure the drivers are properly loaded after installation.
Step 3: Download AVRDUDESS¶
Download the latest AVRDUDESS program from:
https://github.com/ZakKemble/AVRDUDESS/releases
Select the portable ZIP version:
Extract the downloaded ZIP file on your computer:
Open the folder where the files were extracted (not the original ZIP file folder) and double click on the avrdudess.exe program to open it:
Note
Make sure you double click on avrdudess.exe, not avrdude.exe.
Step 4: Install the Firmware¶
This next step, where the actual firmware gets installed, is specific to each product. Please refer to the update instructions on the product page for details: