What is it?

With this programmer you can program 'bare' ATmega 328 processors from the Arduino IDE.

The programmer uses a standard Arduino Nano to program another ATmega 328 via the ISP interface. Connect this programmer to your PC's USB-port, put a ATmega 328 (the 'target processor') in the ZIP-socket en you can start. This works from both Windows and Linux.

You can also program another Arduino via the 6-pins header and a ribbon cable. When you program via ISP instead of via USB, a bootloader is not needed anymore what results in a fasters start-up of your Arduino code.

This PCB contains:

• An Arduino Nano that is configured as a ISP-programmer.
• A ZIP-socket to put the target processor in.
• Two LEDs to check a simple blink-sketch on the target processor.
• A reset button for the target processor, also for testing.
• A 6-pins header to program another Arduino. Ribbon cable is included.

Click the link in the Documentation-section for the instructions and technical background.

Why did you make it?

I made this programmer because I wanted a compact and robust all-in-one board.

What makes it special?

This programmer is complete: commercial versions are available as a shield for a Arduino Uno, or require additional hardware. DIY instructions often use breadboards. Nothing against breadboards but they are not a robust solution.