I would like to try my hand at Programming these chips. Not exactly a newbie, having programmed
numerous Commercial Radio chips.
But, just the simple task of locating a platform to program is daunting. Most sites I find assume, I guess,
you already know and launch into the Programming itself.
Where do I locate the basic tools to begin ??
Tnx, Dick, W1KSZ
What is your question relating to the chip? It is used in the Arduino UNO and thus is integral to the Arduino platform - just use the Arduino IDE with the appropriate platform selected. Or program it directly using ISP and an oscillator. There are also numerous examples on the internet describing how to do this. This processor is my “go-to” chip when developing new circuitry as it is so easy to use.
Doesn’t one need some hardware to program these or has the science advanced more than I thought ?
rs
All you need to program a ATMEGA328P in an Arduino UNO is a computer (Windows, Linux or Mac) with a USB port. Install the free IDE and plug in the USB-Cable and within minutes you can have the example “blink” program uploaded and can spend endless hours watching the little green LED on the board turn on and off, secure in the knowledge that you control it.
Or, if you want to program the ATMEGA328P directly, you can either purchase a cheap USB-ISP or use an Arduino UNO or other Arduino to program it.
What programming languages do you wish to use?
The ATmega328 can be programmed in machine language or C using free development software from Microchip, but you will need an ISP programmer. The chip can also be programmed in C/C++ if you buy an Arduino board.
It is difficult to find other options.
You could buy [ATmega’s with a bootloader already on them and then use the Arduino IDE, FTDI and a handful of components to upload your code, or if your ATmega’s are blank you could use a [Pocket AVR Programmer to either upload your code or burn a bootloader so that you can use the Arduino IDE.](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9825)](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10524)