Can anyone help with uploading chip using arduino?

I’ve downloaded arduino-0012, trying to upload simple blink program to Atmega168 that is supposed to be preprogrammed with arduino bootloader. Using the sketch from sketchbook > Examples > Digital > blink, I tried as follows: ((1)verified, (2)saved, (3) upload to i/o board) - and the result was: avrdude can’t find programmer id “null” . then goes on to list all of the valid programmers.

Since there is a bootloader, there is no programmer involved, why is avrdude (or whatever) looking for a programmer? The preference files indicate that uploading is done by bootloader.

I’m using a TTL to RS232 converter, which is connected to the one and only serial port (com 1) that is available on my PC, but that’s not a programmer.

What I have is an RBBB (really bare bones board)and a P4b TTL to RS232/serial converter(both from Wulfden.org, Modern Device.com). The RBBB has an Atmega168 that has an Arduino bootloader. After initial problems with it, I sent it to the seller who checked it out and said it was OK, then sent it back.

I’ve tried so many things that it would take several pages to list them all.

I always get the same result: avrdude can’t find programmer id “null” . No matter what, even with everything disconnected, that means just trying to operate the arduino-0012 all by itself, nothing connected to either the serial port or the parallel port, same result: avrdude can’t find programmer id “null” .

I’ve recently downloaded and used WinAVR and, by using SFE’s tutorials, I’ve managed to program another atmega168 and an atmega8, could the WinAVR be interfering with Arduino since they both use avrdude?

I would like to try using arduino, but it looks like I won’t be able to.

I’m not a happy old man right now, and so far, arduino doesn’t rock. I’ve posted this same message on an arduino forum, the one that arduino suggests to use for troubleshooting, more than once and have gotten no replies (none, zero, nada, zilch)

Thank you

ptoole

I have long used Atmel branded in-system programming devices. Cost $45 or so. USB or Serial versions. Never any issues. AVRdude and homebrew stuff is more problemmatic.

Another cheap option that’s reliable for me is this, used with AVRstudio/WinAVR

http://www.nkcelectronics.com/avr-jtag- … r-kit.html

and here’s an easy to use freebie

http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?modu … tem_id=625