Arduino as ISP: IC swapping

Question

I usually use my Arduino as an ISP programmer.

Let's say I want to program the blink LED code to my ATmega328 with the bootloader already in it.

Can I just program it in the classical way and pull out the chip from the Arduino? Is there any problem doing like this? It sounds easier and quicker.

(I'm talking only about ATmega328 with the bootloader already in it, not ATtiny or other ATmega chips.)

Answer 1

Short answer: Yes you can.

Longer answer, mostly stating the obvious for those who might need it:

• Evidently one would need an Arduino with a DIP socket and DIP ATmega microcontrollers - while the classic Uno and several other Arduino boards have this, some of the newer ones are SMD-only.
• This won't work with a fresh ATmega MCU, i.e. one without the bootloader - this is of course already addressed in the question
• The microcontroller ICs can be sensitive - both to manhandling while pulling the IC out (pins break), and possible ESD damage if the pins are not handled with care. The ATmega family is pretty hardy though, so ESD is not as big a risk
• If this method of programming is to be done for a bunch of MCUs, it would be better to use a breadboard or ZIF socket, rather than the socket on the Arduino

Answer 2

Can I just program it in the classical way and pull out the chip from the arduino ?

Sure you can, you place the chip (that already has a bootloader) to the arduino board, program it and then you can pull it out and place it on a breadboard (connecting the supplies and crystal) and it will work fine.

To put it another way, you can get any empty chip like mega88/168, place it on a breadboard, program it once with the arduino bootloader (using an ISP serial programmer) and after that you can use the bootloaded functionality to program the chip on the breadboard.

Answer 3

Apart from wearing out the socket, there is no "problem" with using that tactic.

In fact, there are several "roll-your-own" Arduino projects which utilizes other ATMega chips besides those commonly used in commercially available Arduino boards.

Build Your Own Arduino Compatible Board

How to roll your own programmable Arduino/AVR board

Building an Arduino on a Breadboard

Answer 4

You can also use an FTDI cable or FTDI breakout board (2 examples linked) so you can program your chip right on the breadboard or in-circuit. Including four more header pins (for Vcc, Gnd, RxD, TxD) on your board makes it quick to connect the FTDI cable.