Programming ATtiny Using USBasp and HW-260 Adapter

This guide explains how to program an ATtiny microcontroller using a USBasp programmer (flashed with updated firmware), the HW-260 ATTiny adapter development board, and tools like Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, avrdude, and SinaProg.

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Hardware and Software Requirements

Hardware

1. USBasp Programmer:
   • Updated with USBASP11.hex firmware.
2. HW-260 ATTiny Adapter Development Board:
   • Used for interfacing the USBasp with the ATtiny.
3. ATtiny Microcontroller (e.g., ATtiny45).
4. Arduino Mega:
   • Used for updating USBasp firmware.

Software

1. Zadig:
   • Installs the correct USB driver for USBasp.
2. avrdude:
   • Command-line tool for flashing AVR microcontrollers.
3. Arduino IDE or PlatformIO:
   • For writing and compiling sketches.
4. SinaProg 2.1.1:
   • GUI for flashing USBasp firmware.

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Flashing USBasp Firmware

Steps to Flash USBASP11.hex

1. Wire the Arduino Mega to USBasp (ICSP Header):

   Arduino Mega Pin	USBasp ICSP Pin
   5V	VCC
   GND	GND
   D11	MOSI
   D12	MISO
   D13	SCK
   D10	RESET

2. Load Arduino ISP Sketch on Mega:

   • In Arduino IDE, go to File > Examples > 11.ArduinoISP > ArduinoISP.
   • Upload this sketch to the Arduino Mega.

3. Flash USBasp Using SinaProg:

   • Open SinaProg 2.1.1.
   • Select USBASP11.hex firmware.
   • Set Programmer: Arduino as ISP.
   • Set Target: USBasp.
   • Click Write Flash.

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Installing USBasp Drivers Using Zadig

1. Download and Open Zadig:

   • Install from Zadig website.

2. Install Driver:

   • Go to Options > List All Devices.
   • Select USBasp from the device list (ensure USBasp is connected to your PC via USB).
   • Choose libusbK (v3.x.x) driver.
   • Click Replace Driver.

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Preparing the ATtiny Sketch

Example Blink Sketch for ATtiny45

Save this example sketch as blink_test.ino:

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin 4 (PB4) as an output.
  pinMode(4, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(4, HIGH);  // turn the LED on
  delay(250);             // wait for 250ms
  digitalWrite(4, LOW);   // turn the LED off
  delay(250);             // wait for 250ms
}

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Preparing the ATtiny Sketch

Using Arduino IDE

1. Select ATtiny45 as the board in Tools > Board.
2. Set the clock frequency to 1 MHz (Internal Oscillator) in Tools > Clock.
3. Write or open your sketch (e.g., a Blink program).
4. Compile the sketch by going to Sketch > Export Compiled Binary.
5. Locate the compiled .hex file in the sketch folder.

Example Blink Sketch for ATtiny45

Save this example sketch as blink_test.ino:

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin 4 (PB4) as an output.
  pinMode(4, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(4, HIGH);  // turn the LED on
  delay(250);             // wait for 250ms
  digitalWrite(4, LOW);   // turn the LED off
  delay(250);             // wait for 250ms
}

Using PlatformIO

Create the Configuration File

Create a platformio.ini file in your project directory with the following configuration:

[env:attiny45]
platform = atmelavr
board = attiny45
framework = arduino
upload_protocol = usbasp

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Write and Compile the Sketch

Write your sketch in src/main.cpp. For example, the Blink program:

// The setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // Initialize digital pin 4 (PB4) as an output
  pinMode(4, OUTPUT);
}

// The loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(4, HIGH);  // Turn the LED on
  delay(250);             // Wait for 250ms
  digitalWrite(4, LOW);   // Turn the LED off
  delay(250);             // Wait for 250ms
}

Compile the Sketch

To compile your sketch using PlatformIO, run:

pio run

Locate the compiled .hex file in the /build directory of your project.

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Flashing the ATtiny

Wiring USBasp to HW-260

1. Place the ATtiny45 into the HW-260 adapter.

2. Connect USBasp to the HW-260 using the following wiring:

   USBasp Pin	HW-260 Pin
   VCC	VCC
   GND	GND
   MOSI	MOSI
   MISO	MISO
   SCK	SCK
   RESET	RESET

Flash the ATtiny

Run the following command to flash the .hex file onto the ATtiny:

avrdude -c usbasp -p t45 -U flash:w:blink_test.hex:i

If Flashing Fails

If the flashing process fails, short the JP3 jumper on the USBasp to enable slow SCK mode. Retry with the following command:

avrdude -c usbasp -p t45 -B 32 -U flash:w:blink_test.hex:i

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Flashing USBasp Firmware (Optional)

Steps to Flash USBASP11.hex

1. Wire the Arduino Mega to USBasp (ICSP Header):

   Arduino Mega Pin	USBasp ICSP Pin
   5V	VCC
   GND	GND
   D11	MOSI
   D12	MISO
   D13	SCK
   D10	RESET

2. Load Arduino ISP Sketch on Mega:

   • Open Arduino IDE.
   • Go to File > Examples > 11.ArduinoISP > ArduinoISP.
   • Upload the sketch to the Arduino Mega.

3. Flash USBasp Using SinaProg:

   • Short USBasp JP2 jumper (enter USBasp programmingmode).
   • Open SinaProg 2.1.1.
   • Select USBASP11.hex firmware.
   • Set Programmer: Arduino as ISP.
   • Set Target: USBasp.
   • Click Write Flash.
   • Unshort USBasp JP2 jumper.

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Installing USBasp Drivers Using Zadig

1. Download and Open Zadig:

   • Download Zadig from its website.

2. Install Driver:

   • Go to Options > List All Devices.
   • Select USBasp from the device list (ensure USBasp is connected to your PC via USB).
   • Choose libusbK (v3.x.x) driver.
   • Click Replace Driver.

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Quick Tips

• After programming, disconnect the USBasp to run the sketch on the ATtiny.
• Use the -B flag to adjust SCK speed for slower target devices.
• Double-check all wiring connections and ensure the ATtiny is properly powered.
• Update USBasp firmware if you encounter compatibility issues.

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This guide ensures you can easily program ATtiny microcontrollers with the USBasp and HW-260 adapter. Good luck!