Cheapest way to program standalone project

Looks like it failed right from the start, because 0x000000 doesn't look like a valid device signature. I suspect that the mcu isn't responding to the programming commands at all. I would check the breadboard wiring and the wiring to your Arduino very carefully. You might consider posting a photo of it.

I've rebuilt the circuit on a different breadboard and as soon as I work out how to upload an image on this forum I'll post it

I'm assuming that COM2 really is the port that your Arduino appears on - mine appears on COM5.

I hope so :slight_smile: My compuer initially assigned my Uno to COM26 but COM2 was free so I changed it in Device Manager - Ports - Ardunio - Properties -Port Settings - Advanced (I'm on XP) just in case anything had a problem with high com port numbers :slight_smile: