This is uber weird.   
I've resoldered every part (sort of) and got it to compile once on my homemade board. 
Then i change the sketch and now it doesn't work. I think it might be a short as you said.
thanks

Here is the result with no board connected: familys-imac:~ Paul-Arthur$ avrdude -c arduino -p atmega328p -C /Users/Paul-Arthur/avrdude.conf -P /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fr6g -v

Code:

avrdude: Version 5.11, compiled on Dec 23 2011 at 17:25:39
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Joerg Wunsch

         System wide configuration file is "/Users/Paul-Arthur/avrdude.conf"
         User configuration file is "/Users/Paul-Arthur/.avrduderc"
         User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

         Using Port                    : /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fr6g
         Using Programmer              : arduino
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude done.  Thank you.

I like your website

What baudrate should the arduino be programmed at?

My blog if anyone is curious: http://asselinpaul.posterous.com/

Thanks, you're really kind.
Here is the output from the manual avrdude command with the homemade board.

Code:

familys-imac:~ Paul-Arthur$ avrdude -c arduino -p atmega328p -C /Users/Paul-Arthur/avrdude.conf -P /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fr6g -v

avrdude: Version 5.11, compiled on Dec 23 2011 at 17:25:39
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Joerg Wunsch

         System wide configuration file is "/Users/Paul-Arthur/avrdude.conf"
         User configuration file is "/Users/Paul-Arthur/.avrduderc"
         User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

         Using Port                    : /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fr6g
         Using Programmer              : arduino

I can't see any errors. It's weird because I have the boot loader on there and an error would otherwise come up.
I appreciate your help.
Thanks again

With an official board, I get this output: http://pastebin.com/kSt3VRUi
(it's too long for a post).
Does anyone know why it is stopping and if it's a software or hardware related problem.

But it then stays here.
It stops here, it's an evil loop of death.

Thanks for the reply. This is what seams to be causing the problem ( highlighted in red in the console).
Here is the output:

Code:

avrdude: Version 5.11, compiled on Sep  2 2011 at 18:52:52
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Joerg Wunsch

         System wide configuration file is "/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/hardware/tools/avr/etc/avrdude.conf"
         User configuration file is "/Users/Paul-Arthur/.avrduderc"
         User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

         Using Port                    : /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fr6g
         Using Programmer              : arduino
         Overriding Baud Rate          : 57600

Image is here: http://cl.ly/1B2H32310y2G373q2E33

I'm trying to upload a sketch to my barebone arduino.
The Arduino program does not give me an error and is be stuck at around 90% of the progress bar.
Have a look here to see the problem visually:


Why is it stuck?
Is there a problem with my board (seams unlikely since I don't get any errors).

I'm sure a lot of people are willing to do it if they get to keep one pcb (pcb houses usually send you 5 or 10).
Just an idea, I don't currently have enough time.

You really want to check this out: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1342192419/pulse-sensor-an-open-source-heart-rate-sensor-that

It uses an IR Led and check for the reflection. You can probably build one yourself or buy the kit (support on Kickstarter).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely

AVRdude doesn't show the Atmega328. A picture is worth a thousand word so:


Any ideas?

I'm sorry but I still don't understand.  The MAC address is fine (tried with another sketch right now).
How will looking at the code of the client connect function help me.
I'm a noob, sorry again.

yes its diving in the deep time - there are several places where the code returns 0 (failure).

I don't understand what you mean?

This shield (from Sparkfun) will drive two high voltage motors (up to 41v at 30A).
I guess you need 4 arduinos and 4 shields.

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10182

I tried harvesting an old ipod touch (broken).
The components are too small.
You can get away with a nice lipo battery.