Arduino IDE w/2560 bootloader error with ArduinoISP

Using Arduino Programming Questions
1

Hi everyone,

I guess I had this posted in the wrong section so I'll try here.

I've been looking through a number of posts about bootloader problems and can't find anything which addresses my problem, so I hope someone out there can help.

I'm trying to get a new PCB layout with an ATmega2560 device up and running but I'm having problems getting the bootloader programmed. I bought an ArduinoISP and have that selected under programmer. When I select burn bootloader I get the following message:

Arduino: 1.6.0 (Windows XP), Board: "Arduino Mega or Mega 2560, ATmega2560 (Mega 2560)"

avrdude: verification error, first mismatch at byte 0x3e000
0xff != 0x0d
avrdude: verification error; content mismatch
Error while burning bootloader.

I've scoped the pins while it's programming and can see activity on both the MOSI and MISO pins. Reset goes low and stays low during the whole process which is curious since it is only pulsed low for programming the normal firmware.

Just FYI, I tried the same setup on my Arduino 2560 board and basically turned it into a not so useful paperweight which means it most likely isn't a layout error. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

2

Since the correct programming stops at 0x3e000 I'm thinking the ArduinoISP can't handle addresses that high. I suggest put the ArduinoISP aside and just use it in the future for processors with less memory than the ATmega2560.

Use another working Arduino instead, such as the Uno, Nano, or a working Mega2560, and load the example sketch ArduinoISP onto it (the sketch named ArduinoISP, not to be confused with the hardware device ArduinoISP). Then set on the Tools, Programmer menu "Arduino As ISP"

Wiring instructions are provided inside the ArduinoISP sketch. johnwasser also has a nice guide in this thread: How to burn boot loader of arduino uno r3 usin aurdino mega 2650 - Installation & Troubleshooting - Arduino Forum

ArduinoISP hardware device is obscure, probably not very many people have one. I don't think it is well documented and the limits of its abilities are not well known. It appears you found a limit.

3

You could also try upgrading your Arduino IDE to version 1.6.5. I think it is more stable and 1.6.0 is pretty old.

4

Thanks for the replies. I'll give them both a try. Thanks again.