Arduino Mega 2560 Timeout

Using Arduino IDE 1.x
1

My XDRduino Mega 2560 has never worked, even when trying to upload a blank program. Whenever I try to upload a project I get this error:

avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_getsync(): timeout communicating with programmer
An error occurred while uploading the sketch

I am using Windows 10 with Arduino 1.6.12
The big chip on the Arduino says Atmel ATMEGA2560 16AU 1523.

When the program is being uploaded the green RX LED lights up once every ~10 seconds. When the arduino is first plugged in the L LED flashes on then stays off for ~10 seconds then runs the blink program that is on the arduino by default.

I know the correct board is selected. I believe I have the correct processor selected (ATmega2560). I have the correct COM port selected. I have tried pressing the reset button while uploading, while compiling, and while uploading and compiling. I have tried 2 different USB cables and 2 different computers. I have also tried uploading with external power connected. Dispite this, the board refuses to have anything uploaded onto it.

Based upon other forum posts regarding this issue, it seems to me that the problem has to do with avrdude, however I'm not sure how to access that stuff or what to change.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

2

sounds to me like autoreset isn't working. Try resetting the board manually during the upload process. You want to release the reset button immediately before the RX light flashes.

3

DrAzzy:
sounds to me like autoreset isn't working. Try resetting the board manually during the upload process. You want to release the reset button immediately before the RX light flashes.

I tried doing that several times but was unable to get the program to upload.