Arduino Mini 05 - unable to upload sketches

Hello,

I've been unable to upload any sketches to my new Arduino mini 05. I continue to receive this error from avrdude:

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

The set-up that I have is as follows:

  • Regulated +5V as input to the mini from an Arduino Mega.
  • LED connected to pin 13.
  • FTDI USB-to-serial adapter connected to the RX and TX lines of the mini.
  • RX of mini -> TX of USB
  • TX of mini -> RX of USB
  • GND of mini -> GND of USB
  • IDE Board setting as Arduino Mini w/ ATmega328
  • The orange LED on the mini stays lit.
  • The red LED connected to pin 13 flashes ~3 times when the reset button is pressed.

Images of the set-up for reference are posted below:

I've read on several forums where folks have had similar issues. I've double-checked all of my settings and suggestions, such as the following:

  1. Verify that the correct COM port is selected.

  2. Make sure to press the reset button immediately before attempting to upload the sketch.

  • I am aware that this step is very important. The sequencing of these two actions can mean everything. I've tried
    every combination suggested, and one of the most promising ideas I found was to first edit the preferences.txt
    file to include the lines build.verbose = true and upload.verbose = true. After this, hold the reset button, press upload
    and watch the output at the terminal until the following line(s) appear:
    avrdude: Send: 0 [30] [20]
    ** avrdude: Send: 0 [30] [20]**
    after this, promptly release the reset button.
  1. Checked the boards.txt file to verify that the baud rate at which the Mini is expecting to communicate and the USB-to-serial adapter is sending match. Which according to the file, is 115200: mini328.upload.speed=115200.

  2. In case the bootloader was somehow corrupted or missing, I configured my Arduino Mega to act as an ISP-Programmer and re-programmed the bootloader on the mini - according to this: Burning Arduino (328/168) Bootloader with Arduino Mega (ATMega1280)! - YouTube. It seemed to work, as the IDE indicated a successful upload.

I feel like I've exhausted all the possible solutions I've come across. I fear that the problem may lie in the Mini itself. If anyone has any further suggestions - please let me know!

-k

Boy, that is a fiesty one.

Try this, hook up the mini and the Mega in the Arduino as ISP again and then select the blink sketch. Make it a fast 100ms with both delays.
Select File and Upload with ISP.

Does it upload? (If it does, you will need to put the bootloader back on)