Arduino Mini not uploading

Using Arduino IDE 1.x
1

I have a small programme which uploads and runs on a Nano 3 without problems.
I want to save space by using a Mini instead.

When I simply connect an Arduino Mini via a USB-Serial adapter (4-wire,5V, Gnd, TX, RX) to my PC, I get a power LED lit and it runs the "Blink" program flashing pin13 LED ( so power connection is OK and so is the 328P ?)

But my good programme won't load to the Mini. "programmer is not responding" error message and no "data" LED flashes on the Mini... so it's some kind of Comms problem?

Microsoft Device Driver says the Silabs USB-UART device is working properly on COM6 and the driver name includes "Silabs" name. The Arduino IDE also says COM6 is being used.

I've tried the suggested "resetting" tricks, swapped the TX/RX pins, tried 3 different USB-UART devices, swapped Minis ... all to no avail.

HELP! .....It beats me! ...I would appreciate any good ideas

As Confucius [would have] said "most faults are simple, it's finding them that's hard!" - Lol!

2

I've tried the suggested "resetting" tricks

Does that include https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoMini#toc5?

With the comment that you should can press the reset button at the moment that you're close to the uploading stage and release immediately after the message about the memory usage shows.

3

Thanks for responding steretje

I've just had a few more reset attempts with the timing you suggested ... No joy!

I got the same old error notices (including the comment "not in sync: resp=Ox68" on the 10 of 10 automatic attempts).

But once I got a different error notice
"can't open document" "//./COM6": Access is denied
Not sure, but maybe I got the timing wrong on that attempt?

Is this an indication that the problem may be back in the PC (maybe an IDE or driver problem) ?

4

What serial-USB adapter are you using? Is it missing the DTR pin? Or is there a reason you didn't connect the DTR line?
After playing around with Pro Minis I'll never buy a serial-USB adapter that doesn't have the DTR line broken out. It saves so much hassle.

5

A Pro Mini is not a Mini :wink:

6

That's true, but they are very similar and the page you linked above shows how to program the Mini using the Reset line in addition to power and TX/RX.

7

It refers to the reset button, not the reset line. But I did miss that the reset line is available on pin 3 of one of the headers of the Mini.

8

This section has the details about using the reset line although the adapter they use the RTS pin on the adapter rather than the DTR line.

9

Thanks for that, did not see it.

10

jonmac:
Thanks for responding steretje

I've just had a few more reset attempts with the timing you suggested ... No joy!

I got the same old error notices (including the comment "not in sync: resp=Ox68" on the 10 of 10 automatic attempts).

But once I got a different error notice
"can't open document" "//./COM6": Access is denied
Not sure, but maybe I got the timing wrong on that attempt?

Is this an indication that the problem may be back in the PC (maybe an IDE or driver problem) ?

did you choose a correct board on tools tab ??

11

I got diverted by news of the the death of a friend (on another internet forum).

I believe that my device is a Mini, not a pro Mini.... I'll double check.
It's Chinese sourced ... very cheap, but with all that implies! .. Nano 3's from the same source work fine.

I did choose the correct board in the IDE and it showed the correct processor, comms port, etc.

I don't have a DTR output available on any of the 3 USB-SERIAL adapters I own. However, I note that other people seem to get things to work with only 4-wires (Batt, Gnd, TX, Rx) plus, maybe, the Mini's reset button.
I'll do a bit more research on the use of the DTR facility

I note that the Mini has a DTR pin. I haven't connected to it

Thanks for all the input ideas guys.

12

The only reason that I'd like to use a Mini (rather than a Nano 3) is because it's smaller and would make a neater project package.

I'm a bad looser! I don't like letting inanimate objects beat me!- Lol!

On reflection, maybe, it's time for me to forego neatness and elegance in favour of convenience and the "simpler life"..... I'll use a Nano 3 ...I'm 83 ...So many good things still to do ...So little time!

Thanks for your efforts guys.