fungus:
jcnormandin:
Hello,I'm planning to do a project with an arduino controller and it's my first one. Before to buy an arduino I want to be certain of something with the arduino mini. When the program is running, and the mini is on communication with another serial device or waiting for it, how I can download the program for an update.
If the other device sends data while you're downloading a program it will mess things up. You can do software serial comms on other pins but it's a bit rubbish (it works, but it's very CPU intensive...)
I can think of two solutions:
a) Build in a way to get the other device to shut up. When the Arduino is reset its pins are disconnected so you'll lose any output from them.
b) Get an ISP programmer. This bypasses the Arduino bootloader and serial port for uploading programs. You can easily get one for under $15 (I got mine on eBay for $12).jcnormandin:
Is the reset button must be pushed and right after I can download on it....Arduinos have auto-reset, no need to push any buttons.