I get the nasty avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00 error and I'm not able to do anything with my Arduino. It worked just fine yesterday and has been since I got it in October, but today it gave me this. Here's what I tried:
First of all I checked to see if LEDs are blinking on it while I try to upload and they do. The project I have already uploaded on it is still working so the Arduino itself is alright.
I switched USB ports and tried 2.0 ones, 3.0 and even eSATA.
I reinstalled the driver multiple times.
I changed the COM port in the device properties and selected the exact same one in the IDE and still get the same error.
I restarted my computer multiple times to no results.
Does the PC recognize the new USB connection when you plug the board into the PC or not? If it does run the 'loop back sketch' (there is a sticky posting on it somewhere around here)to see if the serial data path is functional or not. If it doesn't see the USB connection then it could be either a PC or a board problem and you will need to try another PC or another board to try and 'half split' the problem as a logical troubleshooting step.
knuckles:
i sympathies with you as that damned error message is the bane of all users
Only to those users that actually get that error message or if they do get it can eventually figure out what is wrong or what they are doing wrong. It just means the IDE can't talk to the board and it can have no way of knowing why that is from a zillion possible reasons. Hell it doesn't even know for sure if there is even a board attached. It's just software, not a human trouble-shooter with a brilliant mind.
I had same exact problem the other day uploading a sketch on my Arduino Uno R3. How I resolved it was to make sure that Arduino is indeed listed in Device Manager when your Arduino is plugged to the usb and your laptop.
If it is not listed in Ports (COM<P) then your Arduino Driver did not install properly or you have a bad Usb cable or port, etc. If you see Other with a yellow flag & Usb below it with same yellow flag, then right click or double click that Usb and click Update driver. Select Install from a list or specific location then navigate where you unzipped Arduino Sw Driver (in my case because I was using Uno - I selected Arduino Uno.inf). It will take a few minutes to load the Driver so be patient. If I recall it took mine at least 3-5 minutes.
If Arduino is listed in Device Manager, that's great becase all you have to do is check Com Port # it assigns your device. In my case I originally assigned it for Com5 but I found out later that when I unplug & re-plug the usb cable that it my laptop automatically assigned Com7 instead.
So I just change the serial port to Com 7 after opening Arduino.exe in Tools> Serial Port.
lost_and_confused:
Well, just so you don't feel too alone,
I am getting the error too.
Alas it is bad timing for me.
I kind of blew up my other one so bought a new one. This one a "cheap" one.
It is the Freetronics one with the prototype area on it too.
As - I hope - all the pins are the same, I didn't worry.
Took it home.
At that time, someone mentioned the new IDE so I downloaded it as well.
Loaded the sketch into the new IDE, tried to upload it and got that error.
Tried the older IDE. Same.
Tried on my other computer - but versions of the IDE. Same.
To me the board sounds "suspect" but it is brand new out of the box.
As the other one is kaput, I am stuck with the problem also.
The device manager recognises it and it shows up as COM 8.
The board says it is an UNO compatible so that is what I select in the IDE for the board.
No luck.
So I too am very interested in what is going on.
Well as the PC recognises the connection your next step should be the 'loop-back' test to verify that serial data can be sent to and from the PC through the boards USB serial converter chip. There is a sticky link somewhere on how to do that test. The other thing you might try even first is to select the Duemilanove type board as being "Uno compatible" may not mean that it's using the Uno's bootloader but rather the older bootloader of the prior 328 based boards.
Ok, maybe it is only me, but as stated, the LED becomes bright and pressing the reset it doesn't turn off.
With the board so the power and USB port are on the left, the reset button is just above the processor chip and to the right of that is the 6 ICSP pins.
I know it is frowned upon, but I had my finger under the pins and press the reset button, the LED turns off.
This happens with every press, as: as soon as the reset button is released, the LED comes on again.
So I am not sure if this is applicable.
But I am just about to try and upload while my finger is under the pins as stated.
Oh well. Didn't work.
(Now wondering why I posted this.)
But it may be useful to someone to help understand what is going on.
on 1 of my boards i re burnt the bootloader on the 328 with avrisp and atmel studio and now its ok .
i also did a load of 328s chips which i bought as spares to replace questionable chips .
once youve done 1 it only takes a few seconds to burn the others .
i keep 6 spare chips to hand now .
If the loopback test doesn't work, does it mean my board is totaled? If so is the warranty still valid? I've only used it for lighting up a few LEDs, a small monochrome LCD and that's about it, so why could this have happened?
Before you commit to that, make sure the right serial port is selected.
It would be so easy to have the wrong one selected.
Also be sure the wires/straps ARE actually working/connecting with the things on the arduino.
I have had problems in the past where the wire is too thin, and although you push it in the hole, it isn't actually touching.
This could cause the loop back to not work.
Also, if possible, try another board and see if it can be flashed.
As I said, I found an old (semi dead one) and it still flashes.
Don't dispare.
I think someone was saying/suggesting the boot loader is not working correctly.
Just a small update - though by no means a solution:
Mine is the FREETRONICS board.
I have been through the pain of having to get their drivers and install them.
Today I went to their site and found the drivers have been updated - gone from 4k to 5k.
Alas this didn't fix the problem.
Also on a side note:
Freetronics have decided to change the USB connector on their boards.
Where as it was the small USB connector - sorry don't know the exact ISO number - it is now a different one. I suspect the one like used on the apple computers.
Suffice to say: If you buy a new one, don't just chuck the cable thinking you can use the one you already have.
It may be different.
