I've read the tutorial ( http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoISP ), but I need to know more.
At the bottom of the page there are two versions, one (l.) without xtal and the other (r.) with xtal.
Is it OK to program the bootloader to the target configured without the xtal even if the end-use is with the xtal?
In other words, does the ISP function sense the xtal's having been placed or not and tweaks accordingly.
[There are fewer wires in the no-xtal config., but I don't want it to come out as "internal" timebase if that's the consequence.]
Well if your board uses bootloader that requires Xtal you have to use it otherwise your board wont be recognized bz AVRdude
Hi,
You'll need to specify that you are not using the xtal when you burn the bootloader, as your target board needs to know what clock speed to run at.
Take a look at the link below - it has a pretty good explanation of burning your own bootloader to atmega8 with no xtal.
http://todbot.com/blog/2009/05/26/minimal-arduino-with-atmega8/comment-page-2/
OK
Setting up a board solely for bootloading with, with the crystal in place, isn't a big deal just the same.
Thanks for your consideration.