First AVR programer?

I've been saving up some money to drop of tools - done a ton of research, and will already be ordering from adafruit, and spark fun to get what I need - but I'm not far along to know what I need as an AVR programmer - but wanted to get one now and save on shipping.

What is a good first AVR programmer to buy? (for attiny's and atmega's 168/328's)

Sparkfun STK500 Compatible USB Programmer $50

Ebay "AVR STK500 V2.0 ISP Programmer" fron Sure Electronics. $32
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-AVR-STK500-V2-0-ISP-Programmer-USB-Atmaga-Attiny_W0QQitemZ250567851028QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a5701fc14

And of course:
Adafruit "USBtinyISP AVR Programmer Kit (USB SpokePOV Dongle)" $22

Other?
What best to start with?
What is the most standard that as I go about learning I will have the programmer I need to program the chip?

(Thanks - I've been doing a lot of research for shopping for parts, but ran out of time to read all about AVR programers, and it's time to order.)

George Graves

I have this one : http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9231 15$.
The only thing is on Macs you need to plug it into a usb hub (but there is some workaround).
For that price it's a good deal in my opinion. :slight_smile:

AVRISPMKII. $34-$35 from Mouser or Digikey. New, assembled
and works. I have had problems with the USBtiny working
on Linux. Sometimes the USB port would work, other times
it wouldn't.

I use this programmer for ATtinys, 168/328's and 644's. Never a problem.

(* jcl *)


www: http://www.wiblocks.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/wiblocks
blog: http://luciani.org

AVRISPMKII.
I use this programmer for ATtinys, 168/328's and 644's. Never a problem.

second that!
And can be used for programming the new xmegas too!
Eberhard

I got the Adafruit TinyISP and it's great bit of kit!

Easy to build, and worked first time. A lot of info on how to use on the Adafruit site.

Well worth the money, and I can recommend it.

I have this:
http://www.fischl.de/usbasp/
Bought two online from different chinese shops. Both worked. One was built using ATMega48 the other using ATMega8. Same thing though.
Used for programing tinys.

I have this one and am very pleased...

I haven't used them yet but it includes a TTL serial port and a "SLO-scope".

I believe some programmers provide electricity for the target. The Pololu progammer does not. However, it does provide a solder pad for +5 / 100mA from the USB. I have no idea what the implications are for programmers that do provide electricity versus programmers that do not.