With IDE 1.5.6-r2, when I use the option File/Upload Using Programmer, the IDE says "Board at COM5 is not available" I'm Using a ISPasb that can't use any com port.
With IDE 1.0.5-r2 I can use this option, using the same USBasp, without any problem, on an Arduino UNO, Micro and Nano. With a Mega 2560, the upload with prgrammer finishes ok, but the sketch don't run on the Mega.
Yesterday, I can Upload Using Programmer without any change (only restarting the computer)...
Today, I have the same com port errror. I don't understand...
I tried connect the Arduino USB and the USBasp at the same time, and the upload using programmer works fine!!!
The Mega2560 continues without run the sketch loaded using the programmer.
Yes, I have the same problem, and I have to use avrdude to upload the program.
Is there any update to Arduino IDE 1.5.6 ?
Yeah: 1.5.8 was recently released. I don't know if it did anything about this particular problem.
There used to be a problem (sounds like it is still there)
where the IDE wants to locate a serial port before starting an upload.
This is done even if the programmer doesn't use a serial port.
As you have found out, an easy work around for this is to give the IDE a serial port
to find even if it is not used.
This has been bugged several times and there was even an update
to fix it.
Here are some bug reports:
Looks like the fixes were put in around the June/july time frame which would mean
you ened 1.5.7 or later to get them.
JLLL, You may want to try a newer IDE to see if is fixed.
I can't test it myself since I have a serial port built on my mother board
and the IDE finds that port even when I use USBasp for programming.
--- bill