I don't want to use the Arduino software to write my programs as it only seems to support one source-file.
But i don't know how to upload programs without it. If i use AVR Studio for example, then i will get a .hex file that contains the program, how do i upload this to the MC with the usb-cable?
AVR Studio only seems to be able to program with AVRISP or similar devices but i don't have any of those, i only have the usb-cable that came with the mega.
Hi,
I have no solution for your uploading problem but
I don't want to use the Arduino software to write my programs as it only seems to support one source-file.
is not true, see
http://code.google.com/p/arduino/wiki/BuildProcess
Eberhard
Yeah, i've found the multiple tabs thing now but i still think the editor is crap.
I checked the source for how the upload is done and found something like this:
avrdude.exe -F -v -p m1280 -c stk500v1 -P \.\COM3 -b 19200 -D -U flash:r:"file.hex":i
But i only get an error message saying stk out of synk 
There's an option in the preferences dialog to enable an external editor. Or you could look at the Makefile.
--Phil.
The only thing that option does is that it inverts the colors in the editor 
Search the forum for comments regarding using a Makefile or IDE environment to develop. You have to make a choice whether to stay with "sketches" or just start coding C++.
The Arduino software has an example Makefile in hardware/cores/arduino that you can use as a starting point.
The only thing that option does is that it inverts the colors in the editor
Did you try editing the file in the IDE once the colours had been inverted? Or with an external editor?
--Phil.