So, I have used Optiboot v6.2 before. Now, I found on Github that Optiboot has been updated to v8.0 .
Now, I can add it via the json file, and use as instructed, but I want to experience the v8.0 version of Optiboot by burning the bootloader once, then selecting the Generic board type (UNO/Nano, etc.) during sketch upload (I teach young students to code, and they feel difficult to install a board type before using).
Will this be possible for, say m328p or m8A type ICs? And, can someone please explain the board options in Optiboot v8.0? I am attaching a screenshot for reference. I can't understand which ATMega IC is meant by which name here...
You should be able to simply replace the optiboot_atmega328.hex file in the Arduino tree with the one from the github repository. The "external" interface all looks the same, and it doesn't matter if the .hex file doesn't match the source that is there.
You'd have a lot more flexibility if you installed MiniCore
(Supports atmega328, atmega328p, atmega328pb, atmega88, and more, all at assorted clock rates and upload speeds.)
Thanks, I figured out that 32-pin CPU refers to AU or MU version, and 28-pin to DIP version. Though software-wise, both should be same, I guess. It is working perfectly on my self-made Arduino boards. Though verbose output gives Target Voltage as 0.3V, which is a bit strange.
The only difference between the "Optiboot on 28-pin processors" and the "Optiboot on 32-pin cpus" board selections is that the former uses the "arduino:standard" variant while the latter uses the "arduino:eightanaloginputs". So what's the difference between the two variants?:
On the former, the value of the NUM_ANALOG_INPUTS macro is 6, on the latter it's 8. That's it. The NUM_ANALOG_INPUTS macro is not used in any of Arduino's code. The only place I've seen it used is in the Firmata library.
