Parallel port burnt! Can I use other types of parallel programmer for bootloader

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

I suspect whether I've burnt my parallel port. I unable to upload the bootloader with Parallel Programmer using Aruino IDE. It always give error of "Device signature = 0x000000". The resistors on the cables are ok and not burnt, all seems to be ok .

I try to burn the bootloader in Atmega8L. Though it is 8Mhz max speed, I can fuse with 16Mhz too. I erase, refuse, upload .hex file by SinaProg (V. 1.2.5.6) using BSD as programmer and it works. So at least not all part of the LPT1 port is burnt. What might happened I can't guess.

I try to debug by applying led with 1K to MISO (digital pin 12) and it is "ON" forever, on MOSI (digital pin 11) it "ON" and "OFF" sometimes but most of the time in "OFF" state. I've not checked SCK line. Is there any utility to check the Parallel port is correct or burnt. Or any assurance if my LPT port is ok :confused: !

Because I don't have sufficient knowledge how the bootloader is burnt, some questions are..

  • Why simply burning .hex file from "\hardware\arduino\bootloaders\atmega8" using ponyprog & other AVR programmer not working to use arduino IDE.
  • I want to know if I can use BSD cable or other parallel cable (which I used successfully for other AVRs) to burn Arduino bootloader by changing "programmers.txt" file and mapping pin references.

My Uno's atmega328 chip is dead. The mega8u chip on the board is seems to be not working (not detecting on PC), so there no way to use this board as ISP. I've other Arduino board and it is DIY serial ver. from Arduino site, so I can't use it too as ISP. Is there any other simple way to burn Arduino bootloader.

On my philosophical part you can try to avoid mistakes but can't eliminate at all. It's Murphy's law anyway ! :slight_smile:

2

I have never done work with parallel programmers, so I'm not sure what to say on that.

Most of us just use an In System Programmer, like the USB Asp, or an Arduino Nano running ArduinoAsISP. These use the SPI pins to program the chip.

You can get USB Asps for $2-3 shipped on eBay, and Arduino Nano Clones for only slightly more.

3

Yes, it's better solution to use usbasp. It's occasionally to use programmer so I didn't buy/make the usbasp. But I think is should be in my spares.

Though parallel ports & serial cable seems easy, it is better to stay away for the sake of PC.

I can say that my parallel port might be survived ! data lines are seems ok.

Thanks.