Hello...
I'm having issues programming my arduino Mini 05. I am using this ftdi-usb adapter from amazon:
Essentially, I have no issues connecting the Rx, Tx, and ground pins between the modules. Where I am coming into problems, however, is with what power pin to use. Heres the deal: If I connect the Vcc pin from the ftdi programmer to the +5v pin on the arduino and plug it into a usb port, the FTDI programmer lights up and the Tx/Rx lights on the programmer light up - but the arduino doesn't power on. But if I try a different route, and connect the +5v pin on the programmer to the +5v pin on the arduino, the arduino powers up but the tx/rx lights on the programmer do not.
Does anyone know the correct thing to do?
I presume you have also connected the DTR pin and swapped the TX and RX lines over ?
You may have tried this but here is a link anyway
Yes, DTR is connected to reset on the arduino. Tx and Rx lines are swapped, too. Should I be powering the arduino and programmer from an external supply while uploading?
Knowing the answer to this should help me: Should the Tx/Rx lights on the ftdi programmer be lit up when the board is plugged into a USB port, but not uploading?
On the clone minis I have here the DTR is not connected to reset !
It is connected to DTR at both the Arduino and the FT232 adaptor
is your Arduino mini a 3.3V or 5V variant ?
If it is a 3.3V version then ensure you have the jumper set for 3.3V and check with a meter that it really is 3.3 and not 5V as some of the cheaper USB adaptors spit out 5V regardless of the jumper position.
Did you check out the link too ?
EDIT
Mine shows only the power light on the FT232 unless I am actually uploading or the port is actually in use (serial monitor etc)
Yours actually may have a counterfeit FTDI chip BTW so you may have other issues.
Suggest you google "counterfeit FTDI" or "FTDIgate" as there are various methods around the problem depending on OS etc.
JIC that may be part of your issue.
"Should the Tx/Rx lights on the ftdi programmer be lit up when the board is plugged into a USB port, but not uploading?"
No. They only light up when a message is going thru.
Thank you.
And I got it working - I'm externally powering the arduino mini with a 9v battery and everything works fine.
Also, for the arduino mini there is no DTS, so I connected a .1 uF cap between reset and RTS on the ft232 and it works great (found that on the product page).