Serial on Atmega328P with FT232R connected all the time

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

My project uses an Atmega328P-AU.

I'm going to try to build the "FTDI basic" from SparkFun directly into my project, instead of having to connect to it via a FTDI basic, I'll be able to connect with a USB cable. I will, however, be using the RX/TX pins to communicate with another chip. Will having the FT232R connected the RX/TX pins all the time interfere with my serial comm between the other device?

FTDI Basic

thanks

2

If you have 1K resistors between the FTDI RX/TX pins and the '328Ps Rx/Tx pins, like an Uno has, you will be all set when there are no comm's with a PC going on while you have comm's with your other device.
You have to similarly make sure your other device is not active when you are trying to download new code from the PC.
I often put in a jumper block of 2x3 male pins and use 2-pin jumpers to disconnect the external devices when I need solid PC comms. Or to select which is connected if it's an either/or design:

PC TX ---o o o---- other device Tx, middle pin goes to Rx on the '328P
PC RX ---o o o---- other device Rx, middle pin goes to Tx on the '328P

Bit of this
http://www.dipmicro.com/store/HDR40X2M
with a couple of these
http://www.dipmicro.com/store/JUMPER2

3

I prefer this FTDI Module for mounting onto boards.
Less money, more pins for mounting the board.

4

CrossRoads:
If you have 1K resistors between the FTDI RX/TX pins and the '328Ps Rx/Tx pins, like an Uno has, you will be all set when there are no comm's with a PC going on while you have comm's with your other device.
You have to similarly make sure your other device is not active when you are trying to download new code from the PC.
I often put in a jumper block of 2x3 male pins and use 2-pin jumpers to disconnect the external devices when I need solid PC comms. Or to select which is connected if it's an either/or design:

PC TX ---o o o---- other device Tx, middle pin goes to Rx on the '328P
PC RX ---o o o---- other device Rx, middle pin goes to Tx on the '328P

Bit of this
80-pin 2-row 0.1” PCB Male Header - dipmicro electronics
with a couple of these
2-Pin 0.1” Jumper Closed Top Gold Plated - dipmicro electronics

Thanks. That sounds good.