Using Arduino to program hex files

I've been using the STK-500 with a PC for a while to program hex files that were generated by other software like Bascom and to set the fuses on my Atmel chips.

I'm wondering if I can use the Arduino board (USB version that I just bought on Spark Fun) to program these same hex files, either using the Arduino software or with another utility like avrdude.

I'm on a Mac generally and while I can use avrdude to program hex files that I create with avr-gcc, I can only get it to work with the STK500, which requires a USB-dongle and power supply avrdude, which is not that great to use. It would be great to use the Arduino board to have a more lightweight way to program chips.

Anyone know? Thanks!

-tristan

It's a great idea, esp. as it would also let one Arduino board burn a bootloader onto another.

I know Nick Zambetti has been working on exactly that, but it's not quite ready yet. He's found a library to use a ATmega8 as an STK500, but it needs some slight modification to work with the Arduino board (e.g. it's designed for a 4MHz clock).

Maybe you'd be interested in helping out/beta testing this? If so, just post here or email me or Nick.