All,

I was hoping to change the messages on my micro-readerboard post assembly, but for some reason it's failing. Using the standard makefile, sparkfun avr pocket programmer, and I get this error:

Programmer Type : USBtiny
Description : USBtiny simple USB programmer, http://www.ladyada.net
/make/usbtinyisp/
avrdude: programmer operation not supported

avrdude: Using SCK period of 10 usec
avrdude: initialization failed, rc=-1
Double check connections and try again, or use -F to override
this check.


avrdude done. Thank you.

make: *** [install] Error 1

I've checked the whole setup on a bare 2313 I had laying around with no trouble, so I assume this is something to do with the connections through the alphanumeric display. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
-K

Yes, that is correct; the SPI (programming connection leads) have too low impedance for programming, when connected directly to LEDs like that. You can probably snip those leads and reconnect them afterwards.

I was going to try cutting the common cathode lead and adding my on-off switch there, and if not, time to go crazy with spi leads. Bah, should have tried that on one before making two more... Thanks!

Update: I added a spst switch between pin 10 and the common cathode and I can now reprogram the 2313 in situ using ic hooks, if:

1. spst is off, aka disconnecting the common cathode pin from ground.
2. using the Sparkfun AVR pocket programmer, a USBtinyISP variant, I have to select the "Power Target" option. If power target is off, no luck.

Hope this helps anyone else trying to program an already assembled led microreaderboard ornament. (hope that is enough for a search to find)

If anyone is interested in the particular application, I'll post pictures of the assembled projects, which is a microreaderboard mated to a premade ornament, powered by a coin cell, customized with my inlaw's names.