Instructables.com - Program an ATtiny with Arduino

Food
Living
Outside
Play
Technology
Workshop
Program an ATtiny with Arduino
by randofo on September 26, 2011
Table of Contents
Program an ATtiny with Arduino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Intro: Program an ATtiny with Arduino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 1: Go get stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 2: Wire the circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Step 3: Program the Arduino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Step 4: Filter cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 5: ATtiny core files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 6: Program the ATtiny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Step 7: Test circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Author:randofo
Randy Sarafan loves you!
My name is Randy and I run the Instructables Design Studio. I'm also the author of the books 'Simple Bots,' and '62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer'.
Since I am always making new things, subscribing to me = fun and excitement!
Intro: Program an ATtiny with Arduino
Follows are directions for programming the ATtiny microcontrollers using the Arduino IDE. In plain English, this is how to program 8-pin Atmel chips as you would
normally an Arduino. This is cool because the ATtiny is tiny, and - well - this allows you to make tiny things that don't need a big ol' microcontroller.
The instructions I have posted here are pretty much the same as instructions given by the incredibly awesome High-Low Tech Tutorial . I posted my version of the
instructions here because I plan to make a couple of upcoming projects using ATtiny chips and figured I would show my process.
Step 1: Go get stuff
You will need:
- Arduino
- Breadboard
- ATtiny85 (or ATtiny45)
- 10uF 16V electrolytic capacitor
- 220ohm 1/4 watt resistor
- LED
- solid core hookup wire
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Step 2: Wire the circuit
Connect the Arduino to the ATtiny as follows:
Arduino +5V ---> ATtiny Pin 8
Arduino Ground ---> ATtiny Pin 4
Arduino Pin 10 ---> ATtiny Pin 1
Arduino Pin 11 ---> ATtiny Pin 5
Arduino Pin 12 ---> ATtiny Pin 6
Arduino Pin 13 ---> ATtiny Pin 7
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Step 3: Program the Arduino
Select the "ArduinoISP" sketch from the "Examples" menu.
Upload the sketch to your Arduino as you would any other sketch.
Your Arduino is now configured as a serial programmer that can program other chips.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Step 4: Filter cap
Put the 10uF capacitor between ground and the Arduino reset pin. Make sure to keep an eye on the capacitors polarity (ground to ground!).
It is rumored you only need this for the Arduino Uno, but I have found it helped matters to include it with earlier versions as well. If you find that it is not working in the next
steps, simple remove it and see if that helps.
Step 5: ATtiny core files
Take note of your sketchbook folder from the Arduino preference menu.
Create a new folder in your sketchbook folder called "hardware"
Then, go to this page and download the file: attiny45_85.zip
Unzip this file and leave it in the new hardware folder.
Finally, restart the Arduino programming environment. The new cores should now be loaded.
Note that there are also core files for a number of other ATtiny chips. This page is a good starting point for interfacing with a wide range of them using the Arduino.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Step 6: Program the ATtiny
Select from the top menu:
Tools --> Board --> ATtiny85 (w/ Arduino as ISP)
(Of course, you will want to select a different chip for this if you are using one.)
Then open the basic blink example and change the pin number from 13 to 0.
Finally, upload it as you would any other sketch.
It should give the following error twice:
avrdude: please define PAGEL and BS2 signals in the configuration file for part ATtiny85
avrdude: please define PAGEL and BS2 signals in the configuration file for part ATtiny85
Simply ignore the error message and you should be good to go.
Step 7: Test circuit
Connect a 220 ohm resistor to pin 5.
Connect an LED between the resistor and +5V.
It should blink.
Congratulations. You're done.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Related Instructables
ATTiny45/85
LCD display
control with a
shift register,
programmed in
Arduino by
baharini
Self-contained
16-Digit display
- Arduino &
Attiny85 by
Panici
ATtiny
programming
with Arduino by
wirenut1980
Hacking an
Arduino ISP
Shield for
AtTiny45 /
AtTiny85 by
rleyland
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Chipper Board ATtiny
Programming
Shield by
Hammock Boy
Make your plant
smile by
thanasisloi7
Advertisements
Comments
50 comments Add Comment
Volthaus Electronics Laboratory says:
view all 153 comments
Jan 25, 2015. 2:36 PM REPLY
Thanks for taking the time to put this up. Worked for me.
samdevsung says:
Jan 22, 2015. 10:37 AM REPLY
can i get the hardware files for atmega8 pls!
samdevsung says:
Jan 22, 2015. 10:37 AM REPLY
can i get the hardware files for atmega8 pls!
samdevsung says:
Jan 22, 2015. 10:37 AM REPLY
can i get the hardware files for atmega8 pls!
samdevsung says:
Jan 22, 2015. 10:37 AM REPLY
can i get the hardware files for atmega8 pls!
gnuton says:
Jan 8, 2015. 8:53 AM REPLY
Here is the updated tutorial http://highlowtech.org/?p=1695
and do not use the attiny45_85.zip listed in this page but the one you can find in the link I provided to you! cheers!
infanati says:
I've been trying to program my ATtiny13V but I keep getting "'OUTPUT' was not declared in this scope".
// Must include for servos to work
#include
// Elements is the amount of numbers you want to dedicate to the running average
// Increase the number for a slower reaction
#define elements 5
// Variables for loops
int i = 0;
int j = 0;
// The Analog Pins - C:Centre R:Right L:Left U:Up
int pinC = 1;
int pinR = 2;
int pinL = 3;
int pinU = 7;
// Variables to store the data from the photo-resisitors
int analogValueC;
int analogValueL;
int analogValueR;
int analogValueU;
// The change in position from the last reading
float posX = 0;
float posY = 0;
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Jun 6, 2013. 8:02 AM REPLY
// The running average readings
// - Each element is made up of the difference between opposite photorestors
int x[elements], y[elements];
// Servos - X is rotation/spin, Y is the tilt servo
Servo servoX;
Servo servoY;
// Common servo setup values
int minPulse = 600; // minimum servo position, us (microseconds)
int maxPulse = 2400; // maximum servo position, us
void setup() {
// Turn on the pins, program doesn't work without it *shrug*
pinMode(6, OUTPUT);
pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(6, HIGH);
digitalWrite(5, HIGH);
delay (200);
// Attach each Servo object to a digital pwm pin
servoY.attach(6, minPulse, maxPulse);
servoX.attach(5, minPulse, maxPulse);
delay(200);
// Sanity check!
servoX.write(90);
servoY.write(90);
// Start all the running average values to zero
for(i=0;i x[i] = 0;
y[i] = 0;
}
// Serial - good for troubleshooting
Serial.begin(9600);
delay(200);
}
void loop() {
// This will help to balance the values so the sun tracker doesn't Jump around
// during high contrast situations
int normal = (analogRead(pinC)/50);
// Read the photorestors
analogValueC = (analogRead(pinC)/normal);
analogValueL = (analogRead(pinL)/normal);
analogValueR = (analogRead(pinR)/normal);
analogValueU = (analogRead(pinU)/normal);
analogValueD = (analogRead(pinD)/normal);
// Check if the Centre photorestor is the brightest, if it is then set the change to zero
if((analogValueC <= analogValueL)||(analogValueC <= analogValueR)){
// Value is positive: go right, negative: go left
x[i] = analogValueR - analogValueL;
} else {
x[i] = 0;
}
if((analogValueC <= analogValueU)||(analogValueC <= analogValueD)){
y[i] = analogValueU - analogValueD;
} else {
y[i] = 0;
}
// The change in position is the average of all the elements
int totalX = 0;
int totalY = 0;
for(j=0;j totalX+=x[j];
totalY+=y[j];
}
posX = totalX/elements;
posY = totalY/elements;
// Send the values through the serial when it has gone through all the elements
if(i==0)avgDisplay();
//if(i==0)rtDisplay();
// Change the position of the tracker towards the light
simpleChangePos();
// Increment I through 0 to number of elements
i++;
i = i%elements;
delay(301);
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
}
// Class will display a cross on the serial monitor showing real time values of the resistors
void rtDisplay(){
Serial.print(" ");
Serial.println(analogValueU);
Serial.println(" /\\");
Serial.print(analogValueL);
Serial.print(" <= ");
Serial.print(analogValueC);
Serial.print(" => ");
Serial.println(analogValueR);
Serial.println(" \\/");
Serial.print(" ");
Serial.println(analogValueD);
Serial.println();
Serial.println();
}
// Class will display the change in position
void avgDisplay(){
Serial.print(" ");
if(posY>0){
Serial.println(posY);
Serial.println(servoY.read());
} else {
Serial.println(" ");
}
Serial.println(" /\\");
if(posX>0){
Serial.print(posX);
Serial.println(servoX.read());
} else {
Serial.print(" ");
}
Serial.print(" <= ");
if((posX==0)&&(posY==0)){
Serial.print("C");
} else {
Serial.print(" - ");
}
Serial.print(" => ");
if(posX<0){
Serial.println(-posX);
Serial.println(servoX.read());
} else {
Serial.println(" ");
}
Serial.println(" \\/");
Serial.print(" ");
if(posY<0){
Serial.println(-posY);
Serial.println(servoY.read());
} else {
Serial.println(" ");
}
Serial.println();
Serial.println();
}
// Named so, because I am planning on making a more complicated verson
void simpleChangePos(){
// Variables to store the current position of the servos
int readX = servoX.read();
int readY = servoY.read();
// If there is a change:
if(posX!=0){
// If the servo is going to change position past its range of motion
if((readX+posX)>180){
if(readX!=180){
servoX.write(180);
}
} else if((readX+posX)<0){
if(readX!=0){
servoX.write(0);
}
} else {
// If the change is a non-zero and not past the servo's limit, change the position
servoX.write((readX+posX));
}
delay(15);
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
}
if(posY!=0){
if((readY+posY)>180){
if(readY!=180){
servoY.write(180);
}
} else if((readY+posY)<0){
if(readY!=0){
servoY.write(0);
}
} else {
servoY.write((readY+posY));
}
delay(15);
}
}
If anyone got any ideas how to solve it pls let me know : )
InevitableCraftsLab says:
Dec 26, 2014. 8:01 AM REPLY
i know this is old, but cant run the servo library on the tiny.
there is a library called servo8bit.h thas written for the tiny
randofo says:
Jun 9, 2013. 11:38 PM REPLY
Not all of the code that runs on the Arduino will run on the ATtinys. When you start including libraries, like the servo library, the likelihood of it working
diminishes.
Can you program one to blink an LED? If so, the problem is probably with some of the commands you are calling (presumably the servo code). You will
need to figure out some alternative way of writing the code, or to modify the library to work with the chip.
infanati says:
Jul 17, 2014. 7:44 AM REPLY
I got a new ATTiny85 and and i tried to get it to blink and im still getting the same error. 'OUTPUT' was not declared in this scope.
masrodjie says:
Jul 20, 2014. 2:42 PM REPLY
You need to declare OUTPUT or try to change OUTPUT with 0
ironheartbj18 says:
much nicer to have a breadboard what I made it.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Dec 24, 2014. 3:50 PM REPLY
lavoslava says:
Dec 13, 2014. 4:45 PM REPLY
I try to connect (for the first time!) Arduino Yun with ATtiny45 and try Blink example. Which version of Arduino software should I download and ? Where I can get
the schematic - how to connect the jumperwires from Yun to breadboard? Thanks!
Dr_Quark says:
Dec 13, 2014. 4:13 AM REPLY
I was initially interested in the concept of ATiny, but after looking at the program memory limit and the required discrete parts required to get an ATiny project
running, I don't see much advantage over using a Pro Mini (except if it replaces a lot of discrete gate logic). For example, including SoftwareSerial.h and
DallasTemperature.h balloons code to about 6700 bytes, so even in a ATiny85, there's not much room left for user code. There are also limitations on the
code that an ATiny can run. Can someone comment or provide examples where the ATiny has a critical advantage over the Pro Mini?
SvenH says:
Nov 28, 2014. 8:55 AM REPLY
does anyone know why it says this?
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00
christopherjohnliggins says:
Dec 9, 2014. 4:09 AM REPLY
I had this problem. My issue was that I hadn't uploaded the Ardunio ISP code in step 3
christopherjohnliggins says:
Dec 9, 2014. 4:08 AM REPLY
After a few glitches (my mistakes :-/ ) got it working on an Arduino Mini :D - excellent tutorial
ianyeo1994 says:
Running on Arduino Uno with 1.0.5-r2 IDE
This shows in the errors. Do I have to use an earlier version? Or is it fixable?
Blink.ino:10:21: error: Arduino.h: No such file or directory
Blink.ino: In function 'void setup()':
Blink:17: error: 'OUTPUT' was not declared in this scope
Blink:17: error: 'pinMode' was not declared in this scope
Blink.ino: In function 'void loop()':
Blink:22: error: 'HIGH' was not declared in this scope
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Oct 12, 2014. 6:08 PM REPLY
Blink:22: error: 'digitalWrite' was not declared in this scope
Blink:23: error: 'delay' was not declared in this scope
Blink:24: error: 'LOW' was not declared in this scope
ianyeo1994 says:
Oct 13, 2014. 6:20 PM REPLY
adding
#include <Arduino.h>
#include <WProgram.h>
made it have only one error now
avrdude: usbdev_open(): did not find any USB device "usb"
Andrés EstebanP says:
Nov 25, 2014. 4:58 PM REPLY
go to Arduino IDE : tools-->Programer-->>Arduino as ISP
i got same problem
ianyeo1994 says:
Oct 14, 2014. 12:35 AM REPLY
Ahh I had to select the programmer as well
Erocker says:
Nov 10, 2014. 4:26 PM REPLY
I'm having the same problem :/
ianyeo1994 says:
Nov 20, 2014. 6:13 PM REPLY
Add these lines to your code
#include <Arduino.h>
#include <WProgram.h>
hann7911 says:
Nov 14, 2014. 2:52 PM REPLY
Hi, if i need two digital outputs and four analog I/Os, can ATTINY24 does the job? Do I follow the same instruction as Attiny 45?
Akin Yildiz says:
Nov 6, 2014. 5:51 PM REPLY
what can this thing really do? sorry, i'm a total beginner. can it read an analog sensor and turn on a 3mm led according to the data read.? for example an ldr
photoresistor?
jcullins0 says:
Oct 23, 2014. 10:44 AM REPLY
How does the tiny45 work on 3.3v and 4mhz, anything to watch for?
carl.frederick.39 says:
Oct 12, 2014. 1:20 PM REPLY
When I try to download the ATtiny master.zip it doesn't create a master.zip file, just a folder with some other files in it.
davting says:
Oct 11, 2014. 11:29 PM REPLY
i find that i need to include the following headers to the blink sketch for it to compile.
#include <Arduino.h>
#include <WProgram.h>
but I finally did it!!
shinystuff says:
Great tutorial, really helpful! I had only one problem with the pin-out of the ATtiny85 but I figured it out.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Sep 29, 2014. 6:04 AM REPLY
Raphango says:
Aug 26, 2014. 5:19 PM REPLY
Remember you must select "Arduino as ISP" on the bootloader options.
jamestav says:
Aug 20, 2014. 8:02 PM REPLY
If you are using an Arduino Mega the pin connections will be a little different. Check it out on my blog: http://jamestav.blogspot.com/2014/08/programmingattiny85-microchip-using.html
ihart says:
Aug 5, 2014. 7:51 PM REPLY
Thanks for posting this! It worked great with an Attiny45 and Arduino 1.5.7 I didn't use a capacitor and it was fine. I selected 8MHz Internal clock.
joesinstructables says:
Jul 23, 2014. 5:10 PM REPLY
Thanks for posting the tutorial, it will be useful for a lot of projects.
doriancin says:
Jul 10, 2014. 4:15 PM REPLY
This is a great tutorial!! I have just one question, can I use the EEPROM and WIRE libraries with the ATTINY45 the datasheet says it support the i2c protocol
...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
uelman8002 says:
May 11, 2014. 8:27 PM REPLY
my question on "Select from the top menu:
Tools --> Board --> ATtiny85 (w/ Arduino as ISP)"
1. Why choose ATtiny85 as the "board" when it is the target chip?
2. Shoudn't it be the Arduino Uno itself as the board?
3. If the chip is possible as the board, why there's no option for Atmega328p in the IDE, setting Arduino as ISP programmer?
origamiAirControl says:
Apr 14, 2014. 4:21 PM REPLY
how do you unzip the file?
Victor8o5 says:
May 7, 2014. 10:05 AM REPLY
With a program like 7zip or Winrar, obviously.
Armadillo99 says:
Apr 9, 2014. 5:37 AM REPLY
Will this work the same way with an arduino mega?
hydronics says:
Feb 12, 2013. 9:45 PM REPLY
yep I get the same error.
randofo says:
Feb 13, 2013. 1:10 PM REPLY
Are you using the Arduino 1 software? Try downloading an older version of the software - perhaps 5 or 6 versions back. The core files don't seem to play
nicely with Arduino 1.
hydronics says:
Feb 13, 2013. 5:49 PM REPLY
Ok, thanks for the reply. IT WORKS, IT WORKS! I redid everything and it worked and I could not reproduce the error from yesterday, although....
1) Each time you unplug the USB, when you re-connect the USB/Arduino back into your PC, FIRST remove the capacitor...
2) once the computer recognizes the Arduino (2-seconds wait) then replace the capacitor.
3) this was a problem once but then it didn't reoccur...kinda glitchy ;( maybe just my janky setup.
I'm running Windows, Duemilanove to ATTiny85. I got it to work on 1.03 and 1.01. THANKS for this lovely tutorial!! so many projects to do now...
Also, can anyone tell me why the SPI library does not work on Attiny?... I found some code on gethub to get around this but... Can anyone point me
to a good reference material for programming that might answer these strange truths that I am oblivious to. My background is Mechanical
Engineering and Arduino.
randofo says:
Feb 13, 2013. 8:54 PM REPLY
Does the library gives errors or just not work? It can be because the registers names are different... or the clock speed of the ATTiny is much
slower... or it is using interrupts which the ATTiny does not support... or a host of other reasons. I would have to really look at the library to know.
Jamebonds1 says:
Mar 5, 2014. 10:41 PM REPLY
It depend. Only if you find right ATTiny driver file. Mine work fastest. Be careful to not get wrong hardware file or it will cause 1000 delay from one
sec to 10 sec.
Crash Plague says:
May 2, 2013. 12:11 PM REPLY
Does the ATtiny need to have the Arduino bootloader put on it? Or can any ATtiny straight from digikey be put into this tutorial?
Jamebonds1 says:
Mar 5, 2014. 7:53 PM REPLY
Enjoying Electronics, Pseakins and Crash Plague. This ATTiny85 doens't need bootloader and you wasn't suppose to do that. Bootloader can damages
ATTiny as I did. Don't need that Bootloader anyway. Plus, External is bad choose for beginner.
FoamboardRC says:
Yep.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
May 8, 2013. 8:10 AM REPLY
pseakins says:
Dec 20, 2013. 7:32 PM REPLY
Yep what? It was a two part question. Yep the ATtiny DOES need to have an arduino bootloader, or yep any ATtiny from digikey can be used and
therefore does NOT need a bootloader.
So, does it need a bootloader yes or no?
FoamboardRC says:
Dec 21, 2013. 10:39 AM REPLY
It doesn't matter where you buy it from, digikey, sparkfun, ebay. . .
Just follow the steps in the i'ble and you'll be fine.
FoamboardRC says:
Dec 21, 2013. 10:41 AM REPLY
Yes, it needs a bootloader
AT says:
This looked like such a cool project. But I am running into an issue that I can't figure out. I get the error once and then it says:
avrdude: Yikes! Invalid device signature.
Double check connections and try again, or use -F to override
this check.
When I connect the LED, nothin. :-(
view all 153 comments
http://www.instructables.com/id/Program-an-ATtiny-with-Arduino/
Feb 23, 2013. 8:19 PM REPLY