1. Programming Micro Controllers
ATMEGA328

2. Overview
Why?
Arduinos are great prototyping tools but are very expensive ($20 to $50).
Stand alone microcontrollers are vastly cheaper ($0.99 to $5).
Stand alone microcontrollers are also more compact
We are going to introduce standalone microcontrollers and show you the basics of programming and using one
We will be using the ATMEGA328 as an example
This is the same microcontroller that most Arduinos are built around

3. Steps 1: Set up the microcontroller on the bread board
There are several components needed for the microcontroller to run reliably and communicate with the programmer
2: Boot load the microcontroller ship
Think of this like downloading the operating system for the chip
3: Program the microchip
Adding code to change the functionality of the chip
4: Add additional hardware with the help of pinouts

4. Step 1 First we need to set up our microcontroller on the breadboard
You will need a following components to set up an ATMEGA328
Two 22pF capacitors
One 10KΩ resistor
One 16MHz Crystal
6 to 10 jumper cables
Obviously one ATMEGA328 microcontroller
On the next page is a schematic showing you how to set up the ATMEGA on a breadboard

5. Wiring diagram of set up
Schematic of set up

6. Picture of set up

7. Talking to the Chip
Before we can move on to step 2 we need to discuss how to get information off your computer and onto your microcontroller
There are several options
Use an Arduino Duemilanove Board
Use a dedicated microcontroller programmer
In this tutorial we will use another Arduino Board to program our ATMEGA328
If you want to read more about different options here is a link going more in depth on the issue.

8. Step 2 : The Wiring Step 2 is boot loading the ATMEGA328
Boot loading is essentially the same as installing the operating system that the chip will use
First connect your Arduino to the breadboard according to the schematic on the next page
Disconnect any external power sources attached to the board
Use the 5V and GND pins of the Arduino to power the board as shown in the schematic

9. Boot Loading Schematic

10. Step 2: The Software
After you have verified everything is correctly wired it’s time to move to the software
First upload the Arduino ISP code from examples
Secondly Set the programmer to the correct setting

11. Step 2: The Software Finally boot load the chip!
This could take some time expect between thirty seconds and two minutes of time
If it gives you an “out of synch” error do not worry this is common and 99% of the time can be fixed just by trying again

12. Testing Your Boot Load
All chips will automatically have the example program “Blink” on the chip after you boot load it
Attach a 560Ω resistor and an LED to PIN13
If it blinks your boot load was successful!
If not don’t panic your LED might be burnt out or wiring wrong troubleshoot and reboot if necessary

13. Step 3: The Wiring
Now that the chip is boot loaded it is ready to receive code
Unfortunately this requires a different wiring set up
This set up does not require any additional hardware other than a few jumpers
First remove the Arduino’s microcontroller from it’s perch (this is fairly tough and will require some prying)
Secondly wire according to schematic on the next page

14. Programming Schematic

15. Programming Set Up

16. Step 3: The Software This is where things get familiar
Select the Duemilanove w/ ATmega328 from the Board menu
Now you can upload code the exact same way that you would on an Arduino!

17. Step 4
At this point you can add hardware and upload sketches as you normally would any Arduino
Below is the Pin Map for the ATMEGA328
Red lettering indicates Arduino equivalent

18. Words of Caution
Most microcontroller chips can only handle 5V. You will very likely short circuit your chip if you give feed it more than 5V!
Do not forget to remove the microcontroller on the Arduino board when programming or your program WILL NOT upload to the chip on the bread board.
If you want to learn more check out the links below