Once I assemble Moteinos, I will need a way to load the bootloader and test programming from the Arduino IDE. Since I plan to sell them without soldered headers (unless people want that option), it’s impossible to easily program the ATMega328P chips after the boards are assembled. Unless … I use a programming jig, a perfect DIY project to help in the Moteino manufacturing process.
Steps for making the jig and programming a Moteino:
- I ordered some spring loaded test probes (aka pogo pins) on ebay
- I used 2 Moteino PCBs to align and hold the pogo pins in place
- The bottom PCB is soldered to the pogo pins, the PCB in the middle is used to keep the pins straight and aligned. This can also be soldered.
- I only soldered enough pogo pins to be able to program and test the on-board LED and the transceiver. If those connections work, the other Moteino pins are almost 100% guaranteed to work.
- Connect the AVR programmer and the FTDI adapter/cable. The FTDI adapter provides power, the AVR programmer expects the board to be powered separately.
- Set the fuses and burn the bootloader with the AVR programmer
- Load a test sketch (blinky)
- Finished