Unable to upload code to the Arduino Nano

Question

I tried to to upload a hex file I generated for the Arduino Nano using avrdude but I keep getting the error:

avrdude: stk500_2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout

First the arduino board stops doing whatever it is programmed to do, in this case powering a vibration motor . Then this error keeps showing up in delays of around 10 seconds. That error is then followed by

avrdude: ser_recv(): read error: The I/O operation has been aborted because of either a thread exit or an application re
quest.

which appears to be caused by me pulling out the USB cable after waiting a while.

Thanks

Answer 1

I suggest you disconnect the motor while you are uploading. The power it is using, or the electrical noise it is generating, may intefere with the uploading process.