Standalone Arduino

Question

I have an Arduino Uno and I am using arduino 1.0.5 IDE. I followed he procedures for bootloading an atmega328P-PU on a breadboard using an Arduino Uno from the link:

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadboard

I uploaded the ArduinoISP sketch first, made the connections(using the External Oscillator) and then wired it up. Then, I selected the programmer as Arduino as ISP, selected the board as Arduino duemilanove w/ Atmega328P . Then I selected the correct serial port and clicked Burn Bootloader. I got the following errors:

avrdude.exe: stk500_program_enable(): protocol error, expect=0x14,
resp=0x50avrdude.exe: initialization failed, rc=-1 Double check
connections and try again, or use -F to override this
check.avrdude.exe: stk500_disable(): protocol error, expect=0x14,
resp=0x51

How to solve this issue? Also, can I upload the bootloader directly by using it on the Uno in place of the original chip. If so, how?

Answer 1

See How to make an Arduino-compatible minimal board.

Also, can I upload the bootloader directly by using it on the Uno in place of the original chip.

No, a blank chip cannot install its own bootloader. You use a second chip. My page above describes how to do that. An alternative is a stand-alone ICSP programmer, which can be purchased for around $20. The tutorial page you linked uses your Uno as a stand-alone programmer.

I think my method of using a Uno as a programmer is easier, frankly.

Answer 2

I had the same problem; I never figured it out. I eventually threw down some cash for am ICSP (I got the FreeTronics USBASP), and have never looked back. In fact, with an ICSP, you don't even need a bootloader. It's also real easy to solder a 6-pin header onto your custom soldered board; then you will realize you don't need an Arduino at all, just an Atmel chip.