Stuck on v2.5 with a Pro-Mini

#1

I have a Arduino Pro-Mini (5V 16MHz) running uLisp v2.5. Using a FTDI module with DTR connected for serial and Arduino connection.

I have been trying to restore the Pro-Mini but can’t download even Blink with Arduino. The problem appears to be that uLisp gets started before the bootloader has a chance to respond to the download protocol.

I have tried being patient, holding down reset button and then starting the download, hitting the reset button after starting the download. Nothing seems to work. When I check uLisp is still running fine. But I really want to re-purpose this Pro-Mini.

How do I get a Arduino download working again?

#2

I can’t think what might be wrong - uLisp just installs like any other Arduino application.

Try briefly pressing the Reset button the moment “Done Compiling” appears in the blue status bar on the IDE.

#3

Let me know if you solve it!

#4

Hi,
how do you power your board? Some USB ports have rather low voltages…
You may also try to lower the upload speed.
Regards,
Kaef

#5

The bootloader is in charge of that process, and the normal upload procedure does not give uLisp an opportunity to seize control. What errors do you get trying to upload?

#6

Using the same system and USB2 port as I did to originally program the Pro-Mini.

How do you lower the upload speed?

#7

Agreed, that is exactly why I am so confused.

Here are the ouputs:

Compile, download – holding down reset button and releasing after download starts

Arduino: 1.8.12 (Linux), Board: "Arduino Pro or Pro Mini, *ATmega328P (5V, 16 MHz)"*
Sketch uses 924 bytes (3%) of program storage space. Maximum is 30720 bytes.
Global variables use 9 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 2039 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2048 bytes.

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 3 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 4 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 5 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 6 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 7 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 8 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 9 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0xe0
An error occurred while uploading the sketch

Compile, download – hit reset button after download starts

Arduino: 1.8.12 (Linux), Board: "Arduino Pro or Pro Mini, ATmega328P (5V, 16 MHz)&quot
Sketch uses 924 bytes (3%) of program storage space. Maximum is 30720 bytes.
Global variables use 9 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 2039 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2048 bytes.
avrdude: verification error, first mismatch at byte 0x0002
0x47 != 0x5c
avrdude: verification error; content mismatch
avrdude: verification error; content mismatch
#8

Huh. The latter would seem to indicate that the bootloader does respond when you do the manual reset - it just doesn’t actually rewrite anything.

You say you have DTR connected; does auto-reset not work?

#9

Do you have another Arduino board you can try, to eliminate the possibility that something in your hardware/software setup has changed?

#10

Sorry, changing the upload speed seems not to be possible with these boards.
I would suggest using a different 5V power supply for the arduino board and disconnect the 5V line from the ftdi chip (GND must stay connected!). It may help using a active usb-hub (usb-hub with a separate power supply, ftdi chips often have a limited maximum current (some of them have a programmable maximum current)).

#11

Thanks for the suggestions. At least I haven’t overlooked anything obvious.

I’m starting to suspect the Pro-Mini board. Don’t have the tools to check the DTR line. Well it’s connected but how well is it working … don’t know.

Will need to get another board and re-test. Not urgent in these troubled times.

#12