DIY Arduino Clone

This project is an arduino clone.  I'm just interested in making a clone that will be able to use arduino shields.  It will have an ICSP connector for programming.  Perfboard is to be used for the unit.

As usual I didn't take pictures of the build process.

I started the build by using a shield to mark the footprint on the perfboard.

I ended up ordering a "Barebones Arduino Circuit kit" from Jameco.  The website provided a link to a build tutorial.  I put the kit together on a breadboard to make sure everything worked and it did.  I used a USBtinyISP programmer to upload one of my sketches and the chip/circuit worked as it should.  On the breadboard ICSP connector I left out pin 2 connection to the arduino breadboard, the AVR programmer didn't need to provide power to the circuit.  When I build the final circuit on a perfboard I think I will have a jumper for that pin.  Here is a reference schematic for the ICSP connector that helped during the build.

Once again I didnt take pictures of the test build.

The first thing I did was build the power supply section of the board, then tested it to make sure output was good and that the led indicates power.  I installed the 4 headers then the 28 pin DIP socket.  From then on it was a matter of installing the wires from the 28 pin DIP socket to the 4 headers, then the crystal and two caps and the 10k pullup resistor for pin 1.  I then installed the power and ground connections.  Last step was installing the Atmega328.  Since this board is not USB powered, it has a power connector like the UNO.  I also installed an ICSP connector, so I don't have to pull the chip to reprogram it.  I thought I would use 30 gauge wire for the connector and see how that goes for programming.  I found that on pin 2 of the ICSP connector I put a jumper so that the AVR programmer doesn't supply power of any kind on that pin.

Things to add to this board at a later date;

LEDs for TX & RX
LED for Pin 19

 Component side

Wiring Side

Opensprinkler kit

It is a sprinkler controller that is network accessible.  It is microcontroller based hardware and utilizes the Atmel atmega328 chip.  It can be purchased as a kit or fully assembled.  The hardware and software is opensource.

I purchased a kit in 2011.  It took about an hour and a half to solder, build and install.  Its been in use since then without issues.

The hardware version of the unit I own is 1.0.  The firmware that I wanted to install required the use of an ISP and that I add an interface connector to the opensprinkler unit for the ISP.  Once I acquired the necessary hardware and setup everything it was on to the firmware upgrade.

Now I've used the Arduino UNO and the Arduino IDE to learn how to create and upload programs.  Programming the opensprinkler was different only because it required the command line.  So after several emails to the opensprinkler developer, I used those instructions to successfully upgrade the firmware.  The firmware upgrade took about 44 seconds.

 
The new features of the firmware upgrade are nice.  The web interface is even more user friendly.  It will take time to become more familiar with the firmware upgrade.

Red circle is where the ISP connector goes...

ISP connector installed and ready to program

 

Installed and ready to use.

USBtinyISP AVR Programmer Kit v2.0

I ordered the USBtiny ISP AVR Programmer Kit - v2.0 from Adafruit Industries.  I am eventually going to upgrade the firmware of my OpenSprinkler System, so I will be needing a programmer to do the upgrade.  I forget to take pix of the build process, so all I have is a pic of the completed unit.  Tested the unit by plugging it in to the ICSP connector on an Arduino UNO.  I uploaded the Blink program and it worked.  In the Arduino IDE make sure the correct programmer is selected, USBtinyISP, and then select "Upload using Programmer" option.

Ready to use!

I used the programmer to upgrade the firmware of my Opensprinkler unit, and it worked just fine.

Ammo Shell TDC whistles

Shortly after making the ammo shell whistles, I thought it would be a cool idea to make a TDC whistle to fit small block ford cylinder heads.  I made these pieces some time last year but I finally got around to putting this info on the web.

After removing all of the ceramic material and cleaning up the spark plug casing I select an ammo whistle that takes very little pressure to whistle.  I use JB weld to hold the pieces together.

Spark plug casing after all ceramic material removed

Trial fit of pieces before gluing

Top is unfinished piece, bottom is completed and ready for use

Ammo Shell Whistles

I thought it would be a neat idea to have a whistle made from spent ammo casings.  Did a little internet research and found several sites.  I wanted to keep the process simple, use common hand tools and easily available parts to make the whistle.  I ended up using different size rifle casings and wood as an insert for the venturi.  I created whistles from .223, 7.62x54, and .50 caliber casings.

DIY Relay Shield

Created a DIY Relay shield from a SeeedStudio prototype shield kit and from a SeeedStudio Relay shield v1.3.  I salvaged parts from the Relay shield and installed them on the protoshield.  I was only interested in having 2 relays to control, so thats all that was installed.  Pics to follow.

Standalone AVR Chip Programmer

I ordered an AVR chip programmer shield from Adafruit Industries.  The kit is pretty easy to assemble.  The software needed to program an UNO is located at:  https://github.com/adafruit/Standalone-Arduino-AVR-ISP-programmer

Create a folder called adaloader in the Arduino folder where the sketches are located and copy the files into that folder.  I use Arduino IDE 0022 to load the programmer sketch.  Then install a blank 328 chip in the programmer shield socket, press the button and about a quarter second later its programmed with a bootloader.

Something to keep in mind for the chips programmed with the adaloader bootloader - In the IDE select Tools ---  Board --- Arduino Duemilanove w/ ATmega328, in order to load sketches.  If that last part is forgotten, there will be sync errors for any other board type.



UPDATE:  I wanted to be able to program 328 chips with the UNO bootloader.  Found a website that has taken all the guesswork out of how to do that.

Just grab the ZIP from this website  https://github.com/sowbug/adaStandalone, create a folder with the name of the INO file, in your sketch folder.  I've only used this sketch with 1.0 Arduino IDE, load the sketch and now the UNO board w/programmer shield is able to program blank 328p chips with the UNO bootloader!

 

In a previous post I put together an Arduino Uno Clone.  I decided to use that board for this project so that this will be a dedicated 328 chip programmer.  I already started working on a case for the project.  I have installed pcb mounts and mounted the circuit boards.  The cover will have an opening to access the zif socket and icsp port.