Datasheet

Programming Blank AVRs

So even though I said FTDI adapters are not for programming 'raw' AVRs, it turns out you

can 'convince' the chip to do it with a bit of manipulation. One way that is documented so far

doesnt require soldering but it does require updating the AVRDUDE software and installing

a different driver (http://adafru.it/aVA) . (see also this post (http://adafru.it/aWU) and this link

for using an FTDI adapter instead of an Arduino (http://adafru.it/aWV) )

If you have an FTDI friend or other breakout where you can get to the DTR line, I found a

way to do it that requires soldering a wire but no AVRDUDE/driver messing. The trade off is

that it is really slow - good for maybe burning a bootloader on, not good for day-to-day AVR

development

Turn over the FTDI friend, and solder a dot of solder onto the DTR pin on the bottom left.

Solder a wire onto it, making sure you dont short it to the gold square just to the right. We'll