instructables

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP

by SteveQuinn

Foreword

I've recently been developing a few ESP8266 based IoT projects and found the core processor was struggling to
carry out all the tasks I needed it to manage, so I decided to distribute some of the less important activities to a
different microcontroller(s) in this way freeing up the ESP8266 to get on with its job of being an IoT device.

Given I wanted to publish my project to as wide an audience as possible I opted to use the Arduino IDE as the
development platform of choice since it has such a widely supported community.

Design Constraints

In order to provision a reasonable spread of target devices allowing for the selection of an appropriate
microcontroller for the application at hand, I settled on the following Atmel parts; ATMega328P, ATTiny84 and
ATTiny85. To limit the complexity of the necessary programmer I constrained the choice of clock to internal for all
devices and 16MHz external for only the ATMega328P and ATTiny84.

What follows is a collection of notes on programming with the Arduino and a description of how I put together a
simple Arduino Uno based programmer for these devices (Pics above).

What parts do I need?

To build the programmer you will require the following parts

1. 1 off Arduino Uno

2. 2 off 28 pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) DIP sockets (to hold ATMega328P, ATTiny85, ATTiny84)
3. 1 off Arduino prototype shield (I got mine here; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arduino-UNO-
Prototyping...)
4. 2 off 5MM LEDs
5. 2 off 1K resistors
6. 1 off 10K resistor
7. 4 off 22pF Ceramic capacitors
8. 2 off 16MHz crystals
9. 3 off 0.1uF ceramic capacitors
10. 1 off 47uF Electrolytic Capacitor

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 1

 11. 1 off 10uF Electrolytic Capacitor
12. Various lengths wire wrap wire.

What software do I need?

Arduino IDE 1.6.9

What skills do I need?

1. Knowledge of Arduino IDE

2. Some knowledge of electronics and how to solder
3. A great deal of manual dexterity
4. A load of patience and good eyesight

Topics covered

1. General Introduction to programming Atmel Microcontrollers

2. ISP or Bootloader : It's all a bit confusing
3. Circuit overview
4. Setting up your programmer
5. Using your Arduino ISP Programmer
6. Developing code on your target system
7. Gotchas
8. Conclusion
9. References used

Disclaimer

As always, you use these instructions at your own risk and they come unsupported.

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 2

 1
2
1

1. Programming device for the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P 1. ATMega328P

using Arduino As ISP 2. ATTiny84
3. ATTiny85

Step 1: General introduction on programming Atmel microcontrollers

There are two methods available for programming Atmel microcontrollers;

1. In System Programming (ISP),

2. Self Programming (via a bootloader).

The former method (1) directly programmes the microcontroller via the SPI interface after first putting the device
into reset. Unless instructed otherwise a compiled executable source programme is written to the device
incrementally into code memory from where it is executed at start up. There are many ISP devices capable of
programming Atmel devices, a few of which being (pic 1); AVRISPmkII, Atmel-ICE, Olimex AVR-ISP-MK2, Olimex
AVR-ISP500. Picture 2 shows how the ISP device connects to the ATMega328P (oddly marked ICSP) on the
Arduino Uno R3 board (pic 3 gives the ISP pin out). It it also possible to programme an Atmel microcontroller via
it's SPI interface using an Arduino Uno as ISP (picture 4), here the Uno is being used to programme an
ATMega328P.

The latter method (2) uses a small code stub known as a 'bootloader' permanently resident in executable code
memory (usually locked to prevent accidental overwriting pic 5). This code is executed first thing upon power up or
device reset and allows the microcontroller to re-programme itself with new code received via one of its interfaces
from a source external to itself. The bootloader method is used by the Arduino IDE to re-programme Arduinos
mapped as a USB comm port on the PC (Or MAC, Linux box etc., pic 6) and in the case of the Arduino Uno
communicates with the Atmel device via it's serial interface on IC Pins 2 and 3 of the ATMega328P. Also the
Arduino Uno (with the ATMega328P micrcontroller removed) can be used to programme an ATMega328P via the
bootloader method effectively acting as a USB to serial adapter device (pic 7).

What is a USB to serial adapter?

A USB to serial adapter is a piece of hardware which plugs into your PCs USB port and looks like a serial com
Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 3
port (a legacy from earlier times when computers used a serial communications standard known as EIA-232, V24
or RS232) allowing you to send and receive serial data at the same electrical levels of the microcontroller. When
you Select Tools -> Port -> COMx from the Arduino IDE you are connecting/interfacing your PC to your Arduino.

A device like this is sometimes referred to as an FTDI (pic 8, which is actually a brand name) or CH340G etc. USB
to serial on the Arduino uno is achieved via an ATMega16U2-MU(R) IC ZU4 as in the Arduino Schematic below.

For clarity picture 9 identifies the two Atmel devices and their respective ISP connectors on the Arduino Uno R3.

Note 1 : If you choose to go down the FTDI device route ensure you purchase from a reputable seller as there
have been a lot of cheap counterfeit devices on the market which have failed upon application of a windows
update.

Check out the Dave Jones EEVblog rant 'EEVblog #676 - RANT: FTDI Bricking Counterfeit Chips' below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU66as4Bbds

Note 2: It is also advisable to place a 'sacrificial' USB hub between your PC and the target device just in case you
short something out (better still use an isolation USB device.). You will thank me for this advice.

Note 3 : Unless otherwise stated for 'ATMega328P' read 'ATMega328P-PU'

4 3

1. Olimex AVR-ISP500
2. Olimex AVR-ISP-MK2
3. Atmel-ICE
4. AVRISPmkII

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 4

 3

1
2

1. This end to Atmel Device

2. This end to PC
3. FTDI Adaptor

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 5

 Download (https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FEI/AF60/IYOQPSNQ/FEIAF60IYOQPSNQ.pdf)

http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FEI/AF60/IYOQPSNQ/FEIAF60IYOQPSNQ.pdf

(https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FEI/AF60/IYOQPSNQ/FEIAF60IYOQPSNQ.pdf)

Step 2: ISP or Bootloader : It's all a bit confusing

So how come there are so many ways to programme the Arduino?

Ok, so by now you are probably wondering why there are so many different ways to programme an Arduino. Well I
suspect for Massimo Banzi it was about flexibility/extensibility and reducing the entry point to get as big a following
as possible.

Or to quote the Arduino Introduction;

Inexpensive,
Cross-platform,
Simple, clear programming environment,
Open source and extensible software,
Open source and extensible hardware.

Put simply, if you only want to go as far as programming the native Arduino (Uno, Due, Nano, MEGA etc.) you
only require a little knowledge of programming, a computer and USB lead which will allow you to create many
different projects and truly be a part of the maker community.

Alternatively if you want to take the next step and embed an Arduino device or you break your Arduino board
microcontroller and it's not an SMT part all you need is a little knowledge of programming, electronics and an
Arduino Uno and you can re-programme a replacement or alternatively programme a very wide range of Atmel
devices, opening up far more opportunities to create outstanding projects.

And all of this without the need for expensive electronics kit.

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 6

However, if you are a serious embedded systems developer you will use 'Atmel Studio' and an ISP/JTAG as this
will allow you to directly set device configuration fuses, debug your code on the microcontroller along with register
interrogation, stack traces and breakpoints etc. none of which are available with the Arduino IDE.

So why choose ISP or Bootloading?

Ok, so assuming you are reading this Instructable because you are at the point where you want to embed an
ATMEL device programmed via the Arduino IDE, how would you make this choice?

To be honest, in reality there's not much between them.

If you use the ISP method you will save yourself the memory space the bootloader occupies and the start up/reset
time will be quicker as the Arduino/ATMEL device will execute your code 'right out of the blocks' and not pause
looking for serial data from the PC to upload.

Depending on what circuit you are going to embed your design into you could also use either method, though you
may need more than a passing knowledge of electronics to competently achieve this. In the case where
microcontroller I/O count is an issue and start up speed/code space are not a major consideration, you may
choose to use the bootloader as this method only uses three pins (less the Clock line) one fewer that the ISP
method.

It also depends upon what development paradigm you adopt;

Write your code, download to ATMEL device with programmer, move ATMEL device to target
system for testing,

Or

Directly develop with ATMEL device in target system for testing.

Here the latter is a better development method and is faster (you also don't run the risk of getting an IC pin stuck in
your 'finger') but requires a good knowledge of electronics.

My general preference where performance isn't an issue is to burn the bootloader and use a serial programmer
with the ATMEL device in the target system and develop code with the Arduino IDE.

Now here's where it may get a little more confusing...

For Bootloading

Bear in mind, if you want to programme a 'factory fresh' Atmel microcontroller via a bootloader you will first need to
programme the bootloader code on to the device using the ISP method. Though you can purchase ATMega328P
microcontrollers with the bootloader already programmed, however, they will cost more.

For ISP

If you want to use the ISP method you should always programme your Arduino with the bootloader at least once.
This is to ensure you set the specific device configuration fuses for that microcontroller. This instruction is slightly
misleading given for the ATTiny85/84 burning the bootloader in fact only sets device configuration fuses.

.
Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 7
Consequently this Instructable details how to programme an Atmel device using the ISP method as this gives the
most flexibility for developing code for a given microcontroller.

By way of example I have included circuits for the ATMega328P depicting ISP and Serial programming
configurations for both 16MHz external and 8MHz internal clocks (pics 1 and 2 above).

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 8

Step 3: Circuit Overview

The circuit design above (pic 1) details the necessary Note 1 : C6 10uF Electrolytic Capacitor must be
system level connections to programme either the placed near to the Arduino Reset pin where it enters
ATMega328P, ATTiny84 or ATTiny85 via the SPI the prototyping Shield. Without this capacitor the
interface as an ISP programmer (Arduino As ISP with programming device will not work. This is because
'ArduinoISP' code loaded on the Arduino Uno the Arduino IDE asserts the DTR line prior to
connected to the prototype shield). programming the Arduino which engages the
bootloader. (See PDF file below, specifically Pin 13
Although it may not be obvious from the diagram, all U3). By including this capacitor the programming
circuitry can be placed on the Arduino Shield Arduino Uno does not reset, executing it's code which
Prototyping board such that no modifications to the forwards the compilation download from the Arduino
Arduino Uno are necessary meaning it can be re- IDE to the target device.
purposed if required.
Note 2 : Ensure you use the stackable Arduino
The heart of the circuit is the Arduino Uno R3 which headers (F/M on top, M on the bottom) as they can
when programmed with the Built In Examples sketch : come in useful if you accidentally programme any
ArduinoISP will generate the source signals with device with the wrong clock source.
which to program the target devices.
Note 3 : Only 'ONE' Atmel device can be
LED_P (LED2) or programming LED will flash during programmed at any one time.
the programme cycle of any chip.
Pictures 2 ... 4 show the various build states during
LED (LED1) is connected to Arduino programmatic construction of the programmer.
Digital Pin3 and can be used to test your device with
the modified blink programme 'ATTiny84-85- Pictures 5 ... 7 show how to wire up the
ATMega328_Blink.ino'. Digital Pin3 was specifically ATMega328P, ATTiny84 and ATTiny85 for
chosen as it will work interchangeably with all three programming via SPI with breadboard.
devices; ATTiny84, ATTiny85 & ATMega328, giving a
good indication your set up is working correctly. .

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 9

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 10
 Download (https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FDZ/LVGD/IYOQD4LA/FDZLVGDIYOQD4LA.pdf)

http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FDZ/LVGD/IYOQD4LA/FDZLVGDIYOQD4LA.pdf

(https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FDZ/LVGD/IYOQD4LA/FDZLVGDIYOQD4LA.pdf)

Step 4: Setting up your programmer

There are two parts to establishing your Arduino ISP Programmer, these are as follows;

1. Preparing your Arduino Uno (Target Device Programmer, pic 1 above)

2. Preparing your Arduino IDE (Control PC, pic 1 above)

Preparing your Arduino Uno

This is a relatively simple procedure and is as follows;

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 11

 1. Ensure you have Arduino IDE 1.6.9 installed,
2. Ensure you do not have the ISP programming prototype shield plugged onto your Arduino Uno R3
(if you do you will not be able to programme it as the 10uF capacitor C6 will prevent the Arduino IDE
from resetting the ATMega328P),
3. Ensure your Arduino Uno R3 is connected to your PC (sorry MAC users) via USB,
4. Run up Arduino IDE and connect to your Arduino Uno R3,
5. From File->Examples->11.ArduinoISP->ArduinoISP, open the ArduinoISP sketch,
6. Programme your Arduino Uno R3,
7. Once complete, plug your ISP programming prototype shield onto the Arduino Uno R3 as in pic 2
above.

Preparing your Arduino IDE

This is also a two part process, 'out of the box' the Arduino IDE will allow you to programme the ATMega328P as
this is the microcontroller on the Arduino Uno R3, however as a default it is assumed a 16MHz external clock is
used.

Hence part one will be to add the capability to programme this device to use the internal 8MHz clock and part two
to add ATTiny functionality.

Part 1 : Adding ATMega328P 8MHz Internal clock capability to the Arduino IDE

1. Go here; https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadb...
2. Download 'breadboard-1-6-x.zip', and unzip. https://www.arduino.cc/en/uploads/Tutorial/breadbo...
3. Drop everything in 'breadboard' directory into your hardware directory (see pic 3 above).
4. Mine is here; C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware
5. Restart Arduino IDE.
6. New boards selection will appear; 'ATmega328 on a breadboard (8 MHz internal clock)'
Tools->Board->ATmega328 on a breadboard (8MHz internal clock). See pic 4 above

Part 2 : Adding ATTiny capability to the Arduino IDE

I did some 'shopping around' and found the best ATTiny Core which suited my purposes was the ATTiny Core by
Spence Konde (aka Dr. Azzy). It can be found here.

Full installation instructions for which are here, or as follows;

Via Board Manager Installation.

1. Select; File -> Preferences,

2. Choose 'settings' tab
3. Enter the URL below in "Additional Boards Manager URLs" (see pic 5 above)
http://drazzy.com/package_drazzy.com_index.json

4. Now Select Tools -> Boards -> Board Manager...

5. Locate ATtinyCore and click "Install" (see pic 6 above)
6. You should now have ATTiny Boards available (see pic 7 above)

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 12

OK, so what have I got now?

Once you have completed the above using your Arduino IDE you will be able to programme the following (see pic
8);

ATMega328P
Internal 8MHz Clock
External 16MHz Clock

ATTiny85
Internal 1MHz Clock
Internal 8MHz Clock

ATTiny84
Internal 1MHz Clock
Internal 8MHz Clock
External 16MHz Clock

Note : If the new boards manager entries are not available the in 'Boards Manager' you may need to restart the
Arduino IDE. See here for boards manager bug.

1. ISP programming prototype shield fitted to Arduino Uno R3

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 13

 1

1. Click here to get 'Additional Boards Manager URLs' dialogue box open

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 14

Step 5: Using your Arduino ISP Programmer

If you have followed all the above steps then you are now ready to programme your target device with your new
Arduino ISP Programmer.

If you remember in step 2, I mentioned that if you have a factory fresh ATMEL device you will need to download
the bootloader at least once such that you set the device fuses, the description which follows will show you how to
do this along with how to download your code directly via SPI.

In the case of the ATMega328P programming the bootloader with your Arduino ISP Programmer will allow you to
actually bootload code, whereas for the ATTiny85 and ATtiny84 it just results in setting the micrcontroller fuses.

For the ATMega328P

Initial set up

Select Tools->Programmer->Arduino As ISP (see pic 1 above)

Bootloader Download

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Board->ATmega328 on a breadboard (8 MHz internal clock) (see pic 2
above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

Assuming 16MHz external clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Board->Arduino/Genuino Uno (see pic 2 above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

ISP Code Download

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Board->ATmega328 on a breadboard (8 MHz internal clock) (see pic 2
above)
Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 15
 Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (see pic 4 above)

Assuming 16MHz external clock is to be used;

Select Tool->Board->Arduino/Genuino Uno (see pic 2 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer. (see pic 4 above)

For the ATTiny85

Initial set up

Select Tools->Programmer->Arduino As ISP (see pic 1 above)

Select Tools->Board->ATtiny25/45/85 (see pic 5 above)
Select Tools->Chip->ATtiny85

Bootloader Download (This action just sets the microcontroller fuses)

Assuming 1MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->1 MHz (internal) (see pic 6 above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->8MHz (internal) (see pic 6 above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

ISP Code Download

Assuming 1MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->1MHz (internal) (see pic 6 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (or Upload) (see pic 4 above)

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->8MHz (internal) (see pic 6 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (or Upload) (see pic 4 above)

For the ATTiny84

Initial set up

Select Tools->Programmer->Arduino As ISP (see pic 1 above)

Select Tools->Board->ATtiny24/44/84 (see pic 7 above)
Select Tools->Chip->ATtiny84
Select Tools->Pin Mapping->Counter Clockwise (like ATTiny Core)

Bootloader Download (This action just sets the micrcontroller fuses)

Assuming 1MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->1 MHz (internal) (see pic 8 above)
Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 16
 Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->8MHz (internal) (see pic 8 above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

Assuming 16MHz external clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->16MHz (external) (see pic 8 above)
Select Tools->Burn Bootloader (see pic 3 above)

ISP Code Download

Assuming 1MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->1MHz (internal) (see pic 8 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (or Upload) (see pic 4 above)

Assuming 8MHz internal clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->8MHz (internal) (see pic 8 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (or Upload) (see pic 4 above)

Assuming 16MHz external clock is to be used;

Select Tools->Clock->16MHz (external) (see pic 8 above)
Select Sketch->Upload Using Programmer (or Upload) (see pic 4 above).

Can I test what I've just done?

Yes, using your ISP programming prototype shield just insert a microcontroller of choice; ATMega328P, ATtiny85
or ATtiny84 and download the code contained in 'ATTiny84-85-ATMega328_Blink.ino' below. If you are
successful, led 1 (Red Led in my build) will flash once a second.

Note : The 'ATTiny84-85-ATMega328_Blink.ino' blink programme below, assumes Tools->Pin Mapping->Counter

Clockwise (like ATTinyCore) for ATTiny84 programming.

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 17

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 18
 Download (https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FKQ/M6IZ/IY4QIRF3/FKQM6IZIY4QIRF3.ino)

http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FKQ/M6IZ/IY4QIRF3/FKQM6IZIY4QIRF3.ino

(https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/FKQ/M6IZ/IY4QIRF3/FKQM6IZIY4QIRF3.ino)

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 19

Step 6: Developing code on your target system

As I mentioned in step 2 there are two ways to develop your code on an ATMEL device, namely;

1. In System Programming (ISP),

2. Self Programming (via a bootloader).

If you follow these instructions you will be able to use both methods for the ATMega328P running either an internal
8MHz clock (remove C1, C2 and Q1) or 16MHz external clock. If you are a novice developer I would recommend
using a bootloader as it will work the same as your Arduino if you connect it as in picture 1 above. However, for the
ATTiny85 and ATTiny84 only the ISP method is available.

Consequently if using the ISP methodology you would typically;

1. Develop your code using the Arduino IDE,

2. Programme and download to the ATMEL device,
3. Remove device from programmer,
4. Insert in target platform,
5. Power up and run code,
6. Test for functional correctness.
7. Repeat steps 1...6 until code is working correctly.

For completeness I included pictures of the Arduino pin equivalencies when you programme a given device (pics 2
... 4).

Note 1 : Actually there is a common third technique known as cross platform development not covered here. Here
is an example Instructable where I use this approach.

Note 2 : When programming with the bootloader/Serial adaptor(FTDI) configuration select the following;

Tools->Board-> Either 'Arduino/Genuino Uno' or 'ATmega328 on a breadboard (8MHz internal

clock)'
Tools->Programmer->AVRISP mkII
Sketch->Upload

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 20

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 21
Step 7: Gotchas

Here are some typical gotchas I came across when using this programming/development method.

1. The wrong I/O is changing for ATTiny84.

Have you selected the correct Pin mapping (Tools->Pin Mapping) when you
programmed the device?

2. You're using an FTDI device and it stops working.

You may have a fake FTDI device which has been bricked by a windows update. See
Dave Jones EEVblog rant 'EEVblog #676 - RANT: FTDI Bricking Counterfeit Chips'
here

3. You're getting odd timing delays, or no activity at all, you can download via SPI but in the case of
the ATMega328P bootloading won't work.
Have you burnt the bootloader at least once?

4. You inadvertently selected the wrong clock source prior to uploading and now you can't burn code
via SPI or bootloader.
If for instance you selected the 16MHz external clock on the ATTiny85 all you need to
do is wire a clock source to your device and re-programme. As I did in pics 1 and 2.
This is where Step 3, Note 2 comes in handy.

5. You purchased your factory fresh ATMega328P microcontrollers, when you try to programme them
you get a device signature error something along the lines above (pic 3).
Ok, this is a little more tricky to solve, depending upon the ATMEL part you have
actually purchased, during compilation an unexpected signature byte has been
detected.
For example you may have actually purchased some ATMega328s and not
ATMega328Ps, the signature for the ATMega328 is 1E 95 14, and the ATMega328P is
1E 95 0F (ok so pic 3 is not a brilliant example, but it's along the right lines)
To resolve this locate the 'avrdude.conf' file. Mine was located here; C:\Program Files
(x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\etc
Search the file and find the signature for the 'ATmega328p' which is : signature = 0x1e
0x95 0x0F;
Change 0x0F to 0x14 and save.
You should be able to programme the device now.
Don't forget to change the signature back to the way it was when you're done.
I've included in the references a link and section details for Atmel Microcontroller
Signature Bytes for the ATMega328P, ATTiny85 and ATTiny84.

6. You just added the ATTiny core and you can't find the newly added boards
This may be the 'Open twice boards manager bug' see here.

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 22

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 23
Step 8: Conclusion

I've been using this programming device reliably for some time now without any issues, given the initial design
contrants the end result fit the bill very well. My only wish would be to have been able to use a bootloader for the
ATTiny85/84 as this would have made things a lot easier during the code debug phase.

On a personal note I learned a great deal about the Arduino and it's community given I needed to wade through
'tonnes of guff' to get to the truth about programming the various devices in all their glory (you can see evidence of
this by the sheer number of links in the reference section and I only just 'scratched the surface').

In completing my research I was totally flabbergasted at how well the various git hub forums are supported, kudos
to Spence Konde that is one dedicated guy.

Also the degree of foresight the Arduino creators must have had to come up with such a flexible all encompassing
design is truly impressive.

Finally

A word of advice. Watch out for cheap Chinese knock off parts. When purchasing the 28 Way ZIF DIP sockets I
thought I was getting a great deal on some 'TEX TOOL' parts.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4pack-28pin-ZIF-socket-f...

At least that's what they looked like from the EBAY listing, actually being titled as such.

"4pack 28pin ZIF socket for DIL ICs Textool 0.3" Zero Insertion Force narrow DIP"

However, once I took delivery it was then I found out they were in fact 'TFX TDOL' clearly a choice of text
remarkably similar to 'TEX TOOL' along with the green molding (check out the pic above).

What was it UK trading standards say... 'If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.'

If only I had listened, then maybe the locking lever would be still working after more than 10 uses.

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 24

 1 2

1. Cheap Knock off

2. The Real Thing

Step 9: References used

What is Arduino?

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction

Excellent source for bootloading the ATTiny85

https://www.hackster.io/porrey/bootload-your-attin...

Atmel Microcontroller Signature Bytes

ATMega328P
http://www.atmel.com/images/Atmel-8271-8-bit-AVR-M...
PP284 Section 28.3, Table 28-10

ATTiny85
http://www.atmel.com/images/atmel-2586-avr-8-bit-...
pp150 Section 20.3.1, Table 20-7

ATTiny84
http://www.atmel.com/images/doc8006.pdf
pp162 Section 19.3.1, Table 19-7

Arduino Uno R3 cct

https://www.arduino.cc/en/uploads/Main/Arduino_Uno...

ISP source

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 25

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-system_programmin...

Atmel AVR

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmel_AVR

ATTiny Core - 1634, x313, x4, x41, x5, x61, x7, x8 and 828 for Arduino 1.6.x, by Spence Konde, aka Dr. Azzy

https://github.com/SpenceKonde/ATTinyCore
https://github.com/SpenceKonde/ATTinyCore/blob/mas...

High-Low tech ATTiny Core

http://highlowtech.org/?p=1695

Arduino Playground - ArduinoOnOtherAtmelChips : Unofficial listing of support for other Atmel chips in Arduino
IDE

http://playground.arduino.cc/Main/ArduinoOnOtherAt...
https://github.com/arduino/Arduino/wiki/Unofficial...

Using an Arduino as an AVR ISP (In-System Programmer)

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

Using an Arduino as an FTDI for bootloading

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

Open twice boards manager bug

https://github.com/arduino/Arduino/issues/3795

Arduino bootloader details

https://www.arduino.cc/en/main/arduinoBoardUno

Wikipedia reference to Arduino

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino

Programming the bootloader at least once to programme the fuses

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Hacking/Programmer

Arduino prototyping shield

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arduino-UNO-Prototyping-...

USB to serial

FTDI
Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 26
 http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataShee...

CH340G
https://www.olimex.com/Products/Breadboarding/BB-C...

Programming ATMega328P with Arduino Uno using internal clock

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadb...
https://www.arduino.cc/en/uploads/Tutorial/breadbo...

Arduino Uno Standalone

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Standalone

EEVblog #676 - RANT: FTDI Bricking Counterfeit Chips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU66as4Bbds

Building an Arduino on a Breadboard

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Standalone

How to burn 1Mhz & 8Mhz bootloader using Arduino IDE 1.6.5-r5

https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/3018/tutorial-ho...

EIA-232, V24, RS232

http://www.farsite.com/cable_standards/v.24_rs232c...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232

Arduino Products

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Products

Atmel Studio

http://www.atmel.com/microsite/atmel-studio/

Programming the ATTiny85, ATTiny84 and ATMega328P : Arduino As ISP: Page 27