MegaLoad

History

MegaLoad is a Windows based boot loader for all Atmel ATMega microcontrollers that support the Bootloader function.  MegaLoad is a solution for everybody who wants fast loading (~8k in 3 seconds) and easy software upgrade via MCU RS232 port. 

Features Ver : 8.0

	Now support device larger than 128k flash
	Small Bootloader code. Only 256 words if only flash program is need (512 word if flash & EEPROM)
	Auto baud configuration allowing any oscillator setup.
	Only embedded requirement is RS232 connector like a MAX232.
	Communicates at 9600,19200,38400,57600,115200bps on Com1 to 20
	Simple Monitor window is available to help you to debug your code
	Checksum everywhere to secure data
	Automatic page retry, if error in flash programming
	Automatic byte retry, if error in EEPROM programming
	Manual set & clear DTR,RTS if need.
	Reset button

System Requirements

	Windows, .NET framework 2.0 runtime
	RS232
	ATMega

History

V1.0b0	First Release!
V1.1b0	Removed a problem of Access violation on some PC Removed a problem with Intel Hex files larger than 64k Check box Bootloader on reset default to true Add ATMega16 bootloader files
V1.2b0	Add autobaud rate in each bootloader Add Baudrate selection in Megaload
V2.0b0	Fresh new look that give more information on what's going on! Add support for ATMega32,64,128 Split Monitor windows in 2 (inchar,outchar) Check if the file to program is still on your hard drive
V2.1b0	Add a help file (made by Alex Shepherd [ashepherd@wave.co.nz]) THANKS Correct a rare problem of division by zero Correct a bug in the ATMega128 bootloader for file larger than 65280byte Modify some message to be more clear Correct a timing problem when big hex file and slow PC
V2.2b0	Correct a rare problem of no free comport when hyperterminal had been use before... Add support for COM5 &COM6 Correct a bug in the ATMega128 bootloader who don't start the app after flashing
V2.3b0	Add support for ATMega162 (by Bryan Low) Add option bootload on reset or not Add internal pull up on RX line in each bootloader
V3.0b3	Add EEprom programming (byte by byte) Add LockBits programming Support for ATMega8,16,32,64,128,8515,8535,162,169 One BootLoader source C file managed by #define's Add support for RS485 half duplex
V3.0b4	Correct a miss reported device Change intstall sheild version Change compiler version Update help file
V3.0b5	Correct a problem with EEprom programming not check
V3.0b6	Correct a problem with App start
V3.0b7	Correct a problem with GICR and MCUCR register difference Add support for Mega2313 not (tested) Change #define to be more clear WinApp Ready for Mega 48/88/168
V4.0b2	Completely rewritten in C# .NET Add support for Mega2313,48,88,168,165,32506450 Add support for Mega 168,3290,6490,406,640,1280,2560 Support Com1 to 20 Remote reset button Programming only if file has change
V4.0b3	Option had been remove due to a lot of problem... Bootloader had changed
V4.0b5	Remove some problem at first time start
V5.0b1	Remove all registration requirement.

V6.1	ReWritten in Visual Studio 2005 .NET

V6.2	Communication many time faster with USB to Serial converter
V6.3	Put the bootloader files out of the setup
V6.31	Bootloader now support MEGA1280, MEGA2560, MEGA1128
V7.0	Bootloader smaller & cleanner, support new devices, fit in 256 word for flash only programming
V8.0	Now support device larger than 128k flash & work with watchdog enable

Nice small tutorial for Megaload from Tony Pattison,  Thanks Tony!

How to use it? (By: Tony Pattison)

The source code of the windows application is available for 100$US, in C# .NET or Borland C++ Builder.

For more information please email me at:

s b i s s o n n e t t e  at  microsyl dot c   o  m

Do not cut/past this address, due to the lot of junk I received I had "encrypted" my email address

Step 1: Load bootloader code

MegaLoad requires the ATMega to be programmed with the boot loader code first. This can be done with almost any programmer, including the Atmel STK500, AVRISP and PonyProg.  Instructions for PonyProg follow.  All programmers must program the BOOTRST fuses, for the BOOTSZ1 & BOOTSZ0 you must check in the datasheet of your mega to have a boot size of 512byte.

1. Connect your Mega as shown on PonyProg website
2. Read the fuse bit of your Mega, change the value of BOOTSZ1..0 and  BOOTRST.
3. Program the new fuse bit setup (don't touch to RSTDISBL you will scrap your ATmega!)
4. Locate the bootloader ZIP file in the MegaLoad directory.
5. Extract the entire file from the ZIP file.
6. Use ICCAVR from www.imagecraft.com to build your hex file
7. Don't forget to make the good #define for your hardware (Check the source code the info is there)
8. Program the ATMega*.HEX file
9. That's it.

Step 2: Setup MegaLoad

1. Run the MegaLoad program
2. Click Open and locate the HEX file to program
3. Select the COM port that the ATMega is connected to (only COM1-COM19 are supported)
4. Connect the ATMega to the Windows PC
5. Reset the ATMega
6. MegaLoad should see the ATMega reset and will program the ATMega at the speed of light!

The MONITOR button opens up a basic terminal emulator for simple debugging.

The MegaLoad listens on the selected COM port for a handshake signal when the ATMega resets.  If MegaLoad isn't working make sure that the cable is correctly connected.  Use the MONITOR button to verify that communication is working between the ATMega and Windows.