ARDUINO with ATmega8A-PU not working - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:09:06 pm
content: I recently ordered Arduino with Atmega328P from ebay, but today when i got it on chip it says Atmega8A-PU and in Arduino IDE when i try to load blink example it says this following error 'avrdude: Expected signature for ATMEGA328P is 1E 95 0FDouble check chip, or use -F to override this check.Is there anyway i can get it working ?

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:26:21 pm
content: How about treating it as an atmega8-based arduino?

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:27:22 pm
content: What You mean by that ?

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:30:17 pm
content: Change the board type in the menu.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:32:39 pm
content: I already tried that now it says 'avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00'...

author: uprightsquire
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:34:42 pm
content: Would it even have the bootloader on it?Get a refund.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:53:06 pm
content: I dont know, how can i check it ? i am really new to this stuff, this is my first arduino. I will get refund for sure but im just wondering could i get this working....

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 10:55:14 pm
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 17, 2014, 10:09:06 pmI rest my case.

author: uprightsquire
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 11:13:42 pm
content: assuming you've plugged it inIf you've selected 'arduino-ng with atmega8' from the boards menu and it doesnt load your sketch - no bootloader.if you have another arduino or an avr programmer you can burn a bootloader, but otherwise....

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 11:23:26 pm
content: I have only one Arduino, so basically im doomed ?

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 12:01:01 am
content: Based on the little information you have provided, yes.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 12:06:47 am
content: What more info do Ya need ? Maybe i have missed something....

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 12:10:51 am
content: I actually need nothing.You do.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 12:33:56 am
content: You need info in order to help me. As i said, I am new to this stuff....I am just asking for help. As i said, I gave You all info that i am aware of, maybe i missed something.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 01:13:47 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 17, 2014, 10:09:06 pmProvide link to listing you purchased.Provide photo showing what you got.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 01:50:57 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/301105919701?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649i Dunno why it shows 59 $ price now because I got it for 9,58 dollars. What i got is thishttp://imageshack.com/a/img834/4746/keic.jpg

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:02:37 am
content: I'd contact the seller and request refund, the listing states all specs as for 328, but the board has an 8. You can see the differences herehttp://avrprogrammers.com/articles/AVR/atmega8-vs-atmega328If they don't, paypal dispute.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:05:10 am
content: Already did that. So there isnt any way to make this work right ?

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:06:22 am
content: Listen closely......No.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:12:39 am
content: Lol, ok.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:13:39 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 18, 2014, 02:05:10 amIf it doesn't have a bootloader, and you don't have an ISP programmer, or another arduino to act as one, then you can do nothing.I wouldn't bother anyway, there is no sense in using an ATMega8, the 328 is what you want.Unless you want to use "shields", then I would just buy a Pro-Mini from ebay, make sure it's the 5v 16MHz version. And a CP2102 based USB - Serial adapter.If you do want to use "shields", then I would buy a Diavolino from evilmadscience.com and solder it yourself, because you learn something doing that, even if it's just soldering practice (and the Diavolino's look cool). And again, a CP2102 adapter.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:20:52 am
content: Awesome, thanks for info ! But i have one small question(again), if i buy Atmega328P already with bootloader and put it in this board, will it work ?

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:22:38 am
content: Could he buy an ATmega328P-PU and replace the chip?The picture in Ebay clearly shows it's a ATMega8A-PU and they say it's "compatible" shady, and for what, 14 cents price difference?You can find the chip from Ebay for $3 free shipping from china (couple of months to get it?) and hopefully they don't cheat you again. From mouser etc with shipping $10 but your best bet is to ask for a refund and/or dispute.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 02:31:59 am
content: The funny fact is that there is second this very same Arduino coming because orginally, this one was missing while it was in transist, so i said them to send another one, but today this 'missing' Arduino came.....

author: FreddyVictor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 07:38:48 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on April 18, 2014, 02:22:38 amseems like a good idea to help OPTBH, seems expensive for a chinese knock-off ...

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 03:43:33 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on April 18, 2014, 02:22:38 amJameco is another choice. The 328's with boot loader is about $5.50 if I remember correctly, and min order is $10. So get a pair and if it works, you have one for each. They sell both with and without boot loader. The one without bootloader is a buck or so cheaper. So make sure you select the right one and don't just click on the lower price choice.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 04:30:27 am
content: I'm pretty surprised every time someone says "you need a programmer", when all you really need is a PC with a parallel port and a few wires... the official Arduino site even has a page on how to do it:http://arduino.cc/en/Hacking/ParallelProgrammerAlternatively, readthe datasheet's programming protocol section, wire up a pair of debounced pushbuttons, and with the appropriate hex file printed out or visible on your PC,write the bootloader to it bit-by-bit. Bootstrap an Arduino the "old-school" way.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 05:00:05 am
content: Quote from: amyk on April 19, 2014, 04:30:27 amI thought the guy needed a programmer of some sort also. I didn't know one can do that! Thanks for pointing it out. That looks like something fun to try.Rick

author: Zeta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:05:09 am
content: Quote from: amyk on April 19, 2014, 04:30:27 amMost current PCs/Laptops dond't have a Parallel port, thats why the easiest advice is often to get a cheap programmer.BTW, op, the ebay listing shows clearly in the pictures that it has an atmega8 as main processor. Your fault for getting the wrong board, on the other hand if the board does not work then ok get a refund and/or drop a bootloaded atmega328 in the socket

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:25:45 am
content: The said they will give full refund within 2 days, altrough they wanted me give just 5 dollars lol I will drop 328P inside because i did a little research and i am not only one who had a 328P board with 8A-PU chip. The board looks actually prtetty nice, 50v caps, male and female connectors, good soldering job on there, nicely placed buttons etc.

author: bxs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:50:34 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 19, 2014, 10:25:45 amSo you got 2 arduino boards for nothingI don't give a damn about arduino but I wanted some Atmel chips and the cheapest way was buying arduino boards, so I bought I board like yours but with atmega328p, like yours in description it said that have the a 328p but also the Atmega 16U2 but it only have a USB-RS232 bridge, I actually wanted the USB chip to things like keyboards etc.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:52:21 am
content: What ? i will pop in a 328P chip in those board and i will have fully working 2 arduinos for like 5 bucks.

author: bxs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:59:07 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 19, 2014, 10:52:21 amThe board itself is OK, just put some 328 chips with bootloader and it will work fine, my board actually came with a 238p chip, just didn't had the USB Atmel chip.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 11:01:32 am
content: Yup, thats what i will do ! Thanks for info !

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 10:07:06 pm
content: Just make sure you put the chip in the right orientation and you'll be ok I think.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2014, 08:27:33 pm
content: If you're in the US you could probably get a few sample 328 pdip chips from Atmel.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2014, 08:37:20 pm
content: Sounds awesome but I am from Latvia, i guess ill just buy few (with bootloader ofc) from china, usually parcels from china arrive in ~20 days

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 02:27:40 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 20, 2014, 08:37:20 pmMake sure they are indeed 328's. When I was hunting (before I learned to burn the boot loader), I saw some "good deals" and they turn out not to be 328's - only 8K of flash but otherwise suppose to be exactly the same - probably the exact ones you got now. And the "real" 328's I found on eBay wasn't that much of a deal. I ended up getting a pair from Jameco here in the US.Read the fine prints!By the way, burning the loader is not difficult particularly if you have a working Arduino. Well worth learning. Even if you don't care saving just a couple of dollars per chip, it takes away "the fear factor" by know you can replacement them with bare ones readily.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 02:50:56 am
content: Hehe, thanks for info, will try to get some real 328's !

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 03:58:52 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 21, 2014, 02:50:56 amproblKeep in mind that there is a atmel AVR mega328 chip and a mega328P chip. Minor differences, but they have different signature bytes embedded into them and can cause problems when trying to burn the bootloader from the arduino IDE. The arduino platform supports and uses the 328P version.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 04:07:08 pm
content: I saw some atmega328p altready with bootloader for 6 dollars, i guess i will get those ! UPDATE: they refunded me ALL money !

author: Jarrod Roberson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 04:21:15 pm
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 18, 2014, 01:50:57 amThat isn't an Arduino, they should have never called it that, and you shouldn't either.http://arduino.cc/en/Products/CounterfeitWhat you got was a no-name knock-off that claims Arduino compatibility, which isn't.Get the real deal, they aren't that expensive and the guys in Italy deserve the few $ for their hard work and marketing efforts and promoting the platform and development of the platform.The saying, "you get what you pay for" was created for a reason.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2014, 04:30:35 pm
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 21, 2014, 04:07:08 pmKeep in mind that there are two different versions of the 328p arduino bootloaders, one for the current Uno boards and another for the older arduino 328p board versions. Either will work but you might have to try selecting different board selection options in the arduino IDE, as the baud rate is 'hard coded' in the bootloader and are different for the current and older boards.

author: paulie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2014, 04:36:42 pm
content: Quote from: Jarrod Roberson on April 21, 2014, 04:21:15 pmtechnically it isnt an arduino product because it wasnt made in italy but surely is "100% compatible". too bad cloners who provide an excellent service for bargain hunters are cheated by noobs and derided by brand name fanboys. if they had described it as "original", "genuine", or "vintage" i would agree there was misinformation but they claimed it was 328 compatible which it is and clearly showed an m8 installed which was.Quote from: Jarrod Roberson on April 21, 2014, 04:21:15 pmmainly to make it easier to sucker those with more money than brains. which it does.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2014, 08:55:05 pm
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 21, 2014, 04:07:08 pmSo now you got a free AVR? Put a bootloader on it and use it as an Arduino, or learn to just use a bare MCU.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2014, 09:50:33 pm
content: QuoteIt seems to me that the seller accurately described the products, and you got 1 (or 2?) aruidno for free.I assume that1) you know the right thing to do in this case; and2) you will do the right thing.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2014, 10:14:23 pm
content: Two.I guess they didnt because it clearly said it has 328P chip inside...And what would be the right thing to do ?

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 12:06:33 am
content: Quote from: Shobos on April 22, 2014, 10:14:23 pmThey were quite clear that it is a 328p compatible in the title, and from the eBay page:"Package Content:1 x ATmega328P Version Board1 x USB Cable"Theydidn'tsay "1x Compatible board with ATMega328P installed" But they were not clear that it is NOT installed with the ATMega32P - except in the picture.Frankly, if I am eBay adjuster and I got the complain, I probably rule with the seller.What remains an open issue is, how compatible is it and when you do get your bootloader-loaded MCU, will it work and how well.Perhaps once you get it working, subtracting the cost of the new pre-loaded MCU, contact the seller and pay him back the difference, so you got a couple of extra chips you can learn to burn boot-loaders with, and the seller get a hell of a good day knowing there are good people out there - he probably doesn't understand what you are trying to do anyway because many of the sellers are awful with their English.An alternative is merely donate a portion of the difference to your favorite charity...Next time when you walk by those donation box/jar, just be a little more generous.

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 04:06:13 am
content: Oh come on. In this context "compatible" means "not a real Arduino board", which addresses the "counterfeit" vs "clone" argument, but in no way allows for them to ship a board with a Mega8 rather than a mega328. Unless it actually said "MEGA8 cpu" in the description somewhere. Pictures don't count, except in the case where the description says "exactly as pictured."

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 04:51:25 am
content: Quote from: Rick Law on April 23, 2014, 12:06:33 amIf you look a bit further up in the description you quoted, you'll also see:QuoteThey specifically say it's a '328, and the specs are of a device with twice as many PWM outputs & 4x the memory of an ATmega8.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 05:49:23 am
content: Quote from: Tac Eht Xilef on April 23, 2014, 04:51:25 amI think, if I understood right, the money back was due to the length of time wait (thus unsure if it will ever get there.) And it did get there.Staying on "if the refund was due to wrong chip" hypothetically...Yeah, I saw what you quoted too and I found that confusing as well. Question is the way it was stated, does features describes the content or describes the capability of the board. I wont go buy a 4 passenger car expecting it to come with 4 passengers. So features of what it supports is not necessarily what is equipped.Since the package content did not clearly say it is equipped with that chip, add to that a picture clearly showing it doesn't come equipped with that chip - I would therefore not conclude it came with that chip. Given that conclusion I drew, for me, I would not feel justify asking for money back.

author: Shobos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 05:56:35 am
content: Money back was due to wrong chip. As seller said to me, someone had delivered wrong chips for this board because seller told me too that there should be 328P inside not this ATmegaA8...

author: paulie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 11:10:54 pm
content: Quote from: westfw on April 23, 2014, 04:06:13 amyou are making up your own definitions. this is ok as long as you preface every discussion with your interpretation. id suggest real ardunio boards are "arduino compatible".Quote from: westfw on April 23, 2014, 04:06:13 amunfortunately ebay customer service will disagree. with over two thousand transactions and opened 100+ cases i have a good idea what the rules are. pics generally considered #1 and verbal descriptions not far behind. that said chinese sellers do play loose with both and imo its fair to take them to task when they go too far. for example as mentioned "arduino" is put in virtually every listing now but experienced buyers know to ignore. 24l01 and 7105 in every transceiver chip ad is another. it can get tiresome when you are actually trying to locate something.kinda a reflection of american marketing tricks (ever try to actually take advantage of "free cell phone" deal?). imo ebay should clamp down to protect sellers from beginners if nothing else.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2014, 11:55:16 pm
content: I'll only comment in general about my experience with buying maybe 100 E-bay items from Asian sellers over the years. As a retired hobbyist the low prices allow me to buy lots of stuff on impulse that I would most likely never consider buying otherwise. I usually don't spend much time selecting specific sellers, just a quick look at their feedback rating. I've only had a few cases where the wrong thing was sent for example ordered a could of dual-gang pots and received single gang pots. The seller only asked that I take a picture of what I got and send to him, and he resent the order and said to just keep the wrong ones. I've found that they generally really work hard to maintain a high positive feedback rating. Being on the west coast I usually get my stuff in 10-12 days, but a few have taken longer.As a long time arduino forum member there was always a lot of concern/anger from several even many about the Asians cloning of arduino boards at much lower prices. Being open source hardware that is to be expected and the Arduino company only asked that their trademark name Arduino not be used in their clone copies and over the years more and more are doing that, using 'arduino compatible' rather then just copying the arduino silk screening. Still many in the arduino world feel that buying cut-rate asian arduino boards is not the right thing to do. I'm somewhat in the middle and feel any beginner should first buy a 'real' arduino, but after that the clones are too good a deal and one can not live on one arduino board alone. I've found the quality of the Asian clones to fine so far.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2014, 07:53:48 am
content: I just needed a couple of Atmega328P without bootloader but this are cheaper than the virgin ones:http://www.dipmicro.com/store/CPU-ARD328PThey have free shipping on orders greater than $15 using coupon code: ILOVECANADA

author: paulie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2014, 12:35:45 pm
content: you can get 5 of them with free shipping on ebay for less than they charge for 1:http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-NEW-ATMEGA328P-PU-DIP-28-Microcontrolle-r-With-ARDUINO-UNO-Bootloader-Li2-/360914886927?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item540834210fif you shop smart (bid, bo, aliexpress, etc) and buy a few more its even possible to get cost down to a dollar and change. m8 as low as 40 cents.