Atmel AVR Programmers/Debuggers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: helloworld922
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 10:24:41 pm
content: I'm considering getting a programmer/debugger so I can begin working with AVR chips more seriously (Arduino just isn't cutting it anymore)Originally I was thinking of purchasing the AVR Dragon because it's the cheapest offering from Atmel (~$50 at this time), but I realized that this device doesn't come with a any of the necessary components (cables, sockets, etc.) to begin development out-of-the-box, and doesn't have any kind of a case so I have doubts about the survive-ability of this device.The next step up are the JTAGICE devices Atmel sells. Curiously, though, they're offering the JTAGICE3 for ~$100 while the JTAGICE mkII is selling for around $400!As far as I can tell, both models support the exact same list of devices, and support the same range of programming/debugging interfaces. The JTAGICE3 is suppose to be the "new-comer" for the JTAGICE product line, and is advertised to be able to upload programs faster (supposedly 2x for a 256k program to an XMega via JTAG).The other major difference I was able to find was that the JTAGICE mkII supports RS-232 and external power in addition to USB 2.0 Full Speed, while the JTAGICE3 is USB 2.0 Hi Speed only.Included accessories with the JTAGICE mkII:JTAGICEmkII unit with probe attachedRS232 CablePower Cable with 5.5/2.1mm DC plugRibbon cable 10-pin Male JTAG to 6-pin Female ISPJTAGICE Interface cable - multicolour 'squid'USB High Speed cable, 1.8mSpare 30 lead flat flex cableIncluded accessories with the JTAGICE3:JTAGICE3 unitUSB High Speed cable ~1.5m50-mil squid cable50-mil IDC cableAdapter kit consisting of 10-pin 100 mil, 6-pin 100 mil, and 6-pin 50 milThe specs are so similar to each other I don't understand why anyone would purchase the JTAGICE mkII over the JTAGICE3, unless you needed RS-232 support (which I don't). Is there any reason why I should even consider the JTAGICE mkII over the JTAGICE3? Are there any other programmers/debuggers I should consider?Lastly, do these products come out-of-the-box ready to use (provided I have the actual MCU, I can understand that not being included)? What I want to avoid is the need to have to source cables, sockets, etc. that it seems like I would need to do with the AVR Dragon.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 10:45:20 pm
content: The mkII still works with the old Studio 4, while the 3 requires Atmel Studio 5 or 6. And many people are not ready to deal with the Studio 5/6 mess, although Studio 4 lacks features. Further people still buy the mkII because they trust it. And in light of the fact that Atmel doesn't warrant their tools people like to stick with what they know.But in general the mkII is on its way out and Atmel keeps the price high in order to convince people to move to the 3.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2012, 12:02:21 am
content: Is the mkIII supported by third party software like avrdude yet? Last time I checked it was only supported by AS 5/6, nothing else.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2012, 12:59:07 am
content: Quote from: alm on December 22, 2012, 12:02:21 amIt isn't. Personally I'd buy Dragon just because it's much cheaper and I use Eclipse for AVRs, I don't think any other Atmel dev tool is worth the money where there is so many alternatives. I'll get Dragon when I start playing with Xmegas and have some spare money.

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2012, 02:45:31 pm
content: Quote from: McMonster on December 22, 2012, 12:59:07 amIs it already capable of debugging via JTAG?

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2012, 03:13:33 pm
content: Quote from: aluck on December 22, 2012, 02:45:31 pmThe manual says it is.

author: ales22
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 09:18:42 am
content: Dragon supported devices:http://support.atmel.no/knowledgebase/avrstudiohelp/mergedProjects/AVRDragon/AVRDragon.htmI use Dragon for debugging ATMega32 at this boardhttp://zestawyuruchomieniowe.pl/en/11-evb-43v4-atmega644p-profesional.htmland it works excellent.But Dragon doesn't have the best I/O ports protection, so be careful when connecting target board via ISP or JTAG, especially if the target is self powered. Also you shouldn't have mess at your table, like cutted part's legs or solder wire. Dragon comes in nice paper box which can be used as improvised protection.