README for Advanced AVR Flasher GUI

Overview

The Advanced AVR Flasher GUI is a PyQt6-based desktop application designed to simplify programming, managing, and troubleshooting AVR microcontrollers. It provides a user-friendly interface for chip selection, flashing firmware, reading/writing EEPROM, manipulating fuse bits, and performing verification and debugging tasks. The application leverages the avrdude command-line tool for low-level interactions with AVR devices.

Features

1. Chip Database: Comprehensive support for a wide range of AVR microcontrollers (ATmega, ATtiny, ATxmega, AVR32, AT90).
2. Flash Operations:
   • Select and write firmware in .hex format.
   • Read and verify flash memory.
3. EEPROM Operations:
   • Read, write, and verify EEPROM data.
4. Fuse Management:
   • View and modify fuse settings.
   • Restore default fuse values for the selected chip.
5. Advanced Options:
   • Configure bit clock period and retry count for programming.
   • Enable/disable options like erase before writing, fuse verification, etc.
6. Console Output:
   • Real-time display of avrdude command outputs and progress.
7. Settings Persistence:
   • Save and restore user preferences for chip family, advanced settings, and other options.

Requirements

Software

• Python 3.8+
• Required Python Libraries:
  • PyQt6
  • json
  • subprocess
• avrdude (Installed and configured in the system PATH)

Hardware

• Supported AVR microcontroller with an appropriate programmer (e.g., USBasp, STK500).

Installation

1. Clone or download the repository containing this file.
2. Ensure Python 3.8+ is installed on your system.
3. Install required Python packages:

   pip install PyQt6

4. Ensure avrdude is installed:
   • For Linux:

     sudo apt install avrdude

   • For Windows: Download and install the latest version of avrdude and add it to your PATH.
5. Run the application:

   python advance.py

Usage Instructions

1. Launching the Application:

   • Run python advance.py from the command line.
   • The main window will appear, displaying multiple tabs for chip selection, flash operations, EEPROM, fuse management, and advanced settings.

2. Chip Selection:

   • Select the chip family from the drop-down menu.
   • Choose the specific chip model.

3. Flash Operations:

   • Use the "Select Hex File" button to load your firmware.
   • Write to flash memory using the "Write Flash" button.
   • Read or verify existing flash memory using "Read Flash" or "Verify Flash".

4. EEPROM Operations:

   • Use the "Select EEPROM File" button to choose an EEPROM file.
   • Write data to EEPROM with "Write EEPROM".
   • Read or verify EEPROM data using the corresponding buttons.

5. Fuse Management:

   • View default or existing fuse settings.
   • Modify values and write them using the "Write Fuses" button.
   • Restore default fuse values with "Reset to Defaults".

6. Console Output:

   • Monitor progress and error messages in real-time via the console window at the bottom of the application.
   • Use the "Clear Console" button to reset the output.

7. Advanced Options:

   • Configure bit clock period and retry count.
   • Enable or disable options like erase-before-write and fuse verification.

Developer Notes

• The CHIP_DATABASE provides detailed specifications for various AVR chips, including memory sizes, default fuse values, and descriptions. This can be expanded as needed.
• AvrdudeWorker is implemented using PyQt's QThread to execute commands asynchronously, ensuring the GUI remains responsive.
• Settings are managed using QSettings, allowing user preferences to persist between sessions.

Troubleshooting

• Missing Dependencies:
  • Ensure all required Python packages are installed.
  • Verify avrdude is correctly installed and accessible from the command line.
• Permission Errors:
  • On Linux, ensure your user has permissions to access the programmer hardware (e.g., USBasp).
• Chip Not Detected:
  • Verify connections, programmer setup, and chip selection.
  • Check the chip's documentation for correct fuse and clock configurations.

Acknowledgments

This project simplifies AVR microcontroller programming and management, making it accessible for hobbyists and professionals. It relies on the powerful avrdude tool for core functionality.

Future Enhancements

• Integration with additional programmers and interfaces.
• Support for advanced debugging protocols.
• Improved error handling and diagnostics.

Enjoy programming your AVR microcontrollers with ease! 🚀