AVR-Chat

Multiple Msg replies below:
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> From: dr_cagri_tanriover
> 
> Hi Chuck,
> 
> Sorry to hear that your Dragon had a fault.
> 
> I think getting such a cheap board repaired may cost more to you in labour
> and parts than simply buying a brand new one. Dragon costs about $45 so I
> think you are better off buying a new one rather than getting it repaired.

Yea, I'm afraid you're right.  If I had the schematic there would be some
hope but I'm shooting in the dark.

> Getting a new one may also be faster so your work will not be interrupted
> for long.

Luckily I'm not at a critical point like I was when I switched from
ATMega32's to ATMega1284p's and I had to get the Dragon because my trusty
ECROS Ice Cube wouldn't handle them.

That time I paid for overnight shipping on the Dragon because I was in a
bind - the shipping cost me almost as much as the Dragon!  :-(

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> From: Emerson Santos
> 
> See it ...
> 
> http://www.8051projects.net/lofiversion/t45042/repairing-dead-avr-dragon-
> board-bugg-fixing-tips.html

My board was a newer model with slightly different parts placement but
similar.  I removed the switching PS chip and installed the wire but no go.
The Dragon board still kills the 5v Vcc on my board when I plug in the
Dragon.

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> From: David Kelly
> .... 
> I have a couple of dead Dragons. Love the concept but something is
delicate.
> While a JTAG ICE mk-II is more expensive I don't seem to blow them up.
> ....

What is the advantage of the mk-II over the Dragon (other than the fact that
the Dragon seems fragile ... which may be enough in itself)?

> The ECROS ICE-Cube is another good one. Takes a licking and keeps on
> ticking. But not the Dragon.

Yup, my ICE-Cube is still alive and well and usable for my ATMega32 boards
but not for the ATMega128p boards :-(

Atmel should hire ECROS to consult on an improved Dragon design :-)
 
Cheers,

Chuck Hackett
"Good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgment"
7.5" gauge Union Pacific Northern (4-8-4) 844
http://www.whitetrout.net/Chuck