How to Set Up PonyProg for AVR and PIC MicrocontrollersPonyProg is a lightweight, widely used serial programmer for various microcontrollers and EEPROMs. Although it’s older software, it remains useful for hobbyists and professionals who need a simple, reliable way to read, write, and verify device memory over common serial interfaces (RS-232, USB-to-serial, or simple parallel/ICSP adapters). This guide walks through choosing hardware, installing PonyProg, configuring it for AVR and PIC microcontrollers, performing basic operations, and troubleshooting common issues.
What you’ll need
- A PC running Windows (PonyProg has native Windows builds) or Linux (requires Wine or native builds where available).
- PonyProg software (download from a trusted archive).
- A serial interface to the target: one of the following:
- RS-232 serial port (direct) or USB-to-RS232 adapter.
- USB-based programmers that present a serial interface (e.g., FTDI cable configured for bit-banged mode or an AVR ISP that PonyProg supports).
- For PIC: a PICkit (note: modern PICkit2/3 typically use vendor software; PonyProg supports some parallel/ICSP methods).
- Wiring/adapters appropriate to your microcontroller (ISP/ICSP adapter, breakout with MISO/MOSI/SCK/RESET/GND/VCC where needed).
- Target microcontroller (AVR: e.g., ATmega328P; PIC: e.g., PIC16F877A).
- Optional: logic-level converter if your interface and target use different voltages (e.g., 3.3V vs 5V).
Installing PonyProg
Windows
- Download the PonyProg installer or portable archive from a reputable source.
- Run the installer or extract the archive. PonyProg typically installs an executable and some driver/config files.
- If using a USB-to-serial adapter, install the adapter drivers (FTDI, Prolific, CH340, etc.) per the manufacturer. Confirm the adapter appears as a COM port in Device Manager.
- If using a special programmer that needs drivers, install them before running PonyProg.
Linux
- Option A: Native build (if available for your distro). Use package manager or compiled binary.
- Option B: Run the Windows executable under Wine. Install Wine, then run ponyprog.exe with Wine. Configure Wine to expose serial devices (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
- Ensure your user has permission to access serial devices (add to the dialout or tty group, or use sudo).
Basic PonyProg layout and options
- Port selection: choose the COM port or device corresponding to your serial interface.
- Device selection: pick the target chip from the device list. PonyProg contains built-in profiles for many AVRs and PICs.
- Reference voltage / Vpp control: set whether PonyProg supplies target power or the target is self-powered (important for correct programming voltages).
- Read/Write/Verify/Erase: basic operations accessible via toolbar or menus.
- Hex/ASCII view: memory displayed in hex and often ASCII for EEPROM/Flash viewing.
- Configuration settings: bit order, baud rate, and interface type can be adjusted for some hardware.
Wiring and connection details
General tips
- Always connect common ground between programmer and target.
- Ensure correct voltage levels (do not exceed target’s Vcc). Use level shifters if necessary.
- Confirm RESET/PGM/VPP lines: PICs often need a high programming voltage (Vpp) on the MCLR line; AVRs use RESET for entering programming mode.
AVR (SPI/ISP)
- Typical ISP pins: MOSI (Master Out Slave In), MISO (Master In Slave Out), SCK (Serial Clock), RESET, VCC, GND.
- Standard 6-pin ISP connector pinout (from target perspective) is commonly:
- MISO
- VCC
- SCK
- MOSI
- RESET
- GND
- Use an AVR ISP adapter or bit-banged serial programmer wired accordingly. If using USB-to-serial, you may need an adapter that exposes these signals or a dedicated ISP programmer.
PIC (ICSP or serial)
- ICSP pins: Vpp/MCLR (programming voltage), Vdd (VCC), Vss (GND), PGD (data), PGC (clock). Optional PGM for low-voltage programming on some devices.
- For older PICs, PonyProg can use parallel port or low-level serial bit-bang methods; modern Windows systems without a parallel port may require a dedicated supported programmer or adapter.
- Ensure the programmer can provide the required Vpp (typically ~13V for many PICs) or that an external source is available.
Configuring PonyProg for AVR
- Launch PonyProg.
- Select the correct COM port (e.g., COM3).
- From the device list, choose your AVR model (e.g., ATmega328P). If not listed, choose a close family member or use a generic device cautiously—mismatches can brick chips.
- Set the target power option:
- If PonyProg/programmer supplies Vcc, select “Power target from programmer” and choose the correct voltage.
- If target is self-powered, select “Target powered externally.”
- Configure programming mode—select “AVR (SPI)” or the appropriate interface.
- Click “Read Device” to attempt to read the signature and confirm connection. If successful, PonyProg will display device signature and memory contents.
- To write a hex file: File → Load S-Record/HEX, then Program → Write or Program → Write All. After writing, run Verify to confirm.
AVR fuse and lock bits
- PonyProg may allow reading/writing fuse bytes. Be careful: incorrect fuse settings (clock source, reset disable) can make the MCU unresponsive. Always have a recovery plan (e.g., high-voltage programmer) before changing critical fuses.
Configuring PonyProg for PIC
- Launch PonyProg.
- Select the COM port or interface device.
- From the device list, choose the exact PIC model (e.g., PIC16F877A). Correct selection is more critical for PICs.
- Specify whether the target is powered from the programmer or externally. For Vpp, ensure the programmer supplies the required programming voltage if needed.
- Select ICSP or the correct interface PonyProg will use.
- Click “Read Device” to detect the PIC and read device memory.
- To write: Load the HEX file (Intel HEX commonly used), then use the Write/Program command and Verify afterwards.
Low-voltage programming (LVP) note
- Some PICs have LVP mode enabled by setting specific configuration bits; if LVP is active, normal programming via high-voltage may be blocked. If you encounter issues, check/configure the LVP bit using a proper programmer.
Example: Programming an ATmega328P via a USB-Serial bit-banged adapter
- Wire MOSI/MISO/SCK/RESET/VCC/GND between adapter and target.
- In PonyProg, select the adapter’s COM port and the device ATmega328P.
- Choose AVR (SPI) mode and confirm target power selection.
- Click Read Device—if device signature reads correctly proceed.
- Load an Intel HEX or SREC file, Program → Write, then Verify.
Example: Programming a PIC16F877A using a PonyProg-supported ICSP programmer
- Connect Vpp, Vdd, Vss, PGD, PGC to corresponding pins on PIC.
- Ensure programmer set to supply Vpp ≈ 12–13V if PIC requires it.
- In PonyProg select PIC16F877A, choose ICSP interface, and read device signature.
- Load HEX, program, verify.
Verifying and reading back
- Always run Verify after programming; PonyProg compares written data to the device memory and reports mismatches.
- Use Read/Save to backup existing device memory and configuration before making changes. Save both EEPROM and Flash if relevant.
- For PICs, also read and note configuration words (fuse equivalents) before changing them.
Common problems and fixes
Problem: Device signature not found / Read fails
- Check COM port selection and adapter drivers.
- Confirm wiring and common ground.
- Ensure correct target power and Vpp presence (PIC).
- For USB-to-serial, try a different adapter chip (FTDI is most reliable).
- Lower serial baudrate or change bit-bang timing if using slow adapter.
Problem: Programming fails or verify mismatch
- Check target voltage and connection stability.
- The target may be running or using the I/O pins needed for programming—hold the device in reset or power-cycle into programming mode.
- Make sure clock sources (external crystal vs. internal) are correctly configured; many AVRs need a clock to respond to ISP unless fuses disable that requirement.
Problem: Parallel-port-based programmer not working on modern PC
- Use a USB-to-parallel adapter usually won’t work for bit-banged programming. Instead, use a USB-based ISP programmer or an FTDI bit-banged interface supported by PonyProg.
Problem: Wrong device selection causes bricked MCU
- If possible, use a high-voltage programmer or vendor tool to recover. Keep backups of firmware and original config/fuse words.
Alternatives and when to use them
- For AVR development, consider AVRDude (command-line) and modern USB programmers (AVRISP mkII, USBasp, Atmel-ICE) for better support and reliability.
- For PIC, Microchip’s MPLAB and PICkit tools provide robust support for modern PICs.
- Use PonyProg when you need a simple GUI for quick reads/writes, when working with legacy setups, or when a compatible serial-based adapter is already available.
Quick checklist before programming
- Correct device selected in PonyProg.
- Proper COM port and drivers installed.
- Stable Vcc and common ground.
- Required programming voltage (Vpp) present for PICs.
- Backup of existing memory/configuration.
- Verify after programming.
PonyProg remains a useful tool for simple programming tasks and legacy hardware. With correct wiring, device selection, and attention to voltage/clock requirements, it can reliably program many AVR and PIC microcontrollers.
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