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Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting common issues with your ATmega32 project (Arduino IDE).
This guide escalates from basic hiccups to trickier stuff.


1. Start With the Basics

Board Not Detected on Upload

  • Make sure your USB-to-Serial converter (e.g., CH340, FTDI) is properly connected.
  • Double-check TX/RX wiring, they must be crossed (TX → RX, RX → TX).
  • Use the correct COM port in Arduino IDE.
  • Select "ATmega32 (external 16MHz)" if you're using a crystal oscillator.
  • Try pressing reset right before clicking upload (timing matters!).

2. Compilation or Upload Errors

“avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer not responding”

  • Check if bootloader is properly burned.
  • Use "Burn Bootloader" via another AVR (Arduino as ISP) before uploading code.
  • If you're using a bare chip (no bootloader), upload using ISP, not Serial.

3. Code Runs, But No Output

No Serial Output on Monitor

  • Ensure Serial.begin(19200); is set in setup(), baud rate must match your terminal.
  • Double-check TX (usually PD1) is correctly connected to USB-TTL adapter’s RX.
  • Use a terminal emulator like PuTTY, set to 19200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8N1).
  • Check if serial pins are inverted or if level shifting is needed (5V to 3.3V logic issue).
  • Avoid using the same pin for multiple functions, UART should be isolated during debugging.

No Power or Reset Behavior

  • Power supply must be regulated and stable (recommended: 5V @ 500mA+).
  • If using USB-TTL, ensure the VCC is not overloaded, add external power if needed.
  • Check for loose breadboard wires, damaged jumper cables, or dry solder joints.

4. I/O Not Behaving As Expected

Digital Inputs Always HIGH or LOW

  • Floating pins! Add pull-up or pull-down resistors (or use INPUT_PULLUP).
  • Avoid connecting buttons directly to VCC/GND without resistance.

5. SD Card, Sensors, or Peripherals Failing

SD Card Not Detected

  • Use software SPI if hardware SPI conflicts with other devices.
  • Lower SPI speed (SD.begin(CS, SPI_SPEED_SLOW)).
  • Check if your SD card module uses level shifting (not direct 5V).

Sensor Reads 0 or -1

  • Use I2C scanner to confirm device is detected.
  • Watch out for address mismatches.
  • Use external pull-up resistors if I2C is noisy or unreliable.

6. Stability & Power Problems

Random Resets or Glitches

  • Bad power supply? Try using a stable 5V adapter or LDO.
  • Add decoupling caps near power pins (100nF typical).
  • Check for brown-out reset issues (fuses might need adjusting).

Chip Heating Up

  • Double-check your wiring, especially VCC-GND short or incorrect polarity.
  • Some modules draw too much current, use heat sinks or proper regulators.

7. Still Broken?

Open a GitHub issue, send over your schematic, and describe what’s going wrong:
Submit an Issue

No worries — even pros get stuck sometimes. We're all in this silicon struggle together