How to program the ATTiny85 on MacOS Sierra

attiny85-on-sierra.md

How to program the ATTiny85 on MacOS Sierra

Check MacOS version

$ sw_vers 
ProductName:	Mac OS X
ProductVersion:	10.11.6
BuildVersion:	15G1611

Check usb connected

No driver should be necessary. Beware that it does not show up as a serial port

system_profiler SPUSBDataType | grep USBtinySPI
# USBtinySPI:
#   Product ID: 0x0c9f
#    Vendor ID: 0x1781
#    Version: 1.04
#    Serial Number: 512
#    Speed: Up to 1.5 Mb/sec
#    Location ID: 0x14243000 / 17
#    Current Available (mA): 1000
#    Current Required (mA): 200
#    Extra Operating Current (mA): 0

Test with different cables and USB hubs. The ports on the computer might not work bco USB3.

Setup and compile using Arduino

• In Arduino go 'Preferences'->'Additional Boards Manager URLs' and add https://raw.githubusercontent.com/damellis/attiny/ide-1.6.x-boards-manager/package_damellis_attiny_index.json.
• Go 'Tools'->'Boards' and choose 'ATtiny 25/45/85'
• Go 'Tools'->'Programmer' choose 'USBtinyISP'
• Go 'Sketch'->'Export compiled binary'

Upload

Download and compile micronucleus using make CONFIG=t85_default.

Finally we upload to device:

micronucleus --run Blink.hex/Blink.hex.ino.tiny8.hex

http://littlewire.github.io/

Hi. I'm trying to use it on Mac OS X 10.13.6, when I plugged in it doesn't show up in system_profiler SPUSBDataType (without the grep pipe to see all available devices in USB ports). When it's plugged it actually blinks the leds of the board module. Also in Arduino IDE doesn't show it up in the Ports selection. Any idea? I also tried to search for any drivers for Mac but all I can get where the Windows ones. Also tried to plugged on a Windows 7 Virtual Machine but VirtualBox doesn't recognize that is something plugged in the USB port.

@choringa I had problems with my macs ports. Had to use a specific cable over a USB-hub to get it working.

I tried this on :

sw_vers                                                                                        
ProductName:	Mac OS X
ProductVersion:	10.14.6
BuildVersion:	18G95

I see the following error:

system_profiler SPUSBDataType | grep USBtinySPI
2020-03-19 12:33:11.247 system_profiler[25696:2336149] SPUSBDevice: IOCreatePlugInInterfaceForService failed 0xe00002be

Tried different cables and USB hubs…

I get the same:

system_profiler SPUSBDataType | grep USBtinySPI

2020-04-04 00:05:16.544 system_profiler[11062:5013857]  SPUSBDevice: IOCreatePlugInInterfaceForService failed 0xe00002be

ProductName: Mac OS X
ProductVersion: 10.14.6
BuildVersion: 18G3020

as a beginner with the ATtinies I have absolute no clue what program I would have to use to compile „micronucleus“ :-(
Will Terminal do that for me?

as a beginner with the ATtinies I have absolute no clue what program I would have to use to compile „micronucleus“ :-(
Will Terminal do that for me?

Sorry, my notes are not meant as a beginners tutorial. Yes, you would download the source code and follow the process laid out by micronucleus in order to get that compiled. Probably using the Terminal.

Thank you for this fast response.

I documented my adventure and eventual success with some step by step instructions. Here it is in case it is helpful: https://www.jasonacox.com/wordpress/archives/518

Hi Jason, very well written and documented, thank you for this link. Too bad, I cannot find this specific programmer on Amazon or eBay. Any suggestions for a working substitute and what version of the Arduino IDE works best? Kind regards, Michael

…

Am 2/10/21 um 07:09 schrieb Jason Cox ***@***.***>: ***@***.*** commented on this gist. I documented my adventure and eventual success with some step by step instructions. Here it is in case it is helpful: https://www.jasonacox.com/wordpress/archives/518 — You are receiving this because you commented. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

I used this SparkFun AVR Programmer (Amazon Link) which works well with the Arduino IDE.

Just use a USB extension cable on a MacBook! I tried all but it will only work if it's not directly inserted in the USB-ports, strange but true.