Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@gurre
Last active June 7, 2023 12:28
Show Gist options
  • Save gurre/20441945fdcbb0c2f2c346d9f894a361 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save gurre/20441945fdcbb0c2f2c346d9f894a361 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
How to program the ATTiny85 on MacOS Sierra

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/

@jasonacox
Copy link

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

@Michl-Bo
Copy link

Michl-Bo commented Feb 8, 2021

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?

@gurre
Copy link
Author

gurre commented Feb 9, 2021

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.

@Michl-Bo
Copy link

Michl-Bo commented Feb 9, 2021

Thank you for this fast response.

@jasonacox
Copy link

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

@Michl-Bo
Copy link

Michl-Bo commented Feb 10, 2021 via email

@jasonacox
Copy link

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

@jpduhen
Copy link

jpduhen commented Dec 27, 2022

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.

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment