SparkFun MicroView - USB Programmer

The MicroView is the first chip-sized Arduino compatible module that lets you see what your Arduino is thinking using a built-in OLED display. This USB programmer connects directly to the MicroView and lets you not only program the module, but use it to interface with your computer, Rapsberry Pi, or other USB device. The programmer has both male and female headers which allow it to be plugged into a MicroView module and a breadboard at the same time, making prototyping quick and easy.

If you want to learn more about the MicroView, check out the Kickstarter page.

Note: A MicroView OLED Arduino Module is NOT included with this USB Programmer. Check the Recommended Products section below to find one!

SparkFun MicroView - USB Programmer Product Help and Resources

SparkFun Inventor's Kit for MicroView

February 27, 2015

The SparkFun Inventor's Kit for MicroView follows our tried and true inventor's kit model, bringing you 11 simple yet fun experiments to introduce you to the SparkFun MicroView.

MicroView Hookup Guide

December 15, 2016

A quick tutorial to get you up and running with your MicroView Development Board.

Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Submariner pro / about 6 years ago * / 1

    Disclaimer: I have no intention of making you regret buying this so reading on is your choice. The MicroVeiw programmer and the MicroVeiw costs 55$ (Deep breath.....) The entire MicroVeiw inventors kit is only 50$ and it comes with the MicroVeiw+programmer+usb extension cable+wires+Leds+motor+breadboard+servo+sensors......I warned you.

  • Brad10 / about 7 years ago / 1

    It would be really helpful to point out on the product page that the programmer requires a USB extension cable (not a normal USB cable). If I hadn't found one in the bottom of my cable drawer, I probably would be throwing a little tantrum about now. I'm looking forward to lighting this thing up.

  • Member #795412 / about 8 years ago / 1

    So this can be programmed though the Arduino IDE?

    • M-Short / about 8 years ago / 1

      This is actually just the programmer/adapter board that lets you connect your Microview to your computer to program it. But the Microview can be programmed through the Arduino IDE, you will need to download the libraries and board files, but it uses the same microcontroller as the Arduino Uno.

  • Aristarco / about 8 years ago / 1

    Does it include the USB extension as depicted in photo 3? Or is it just the board?

    • M-Short / about 8 years ago / 1

      It is jut the board as seen in the first 2 pictures. The 3rd picture is more of an action shot showing it working.

  • whispers / about 10 years ago / 4

    Can you use a regular FTDI programmer instead? Or does the MicroView REQUIRE you to purchase/use this?

    • jimblom / about 10 years ago / 3

      An FTDI programmer will just about work. You'll need to add an external 0.1uF capacitor between the FTDI's DTR and the MicroView's reset pin to handle the auto-reset.

  • Member #468531 / about 10 years ago / 2

    HI, I received the kit with the microview and usb programmer. Works/looks nice. Question: Can I use the programmer to programm other arduino's without an onboard programmer? Like the pro mini ? And if so, is there a description about how to do so?

    Kind regards, Peter

    • Member #583612 / about 10 years ago / 1

      Yes, it's very easy to use - see http://t.co/rko3nYpKwa. The only caveat is TX and RX. For some reason, I had to connect RX to RX and TX to TX, but that's probably because I used microView pinout schema, not the USB loader schema.

    • Member #572753 / about 10 years ago * / 1

      Hello, Yes you can use the USB programmer to programm other arduino's boards. I made the test with a clone of an Arduino Pro Mini and it works fine only for 5V Arduino. (I don't think the 3V is managed) Pinout : USB Programmer =>Arduino, RX (2)=>TX, TX (1)=> RX, 5V=> VCC, GND =>GND, RST=>DTR

  • Member #383017 / about 9 years ago * / 1

    OK... Weird happenings with this guy... I have a an I2C device MLX90614 Temperature Sensor Properly pulled up to 3.3V SDA, SCL. + .1 uf Bypass cap @ the MLX90613 3.3 V in (measures 3.25V) Interfaced to UView Pins A4 A5

    But the MicroView only properly reads I2C from MLX when this programmer is inserted between my host circuit and the uView.. (Regardless as to whether connected to USB or not)

    Does anyone have any ideas?

    The schematic says the only Pins 1 8, 9, 10, 15 are touched on the UView programmer.

    Is that really true? If I wanted to simulate the same loading, or capacitive effect of the programmer, what would you recommend to make the host circuit act like the uView programmer?

  • Member #92479 / about 9 years ago / 1

    Hi I have one of these and it works great with the microview but I am wondering if I can use this to program a arduino pro mini? 3.3v or 5v or both. If so how to...

  • Member #375875 / about 9 years ago / 1

    Can I use USB host shield (http://www.circuitsathome.com/products-page/arduino-shields/usb-host-shield-for-arduino-pro-mini) with MicroView? I read from somewhere that since MicroView uses SPI port and the USB host shield needs that, it wouldn't work. Is that true? Is there a workaround? Thanks!

  • Member #383017 / about 10 years ago / 1

    What pins are dedicated for MicroView USB Programmer use? I've find I have some odd behaviors when I leave the programmer inserted between the MicroView and the host "shield" (my interface to a couple temp sensors, FET, and piezo-beeper.)... Just beginning to chase this down.. It would be great if a schematic were posted somewhere. Trying to use D2 D3, D4.

    • M-Short / about 10 years ago / 1

      As its basically an Arduino it uses the hardware serial lines for programming. Otherwise you should be good. I'll get the schematics put up ASAP, and if you are still having problems email techsupport@sparkfun.com and they should be able to help you.

  • jorge / about 10 years ago / 1

    Just wondering in relation to recent events. Is the FTDI chip on the programmer board legit?

    • M-Short / about 10 years ago / 1

      Yes, we actually just posted on the front page an article talking about this. All of our FTDI chips should be legit.

  • Member #189324 / about 10 years ago / 1

    I just got my 6 pack with two programmers. With both programmers and two units I get: avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00 Using Codebender.cc it gives a no response. I did choose Arduino UNO as my Board, is there a certain setting for Programmer? COM ports are active (8 and 9), it appears that the RX led blinks slowly several times but I never see the TX blink.

    Thanks

    • Alasdair Allan / about 10 years ago / 1

      There is a problem with the bootloader on the MicroView, seehttps://www.sparkfun.com/news/1575. Walkthrough to fix the problem at http://makezine.com/2014/08/20/are-you-experiencing-problems-with-your-new-microview/.

  • Member #570602 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Hi! Loving the Microview Learner's Kit so far... but, the USB programmer seems to have failed after limited use (computer does not detect, not visible on COM port, yet microview is powered - error duplicated on two PCs). Just wanted to post something so that Sparkfun might detect a defect in their manufacturing, if premature failures are experienced elsewhere.

    Also, ask if Kickstarter backers can get in line to buy a replacement sooner than otherwise available? (or even better, if Sparkfun has any sort of guarantee!?). Right now, I'm dead in the water, although I noted the conversation about using a regular FTDI programmer with 0.1uF cap...

    Thanks!

    • I'd recommend contacting techsupport@sparkfun. They should be able to help you out if this is indeed an error that has occurred previously, and what the steps would be regarding a replacement.

  • Melrik Birch / about 10 years ago / 1

    I received my learning kit today! But the website that's on the piece of paper in the box is not up yet.

    • Hi Melrik, http://learn.microview.io/ is for general information. http://kit.microview.io/ if you have the Learning kit.

      Cheers

    • bphobby / about 10 years ago / 1

      http://learn.microview.io/

      This is what I got when I entered the link from the piece of paper.

      I sort of followed the directions presented but also kind of winged it and I think I got a connection (MS doesn't mesh well with Buffalo Springfield and beersss or Cream...). I also have a few different Arduino installs to deal with variations of Sparkfun/Adafruit/Trinket/etc. who have all different tweaks (I think Linux is more organized!!!).

      I tried the MicroViewCube and got:

      Binary sketch size: 12,916 bytes (of a 30,720 byte maximum) avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

      on COM9

      not what I was expecting...

      It goes through the demo ok though...

      • bphobby / about 10 years ago / 1

        forever apparently...

        • bphobby / about 10 years ago / 1

          oohhh... that.

          Select the 'Arduino UNO' from the 'Tools->board' menu.

          Seems to work well. Yeah, this is good...

  • Member #470433 / about 10 years ago / 1

    since it is open hardware, where can i see the schematic?..

    • M-Short / about 10 years ago / 1

      It looks like we don't have that up yet, but we are still working on the page and finalizing everything. Email techsupport@sparkfun.com and they should be able to get you the current (not necessarily final, but close) schematic.

  • Member #111753 / about 10 years ago / 1

    If I'm getting a MicroView thru the Kickstarter program, is the programmer included?

    • From the Kickstarter, the "Microview" Tier includes a MicroView and a Breadboard. The "Starter Kit" tier includes a MicroView, a Programmer, a Breadboard, and a 1.5ft USB Cable extension. What you receive will depend on which of those reward tiers you chose when you backed the Kickstarter.

      Thank you for doing that, by the way. Neither product would exist if you hadn't.

      • Member #716954 / about 9 years ago / 1

        Interesting post , For my two cents if others are searching for a 2009 NY LS 52 , my business saw a fillable version here http://goo.gl/Bs01it.

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Based on 7 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

1 of 1 found this helpful:

All-in-one programmer package for the MicroView

This USB programmer along with a MicroView (DEV-12923) form a complete Arduino programming package for the next step beyond the SIK. Push the long header pins into a breadboard, add a USB extension cable (CAB-00517) and you have an easy to use development system.

Works very well with MicroView... can it be used to program other AVRs?

Works very well with the microview. Is it also possible to use it to program other AVRs? (e.g., a bare 328 or some attiny's)

Absolutely worth it

Programming the MicroView without this rig was a challenge. This is an easy-to-use programmer and it makes programming a lot more fun. If you are on the fence, my recommendation is to buy one with your MicroView.

Excellent Addition to microview

Must have with microview.

Needs ruggedized protection.

I'd love to see Ruggeduino-like protection features built into this programmer. It'd allow a learning-safe development environment with the nice MicroView without wasting space and money adding it to the actual MicroView.

Rpi USB/serial Interface

Straightforward, compact Raspbian Buster friendly solution to provide bi-directional serial interface for Rpi3. Application uses Arduino MEGA 2560 microcontroller as a front end for the Rpi3. Works with C/GCC library and compiler. I don't use it for MicroView.