XLoader 2.00

XLoader 2.00 is a Microsoft Windows Tool to flash HEX file onto Arduino/AVR Microcontrollers.
XLoader is written in C# using Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition

The tool is working on Microsoft Windows Operating System with .Net Framework 4.8.
It has been re-writen by inspired original version made by Geir Lunde http://xloader.russemotto.com

What's new from v 1.00

• Use avrdude version 7.2 instead of version 5.4
• Adding support of ATmega32U4 microcontroller (using bootloader COM Port)
• Adding uploaded code verification option (avrdude -V option)
• Adding upload and verification progress information
• Adding upload and verification logs (avrdude output)
• Disable Flash erase by default (avrdude -D option)
• Allows custom avrdude options (to be defined in devices.txt file)
• Adding Error message if devices.txt or avrdude.exe file is missing

GUI

XLoader Uploading and Verifying Hex file

XLoader Uploading and Verifying Hex file with log details

How to Use

The following steps will help us use XLoader to upload HEX file on ATmega2560 (Arduino Mega).

• Open xLoader
• Browse the HEX File from AVR Project/Atmeal Studio Project
• Select the device E.g. In case of Arduino Mega, it's ATmega2560
• Select COM Port
• Select right baud rate in case of Arduino Mega it's 115200
• Finally Press Upload Button

Update Device list

Device list information is provided on devices.txt file.

The default file contains the following AVR MCU configuration :

• Leonardo [ATmega32U4];atmega32u4;avr109;57600;bootloader;
• Mega [ATmega2560];atmega2560;wiring;115200;default;
• Nano [ATmega328P] (Old Bootloader);atmega328p;arduino;57600;default;
• Nano [ATmega328P];atmega328p;arduino;115200;default;
• Pro Micro [ATmega32U4];atmega32u4;avr109;57600;bootloader;
• Uno [ATmega328];atmega328p;arduino;115200;default;

You can add more devices by editing the file and adding the required information :

• device display name parameter
• partno parameter is the part’s id listed in the avrdude configuration file
• programmer-id parameter is the programmer’s id listed in the avrdude configuration file
• connection baud rate parameter
• default or bootloader upload mode (bootloader is mandatory for ATmega32U4 MCU)
• [optional] avrdude other custom options (see avrdude documentation)

parameters must be added with ';' separator character

Support

XLoader 2.00 has been tested using avrdude 6.3/7.0/7.2. avrdude can be updated if required (avrdude.exe and avrdude.conf files are required)

XLoader 2.00 has been tested with Arduino Mega (ATmega2560); Arduino Nano (ATmega328P); Arduino Leonardo/Micro Pro (ATmega32U4)

Flashing on Non-Windows Operating Systems

These instructions are provided AS IS. If you encounter difficulty, use the instructions above before reporting an issue.

1. You will need to install the avrdude command.

Getting AVRDUDE for Linux

To install AVRDUDE for Linux, install the package avrdude by running the following commands:

sudo apt-get install avrdude

Alternatively, you may build AVRDUDE yourself from source.

Getting AVRDUDE for MacOS

On MacOS, AVRDUDE can be installed through Mac Ports.

Alternatively, you may build AVRDUDE yourself from source.

Using AVRDUDE

AVRDUDE is a command-line application. Run the command avrdude without any arguments for a list of options.

A typical command to program your HEX file into your AVR microcontroller looks like this:

avrdude -c <programmer> -p <part> -U flash:w:<file>:i

For instance, to program an Arduino Uno connected to the serial port COM1 with a HEX file called blink.ino.hex, you would run the following command:

avrdude -c arduino -P COM1 -b 115200 -p atmega328p -D -U flash:w:objs/blink.ino.hex:i