I have a device that has an Atmega64 processor and I use a USBasp programmer to program it. I have to do this so often, that I'd like to permanently install the programmer in the device so that I just basically can hook my device straight up to the PC without having to open up the case every time.
That's all fine and dandy but what my limited electronics knowledge can't wrap my head around is how to do it such that the programmer isn't constantly draining battery power when its not in use. Without using a switch, is there any way that I can ensure the programmer is only "active" when plugged into the USB and not drawing any power when the device is just doing its thing (but the programmer is still permanently connected to the device)?
Here's a link to the USBasp page: fischl.de - USBasp - USB programmer for Atmel AVR controllers
I'm thinking either there's some device like a check valve (I know plumbing better than electronics ) to prevent the "flow" from coming back into the programmer... or I need to simply disconnect the "Supply Target" jumper and make sure the device always has batteries when programming.
Suggestions?
Thanks.
That's all fine and dandy but what my limited electronics knowledge can't wrap my head around is how to do it such that the programmer isn't constantly draining battery power when its not in use. Without using a switch, is there any way that I can ensure the programmer is only "active" when plugged into the USB and not drawing any power when the device is just doing its thing (but the programmer is still permanently connected to the device)?
Here's a link to the USBasp page: fischl.de - USBasp - USB programmer for Atmel AVR controllers
I'm thinking either there's some device like a check valve (I know plumbing better than electronics ) to prevent the "flow" from coming back into the programmer... or I need to simply disconnect the "Supply Target" jumper and make sure the device always has batteries when programming.
Suggestions?
Thanks.