I created this in 2022 and have been planning to make a video.
Normally, I would start off by creating the prototype circuit on the prototype board and at the same time, start creating the program. Sometimes, the problem starts when I do not have the correct components for the prototype board and I would have to wait weeks before they arrive or that I had the chance to go to town.
And after some realisation, the prototype circuit is not really necessary until at the end phase. For that, I had even built a smaller circuit with the LEDs so that I can test the results for myself. And so, that very circuit has now evolved into this mini DIY Programmer Adaptor. Because I was always transferring the microcontroller chip between the circuit and the programmer, its worn legs are always bent which causes unreliable connections and in the end, messing up the results.
I designed this PCB and got it made via JLCPCB, so I can turn my design time to be as efficient as possible. But that is not the truth. I’m just lazy and also, I do not have much Job security. Moving on, after writing the program, the LEDs will tell me if the lighting effect is what I wanted. And this would be the time where the chip would be transferring between the programmer and the circuit. So, this adaptor board removes that step and minimises wear and tear.
There are some designs I need to change such as making a small cut so that the programmer’s ZIF lever does not hit it. I was mulling on including a switchover relay for when I forget to unplug the USB before programming but this would be taking up space. So, best to just plug & unplug.
