16u2 Bootloader to reprogram 16u2 + 328/2560 with Arduino IDE
16u2 Bootloader to reprogram 16u2 + 328/2560 with Arduino IDE
HoodLoader2 is a CDC BootLoader with self reprogramming and Fast USB-Serial function.
An Arduino Uno/Mega board has two Microcontroller of which one(16u2) is normally used for USB-Serial translation. But we can also use it as standalone AVR Microcontroller with (or without) USB functions as well.
HoodLoader2 gives you the option to reprogram the 16u2 of a normal Arduino Uno/Mega R3 with custom sketches. This means you can use the 16u2 as a normal USB AVR like a Leonardo. You have a full compatible USB-HID core, CDC Serial and you can also use the 7 i/o pins of the 16u2. The extended HID devices of the HID Project also apply for the HoodLoader2.
The 16u2 is somehow limited in its functions but still a great addition if you know how to use it. It also compatible with FastLED and IRLremote(with PCINT) for example.
The great thing about this is that you actually have two fully Arduino compatible Microcontrollers in one Arduino Uno/Mega board – the board most of you already own. Your IO MCU (328/2560) is still reprogrammable if you enter bootloader mode. All you need for this is a normal Arduino Uno/Mega R3 and some cables to install the new HoodLoader2.
With version 2.0.5 you can now use HoodLoader2 also on a 32u4 which gives you even more power.
Please read the wiki carefully to avoid any problems. You will find most of the answers to your questions already in the wiki.
All documentation moved to the wiki page (most up to date documentation).
An offline snapshot (also for older versions) is available in releases
Contact information can be found here:
…If you use this library for any cool project let me know!
…No open issues yet, or sync has not completed.