Programming ATTiny10 RSTDISBL with USBASP

[drvtech]

I'm trying to use the RESET pin on an ATTiny10 as an extra output. When I use avrdude/avrdudess to program the device it won't alter the RSTDISBL fuse. The program is loaded correctly in that it can manipulate the other 3 outputs but the RESET pin just remains as a RESET pin. This is borne out by the fact that I can still reprogram the device using low voltage programming. I do get an error message which confirms that it has failed:

Code: [Select]

avrdude error: usbasp_write_byte in TPI mode; all writes have to be done at page level

I guess my question is just an avrdude query: How can I get avrdude to write these bits?

Thanks
Dave

[Zoli]

Try to disconnect the RESET pin from the programmer, and connect to +12V; standard procedure when you manipulate the RSTDISBL fuse on ATTiny10. It works for me, even done reprogramming a chip this way(AVRStudio, not avrdude).

[drvtech]

Hi Zoli,
Thanks for your reply. I've managed to reprogram the code using HV programming.  I'm going to build myself an HV adapter for the usbasp before going any further, to avoid damaging anything.
The problem has now shifted in that rather than being unable to program RSTDISBL, now I can't erase it, despite using the Avrdude commands directly (including a "e" whole chip erase). It's more of an academic interest really as I have a route to make the PCB work, but it's puzzling that I can't reverse the procedure. I need to do some more exhaustive testing before I ask for more help and I'll have to leave that for a couple of days. In the meantime, thanks,
Dave

[NigelHalse]

Hi all,
Looks like I am having the same problem but it started after updating my AVRDUDESS and AVRDUDE.
For some reason I can program a device but not set the fuses.
I have been using this method for programming ATTiny devices for years and now it has stopped working.
For some reason it looks like AVRDUDE is trying to program 1 byte when it should be programming the whole fuse page.
Perhaps I will try contacting the source of AVRDUDE.
I could use an old version of the programs.
Best regards, Nigel

A little later...
I have found and installed the previous version of AVRDUDESS (2.14) and AVRDUDE (7.0) and now I can program my ATTiny fuses again...  :-)
The AVRDUDESS site has been closed for comments since 2019 so I could not inform them of a possible problem
I hope this helps...
Nigel

[drvtech]

That's very useful. I think I've got 2.14 somewhere too. I'll try it when I get back

[hmeijdam]

Thanks for this helpful tip. 
I was able to program RSTDISBL fuse with Avrdudess V2.14 (avrdude V7.0) without using 12V on te RST pin.

It failed me with Avrdudess V2.17 (avrdude V7.3), so that's a regression indeed.
I did not investigate if it is actually a Avrdudess or a Avrdude problem.

Hans