After wanting to get into AVR programming - but not wanting to buy a dedicated programmer, Instructables member prb3333 came up with a solution based on the Raspberry Pi. The software side is simple, as the required toolchain and drivers for the SPI bus can be downloaded. The hardware can simply be connected to the GPIO pins of the Pi board, or fitted to a neat prototyping shield with an IC socket.
Just remember that the Raspberry Pi is a 3.3V board - in case you're doing some in-circuit programming. For complete instructions, visit the project's Instructable page. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're looking for a more permanent way to mount circuitry to your Raspberry Pi, check out our new PiBreak - the prototyping board for the Raspberry Pi. It provides labelled breakout pins for all GPIOs, a large prototyping area with solder pads, and power rails for easy power connection:
Furthermore the PiBreak also includes mounting hardware to firmly attach it to your Raspberry Pi using a nut, bolt, and spacer - and is compatible with all revisions of both model A and B Raspberry Pi computers. For more information about our new PiBreak board, our Getting Started guide, and to order - visit the product page.