avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout

nattynerdy picture nattynerdy · Oct 28, 2013 · Viewed 137.6k times · Source

This is the main error that I get when I try to run my ARDUINO program. The full list of errors is as follows:

avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_ReceiveMessage(): timeout
avrdude: stk500v2_getsync(): timeout communicating with programmer

My code is as follows:

int led=13;
void setup()
{
    pinMode(13,OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
    digitalWrite(13,HIGH);
    delay(1000);
    digitalWrite(13,LOW);
    delay(1000);
}

I have tried updating the drivers (they are fully updated) and downloading some programs. I have Windows 7 and my arduino is a MEGA 2560. It shows up in the Device Manager and all of my connections are correct. The green PWR light is on and so is the flashing L light. The RX and TX lights flash when I update. I have tried almost everything on the web. What is the problem?

Answer

aaronsti picture aaronsti · Mar 19, 2015

Another possible reason for this error for the Mega 2560 is if your code has three exclamation marks in a row. Perhaps in a recently added string.

3 bang marks in a row causes the Mega 2560 bootloader to go into Monitor mode from which it can not finish programming.

"!!!" <--- breaks Mega 2560 bootloader.

To fix, unplug the Arduino USB to reset the COM port and then recompile with only two exclamation points or with spaces between or whatever. Then reconnect the Arduino and program as usual.

Yes, this bit me yesterday and today I tracked down the culprit. Here is a link with more information: http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=132595.0