Add a JTAG Connector for In-Circuit Debugging

Purpose

It's possible to do in-circuit debugging of your programs on the Make Controller.  This means you can go instruction by instruction through your code as it's running on the board to verify that it's working the way you expect.  

JTAG debugging requires an additional JTAG dongle, and software support on your laptop/desktop.  You can check the OpenOCD tutorial for info on how to do this with the Eclipse IDE, and you can also use the Rowley CrossWorks IDE.  We hope to have a more streamlined option for debugging in the future!

If you have an Application Board v1.0, you already have a JTAG connector on your board so you're all set!  This is only relevant for the Interface Board or Application Board v2.0.

Prerequisites

You'll need:

• an Interface Board (here) or Application Board v2.0
• a soldering iron and some solder
• a JTAG connector (here) if you don't already have one

Step by step

If you're not too comfortable with soldering, you might want to take a look at one of the excellent soldering tutorials out there:

• from SparkFun - http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/tutorial_info.php?tutorials_id=106
• from LadyAda/Make - http://www.ladyada.net/learn/soldertut/thm.html

Once you've done that, or if you already have a bit of soldering experience, this shouldn't be too bad.  The first step is to remove the Controller Board from the Interface Board or App Board if it's still on there - we'll be working right underneath it.

[empty JTAG pins]

Next, simply slip the JTAG connector into place - follow the outline on the board so you get it around the right way.

[ JTAG connector sitting in place ]

Now flip the board back over, making sure to keep the connector in place, and rest the board on top of it.  Now let's solder the 2 x 10 row of connections.

[ JTAG connector soldered into place ]

And that's about it!  Now you can debug your Make Controller programs with the great tools listed above.