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Arduino Mega 2560

Replacement:DEV-11061. The Arduino Mega 2560 has been replaced by the Mega R3. The new version has a few new pins and an ATMega16U2 instead of an 8U2. This page is for reference only.

Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple i/o board and a development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language. Arduino can be used to develop stand-alone interactive objects or can be connected to software on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP). The open-source IDE can be downloaded for free (currently for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux).

The Arduino Mega is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega2560. It has 54 digital input/output pins (of which 14 can be used as PWM outputs), 16 analog inputs, 4 UARTs (hardware serial ports), a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started. The Mega is compatible with most shields designed for the Arduino Duemilanove or Diecimila.

This is the new Arduino Mega 2560. In addition to all the features of the previous board, the Mega 2560 now uses an ATmega8U2 instead of the FTDI chip. This allows for faster transfer rates, no drivers needed for Linux or Mac (inf file for Windows is needed), and the ability to have the board show up as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc. It also has twice as much flash memory.

Not sure which Arduino or Arduino-compatible board is right for you? Check out our Arduino Buying Guide!

  • ATmega2560 microcontroller
  • Input voltage - 7-12V
  • 54 Digital I/O Pins (14 PWM outputs)
  • 16 Analog Inputs
  • 256k Flash Memory
  • 16Mhz Clock Speed

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Arduino Mega 2560 Product Help and Resources

Button Pad Hookup Guide

January 7, 2016
An introduction to matrix scanning, using the SparkFun 4x4 Button Pad.
Favorited Favorite 15

Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • ncw2k69 / about 14 years ago / 2

    when it will be in stock?

  • Member #215937 / about 14 years ago / 2

    Can you let me know what the lead-time will be?

  • KirAsh4 / about 14 years ago / 2

    SFE has been out of these for a while now. In fact, a lot of vendors are out of them. I think SFE just needs to put an order in for a couple of thousands, then resell them to other vendors for a profit. HAH!
    On a more serious note, I don't suppose you guys have any kind of ETA, do ya?

  • CJG / about 14 years ago / 2

    Is there a reason the connector for aref through pwm 8 ( the 8 pin connector closest to the usb connector is not on the same pitch / hole layout as the rest of the board ??
    I went to use a grid board from radio shack as a home made 'shield' and notice that the holes line up for EVERYTHING but that one connector ..
    I just noticed its the same way for my 2009 ..
    Perhaps to prevent someone from plugging in a shield the wrong way.

    • N314 / about 13 years ago / 1

      Offset headers http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9374

    • Gregly / about 14 years ago / 1

      There's a long story about this I read somewhere on a blog (probably Adafruit or EMSL)... but the bottom line is that the first Arduinos had a layout error, and by the time it was noticed, the first shields had already been produced too.

  • GarethP / about 13 years ago / 1

    I got this one because it seem'd like it would be the "best" in the higher end boards, and would let me do all the basic stuff I need to do. But it seems like I can't use it as an ISP to put code on my MiniPro or an atTiny chip.

    All the online information I find only mentions using an Uno or Duemilanove for these 2 operations. Of course I didn't notice that until after I bought the Mega2560 :).

    Am I wrong in thinking that I now have to buy an Uno to accomplish those 2 things? Or am I just messing up with my attempts?

    thanks!

  • DmitryS / about 13 years ago / 1

    I'm trying to get it working on Linux:

    [11268.187755] usb 6-1: New USB device found, idVendor=2341, idProduct=0010 [11268.187762] usb 6-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=220 [11268.187768] usb 6-1: Product: Arduino Mega 2560 [11268.187773] usb 6-1: Manufacturer: Arduino (www.arduino.cc) [11268.187777] usb 6-1: SerialNumber: 7493730373635161C071 [11268.188069] usb 6-1: ep 0x82 - rounding interval to 1024 microframes, ep desc says 2040 microframes [11268.190195] cdc_acm 6-1:1.0: ttyACM0: USB ACM device

    But the IDE (1.0) doesn't sees it.

    I have read thatI should link tha ACM to serial port. Any idea how to do that?

  • cSu7xFSE / about 13 years ago / 1

    will you be getting the due when it comes out?

  • plark42 / about 13 years ago / 1

    How much power does the Arduino Mega consume? (assuming no external sensors, servos, motors, etc.)??

  • eMonkey / about 13 years ago * / 1

    Any ETA on when Sparkfun will be stocking the Arduino ADK board? This is the moment I will HAVE to give in and buy - that is the board that ties it ALL together :) Arduino + Android = My Board!!
    http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardADK

  • prairie mystic / about 13 years ago / 1

    This does not work for Win7/x64, the USB driver gives error code 10 meaning it's out of date.
    Do not use the FTDI USB drivers with the Mega 2560, as it uses an 8U2, not the FTDI chip.

  • trelease / about 13 years ago / 1

    Hi.
    Arduino home is now showing an Arduino (Mega 2560 ADK) (Android Development system). http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardADK Any prospects for Sparkfun selling this sometime this year?
    Thanks.
    Doktor Bob

  • Member #241104 / about 13 years ago / 1

    Hey guys. Can I use this board to drive a 3.3V LCD? It has a 3.3v power output, but I am not sure whether it will work on LCD?

  • ArabiaIC / about 13 years ago / 1

    That board is awesome, Im gonna order it soon

  • baum / about 13 years ago / 1

    What's the difference between this and a Wiring board?

  • ruZZ / about 14 years ago / 1

    I hope this is directly compatible/substitutable with googles new Android Open Accessory Development Kit! :)
    I found the cheeky jap. manufacturers trying to sell them for ~400$!
    Anyone try yet???

  • Blacklab1 / about 14 years ago * / 1

    ...

  • Snobbotics / about 14 years ago / 1

    What batteries are people using with this? It says that the input voltage is 7-12 volts, but I don't see a whole lot of stuff on sparkfun for that range; Only 5 volt stuff.

  • Snobbotics / about 14 years ago / 1

    How long does it normally take to restock? I really want one and I want it soon.

    • RobertC. / about 14 years ago / 1

      Unfortunately, they will show up when they show up. We are getting them in as fast as they can ship them to us. Arduino is growing and their supply has been strained by such rapid growth.

      • stuntman777 / about 14 years ago / 1

        This is taking so long ,, could you tell me what is the expected date?

  • Haavardgj / about 14 years ago / 1

    When will this come back in stock?

  • gwilljo / about 14 years ago / 1

    Which serial or usb-to-serial or whatever it is I need is compatible with my ATMega2560? I love the board and its a breeze to program but it is sometimes hard to find the hardware that I need. Thank u....

  • AlanCart / about 14 years ago / 1

    Im working on some CAD and noticed the dimensions on this are listed as inches, i think it should be cm, dont think the arduino mega is a foot long.

  • guan / about 14 years ago / 1

    Any idea when this will be back in stock? (I did backorder.)

  • DmitryS / about 14 years ago * / 1

    Nice board!

  • jfekendall / about 14 years ago / 1

    In order to get this to work properly in Linux, the include of NewSoftSerial.h is necessary. Otherwise the tx will be stuck on and you will have problems communicating with it.

    • aaaa / about 14 years ago / 1

      Can you explain this a little more?

      • WizenedEE / about 13 years ago / 1

        If the uno is actively communicating with the computer (with hardware serial), the computer does not recognize the serial port. The solution to this is to hold down the reset button from before you plug it in to when the Rx led flashes once after you hit upload.

  • Electrical Juggernaut / about 14 years ago / 1

    Man, I wish I knew that the 2650 had 4 serial's before I bought my new UNO. BTW, anyone know where to get just the Atmel ATmega2650 chip? I'm working on an embedded project, and my system would work nicely with a 2650 core.
    EDIT - I know I can buy them from atmel, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a retail shop (HINT HINT Sparkfun...) that sells them. Preferably with arduino bootloader on it. Anyone know if Atmel is friendly enough to send me 1 or 2 samples?

  • Bangwaiter / about 14 years ago / 1

    Pretty fast restock :)

  • Ddrl46 / about 14 years ago / 1

    How nice of sparkfun, they are back in stock!

  • Bangwaiter / about 14 years ago / 1

    Does anyone know when this will be back in stock?

    • CJG / about 14 years ago / 1

      Yea .. I would love to use some of my free day cash to subsidize one of these.
      Sparkfun .. MAKE MORE PLEASE !!!

  • CJG / about 14 years ago / 1

    Any chance of getting a 2560 in a "pro mini" or similar type format ??
    Without headers and barrel jack .. Perhaps a micro or mini usb. Perhaps keep half the I/O pins on the base board with a high density connector to a daughter board for the rest.
    ( Just thinking out loud )

    • Member #27746 / about 13 years ago / 1

      I'd like to see a 2560 pro-mini also.

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      I've always wonder why manufacturers add more I/O pins when you add more memory. Once you add more than 64KB to any chip, it becomes a small package with over 100 pins ;)
      Jokes aside, It might be nice to see a low pin count version and a mini(However, that might be pushing it, yet again maybe not...)

  • 1337 / about 14 years ago / 1

    I just got mine today...but now im having trouble trying to connect to the IDE.... I have windows 7, I read in the comments below, but it wasnt really helping me out.

  • Ritch / about 14 years ago / 1

    USB connector for programming it but can a USB device be used? Perhaps a webcam.

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      But perhaps this might help: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9947 it's a USB Host shield.

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      I don't think so, i'm pretty sure the ATmega8U2 is programmed for USB to Serial. Yet again, it is a programmable microcontroller, however i doubt that 8KB of flash is enough to hold & execute a USB host stack.
      However on the other hand, the ATmega2560 should be able to host and execute the USB stack, granted if you know how to.

  • 1337 / about 14 years ago / 1

    The Specs say 16 Analog Inputs, how about Analog2Digital converters???

    • RobertC. / about 14 years ago / 1

      "8/16-channel, 10-bit ADC (ATmega1281/2561, ATmega640/1280/2560)"<br />
      <br />
      Check the datasheet:<br />
      <br />
      http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc2549.PDF

  • EncinitasEmbedded / about 14 years ago / 1

    I also had problems with the new board being recognized in Ubuntu 10.04 and Windows 7. I was able to assign the drivers manually in the device manager.
    The error I saw during the automated process indicated that the driver was unsigned therefore Windows would not load it. I had ack the driver when Windows warned against while manually loading it.

  • grubba / about 14 years ago / 1

    I'm using a Mac. I can see the new /dev/usbmodemxxx. The IDE starts the upload process but doesn't complete with a time out error (endless timeout errors with no way to stop it other than killing the process). Every other Arduino I have (using the old serial/USB chip) work just fine.

  • Mr.glass / about 14 years ago / 1

    Figured out myself:
    The .inf files are in arduino-0021\drivers directory.
    Windows XP users should choose manual installation, select COM & LPT device type then click "Have a disk" and select the right .inf file. Windows will recognize the device then and add a com port for it.

  • Mr.glass / about 14 years ago / 1

    The same problem (running Windows XP):
    Plugged the board in to a computer via USB to the computer. Windows says "Found new Hardware: Arduino Mega 2560" but unable to find a driver. No new COM ports show up. Arduino-0021 version doesn't recognize the board directly either.
    Release notes says there should be a simple .inf file available somewhere, but I couldn't find it.
    How it can be used?

  • grubba / about 14 years ago / 1

    I got a couple of these the other day but I can't upload a sketch. Any sketch. I put in an older Mega or a Duemillanove and have no problems. The board just blinks (red) steadily and avrdude times out. Both of them give the same result. I've updated the software to v21 but it made no difference. Bad boards?

  • durka42 / about 14 years ago / 1

    Does this work with Sparkfun's Ethernet Shield?

  • mellis / about 14 years ago / 1

    BTW, the name is "Arduino Mega 2560" not "Arduino Uno Mega". Can you update that?

  • KoV / about 14 years ago / 1

    Is this board can be used at -20?C +60?C ?

    • mclewell / about 14 years ago / 1

      It looks like it will be able to. According to the ATmega2560 data sheet, the temperature range is -40C - +85C, which is typical for most industrial ICs. I would go through the BOM and check the temperature ranges on each component. The smallest ranged component will be the weakest link.

      • Member #142686 / about 13 years ago / 1

        Here's my first crack at a component list with temperature ranges. It may not be a complete list, but it's a start. Updates & comments welcome:

        Item min_T (degC) max_T (degC)

        • MC33269D-5 -40 125
        • MC33269ST-5 -40 125
        • ATMEGA2560 -40 85
        • LM358D 0 70
        • LP2985-33DBUR -40 125
        • ATMEGA8U2-MU -40 85
        • 16MHz clock -20 70

        Sources

        • http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/motorola/MC33269D-5.0.pdf
        • http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc2549.pdf
        • http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm258a.pdf
        • http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lp2985-n.pdf
        • http://atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc7799.pdf
        • http://cfm.citizen.co.jp/english/product/pdf/HC-49_U-S.pdf

  • Bret Mattingly / about 14 years ago / 1

    Decisions?this or the Netduino?
    MAN.

    • CF / about 14 years ago / 1

      Why not both?

    • CoryW / about 14 years ago / 1

      I would go with an Arduino. It has a huge community base and the Processing language isn't difficult at all.

  • Farnsworth / about 14 years ago / 1

    You also have the wrong schematic linked because it shows the FTDI chip for USB instead of the new ATmega8U2.

  • mowcius / about 14 years ago / 1

    "The Arduino Mega is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega1280."
    Maybe that paragraph needs to be modified a bit now.

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