Quote Originally Posted by dragons_fire View Post
this link is for the programmer im using.. its wired almost the same as mine, except they dont have the cap.
http://www.melabs.com/images/icsp1.gif
reading about what they say about ICSP, i need to modify my board some more.. it looks as though i need to connect AVdd and AVss too, and it says i need to pull PGM low with a 100k resistor. i also forgot a cap across the vreg.
You're right on everything you mentioned so far. AVdd and AVss NEED to be tied to Vdd and Vss during programming only. During normal ops, they can be seperated. And pulling PGM low is a good idea (in my mind) whether you are using HV-ICSP or LV-ICSP, maybe throw a jumper in there or something for future 'optionability'.
And put .1uf cap's across every chip, every Vdd/Vss pair, heck throw a couple extra in there when a power or ground trace runs for a few inches without one, if you've got the room for it whether you actually plug one in or not. It'll save you future headaches and give you extra spots to pull a power or a ground.

Since you are wanting to redo your boards, you might want this hint...
For a couple of years now, every time I design a board, I put extra via's on every trace/signal/line/whatever, whether I actually use them or not. Doesn't matter where I put them, I just put them wherever they can fit, and they don't have to be double-sided via's. This way I leave myself a load of future re-config options. I can cut a trace here or there and install jumper wires if I want (or more likely, fix a screw up! ).

And those tracks...that's a good idea. I didn't think of putting cleats on chains like that. How well do the chains track over the sprocket when the bolt heads hit the teeth on the sprockets?

Motor drivers - can't argue with that...