Set the speed on the com port to 115200 and the same in the boards.txt

Worked 2 of 2 times.

Pried my old chip out and popped in the new one. ( was a bit of a pain. Don't bother removing the board from the case, there's nothing on the other side like a little hole to help you out.)

Tried updating and within 3 or 4 tries following the methods outlined on the solidoodle site ( with choosing  from the arduino menu >tools >board> ATmega 1284P 16mhz ) it worked.

Thanks for your collective help everyone and I hope this post ends up helping others with similar issues.

And I don't have an AVR programmer.

If I don't hear back from Solidoodle support soon, I'll see if any of the San Jose area hackerspaces will let me use their AVR programmer.

I like SD, so don't get me wrong... but I think they should have some serious talks with their QA people.

In any case, since my printer is down until new filament arrives, I am going to make an offer here...I will program any chip with a bootloader and latest firmware and ship the chip back... you pay for shipping, both ways.  Small additional donations at your option.

You can send me the entire sanguino board, or just the atmega 644p or 1284.. also at your option.
Please make sure you have taken precautions against static damage and enclose the chip/board in a protective bag or wrap.

I will not test the board via printing... I will only burn the bootloader and firmware and make sure that it is configured such that you will be able to do so with the appropriate software and configuration.

I live on the west coast in Portland, Or.  If you want to get your printer setup so that you can load firmware on it, PM me. I will ship via whatever method you want (since you are paying for it). 

To Solidoodle:

I am more than willing to properly program your chips with a bootloader and lawsy's latest firmware.... I am sure we could come up with a reasonable rate of exchange for the service so that you can rest easy....

So solidoodle support sais it's probably the bootloader, as we were guessing.

They ask if I have an AVR programmer, I don't, but I think the option of getting a new chip seems the better idea here.

Things I've learned,

-Hold Shift while clicking upload buttno to get more info out of the arduino app.
-bootloader isnt working.
-1284P chip is compatible with stock config.

Q's for you guys,

Which website would you recommend I pick up one of these 1284P micro-controllers from? I'm in Toronto Ontario if it helps. I just want to make sure I get the right one.

Once I have the chip I just pop out the old one, pop in the new one and flash it in the same method as I was attempting for this current chip?

Don't hold your breath for the chip.

I was in the same boat as you and SD sent me another chip with the same identical problem to the one I had.  Great!

After numerous complaints, I was told that another one with a good bootloader would be sent that day...... that was 3 weeks ago and still no show.  I live on the west coast so maybe it is traveling by stagecoach, that or they didn't keep their promise.

I'll update when it arrives.

Your flashing process is correct.

They ask if I have an AVR programmer, I don't, but I think the option of getting a new chip seems the better idea here.

Things I've learned,

-Hold Shift while clicking upload buttno to get more info out of the arduino app.
-bootloader isnt working.
-1284P chip is compatible with stock config.

Q's for you guys,

Which website would you recommend I pick up one of these 1284P micro-controllers from? I'm in Toronto Ontario if it helps. I just want to make sure I get the right one.

Once I have the chip I just pop out the old one, pop in the new one and flash it in the same method as I was attempting for this current chip?

Thanks again!

As for the print head sticking, if you are using my improved start and end g-code, go to that thread and see the note I put about fixing the code for the new versions of Repetier-Host/Slic3r. If you are not using it, try it and see if it works any better.

Can I just buy a 1284P micro-controller, (microchip thingy), slap it into the sanguino, flash it , and go from there?

If you want to answer this post with a link that explains it feel free. I know its a bit off topic.

Also, I've been trying to use slic3r today, seems like before it prints, the print head gets stuck in the +Y +X corner (North-East standing infront of the printer) I'll keep digging, links are welcome as well. I hope it's not something I'd have to fix with a firmware upgrade

If I hear back from support I'll be sure to follow up and consolidate anything I've learned from this experience.