Better error message for "avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync" [imported]

[cmaglie]

This is Issue 868 moved from a Google Code project.
Added by 2012-03-29T13:10:59.000Z by tom.i...@gmail.com.
Please review that bug for more context and additional comments, but update this bug.

Original labels: Type-Defect, Priority-High

Original description

We need a more informative error message for:

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x30

I get at least one request a week for what this means, from beginners. It's usually one of several things, but basically the fact that the Arduino isn't responding. We need a better error message for it.

What steps will reproduce the problem?

1. Not connecting the Arduino
2. Or a short circuit on the board
3. Or a damaged bootloader
4. Or many other things

What is the expected output?

"Your Arduino isn't responding. Check to see if it's connected, or if there is a short circuit on the board."

What do you see instead?

A line of terse, unfriendly programmer-speak:
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x30

[raullima]

My plate is experiencing the same problem. Have you had any response?