I have been experimenting with an AVR MCU (ATMega8) for a few weeks now, using a breadboard and an AVRISP MKII. I just ordered an SKT500. I note that you program a chip on an STK500 via a serial port. I'd rather not mess with a serial port, so if I get a USB/RS-232 converter, can I use that to program a chip on an STK500? Some materials I read on the internet suggest the answer is "no" - that the USB/RS-232 converter could be used with the STK500 for communication purposes only (USART), is that correct? Alternatively, is there a way I can use my AVRISP MKII to program the target chip on the STK500?
Thanks for any input.