DIY component tester (kit) - reading the microcontroller

Since the component tester kit was shipped with firmware version 1.05k, I would like to flash the newest 1.11k code available online from the original developer.

I do not have a spare ATmega328P at home, only ATmega168P's, so first I tried to dump the original 1.05k firmware: the chip is fully locked. I cannot even read current fuse settings without erasing it.


Too bad. I will now study limits of the code running on ATmega168 which has half the program space available of an ATmega328. Then, in case, buy (online, sigh) another microcontroller to experiment with.