Intro to Arduino using Codecraft

Class overview

This hands-on class is an introduction to physical computing using the popular Arduino microcontroller platform. Learn how to put together simple electronic circuits and write programs (Arduino "sketches") to create projects that light up, move, and make sound. We’ll be using the Seeed Studio Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino which is very easy to use while also being expandable and flexible for future projects. This class is appropriate for all students including those with no prior programming experience.

Materials to Purchase

Students must purchase materials well before the first class.Be sure to order early with fast shipping to be sure your kit will arrive in time.
Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino
- Digi-Key ($21.12 + shipping)
- Mouser Electronics ($23.90 + shipping)
- Amazon ($32.99, Prime free shipping)
- Directly from Seeed Studio ($23.90 + shipping from US warehouse)
- Be sure to check delivery times to make sure you'll have your materials in time before the first day of class.
Micro USB cable
- The Grove Beginner Kit includes a short cable, but you should get a longer one.
  You might already have one. If not, here's an example from Amazon.

Computer Requirements

You'll need Windows or Mac computer with with a good Internet connection, microphone, and camera.(iPads, tablets, smartphones, Chromebooks won't work for this class.)

Students should have competent skills on their Windows or Mac computers, such as the ability to use a browser and install software.

Please install Zoom and check that your camera and microphone are working.

Codecraft is supported on:

Windows 7 and Windows 10 with 32-bit and 64-bit systems
Mac OS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) or above

If you have 2 displays on your computer/notebook, that's a plus. It's easy to connect an external monitor.Use one for the programming tools and the other for Zoom.

USB connections

If your computer has only USB C ports, you'll need a USB C adapter or hub to connect your Arduino kit.
USB C ports look like this: (new notebooks and MacBooks use these)

Example USB C adapter: (there are many products like this available!)

Amazon.com: Syntech USB C to USB Adapter ($8.99)
Target: Philips 6" USB-C to USB 3.1 Female Adapter Black ($14.99)

Required: CP2102 USB driver

The Grove Beginnner Kit for Arduino uses the CP2102 device for its USB connect the computer.
You may need to install the appropriate driver for your computer.
See: Silicon Labs - Download and Install VCP Drivers

Required: Codecraft Software Installation and Setup

Complete this before the first class!

We'll be using Codecraft, an easy to use graphical programming tool for this class.
(It is based on MIT Scratch.)

For MacOS using the Intel/x64 processor:
- Download the Codecraft Assistant from:
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YvJhdE-ZUXcBjHJ1gfoyFne5nydIBDK_/view?usp=sharing
- Follow the instructions to install the app
Go to https://ide.tinkergen.com/
Click Login, then Click Signup and follow instructions to setup a new account
- Note that you need to:
  - enter your email address.
  - Click on "Send a verification code to the email"
  - check your email for the verification code
  - Enter the verification code
  - Click "I'm a student"
  - Leave "Invitation Code" blank
  - Be sure to remember your password!
- Then click on the account name on the upper right, then settings, and add your name, photo, etc. as you'd like
- Install the Coderaft Assistant software.
  - Under "Select Hardware for Programming," click on Arduino (Uno/Mega/Beginner Kit)
    (see the image to the right --> )
  - Click the upload button and follow the instructions to download and install Codecraft Assistant.
  - If you get the error message "Codecraft...” cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified", you can override this warning.
    Follow these instructions: Safely open apps on your Mac
    "If you want to open an app that hasn’t been notarized or is from an unidentified developer"

Connect your Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino to your computer using the micro USB cable included in the kit. (You can use any micro USB data cable.)
Under "Select Hardware for Programming," click on Arduino (Uno/Mega/Beginner Kit)
(see the image to the right --> )

Click the Upload button
- You should see a prompt with "The device assistant is not running."
  Click "Download Device Assistant", download the installation program, and run it.
- Install the CodeCraft Assistant
- After the installation in complete, click the Upload button again and it should complete without error.
- Note for MacOS installation:
  If you get the error message "Codecraft...” cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified", you can override this warning.
  Follow these instructions: Safely open apps on your Mac
  "If you want to open an app that hasn’t been notarized or is from an unidentified developer"
- Windows:
  - Launch the CodeCraft Assistant. Windows button ... Search CodeCraft ...
- MacOS:
  - Open the Finder, navigate to Applications and launch CodeCraft Assistant
- Click "Login" on the upper right and enter the email address and password you just used to signup for a CodeCraft account.

Test your installation

Create a simple Codecraft Arduino program (sketch) that turns on the LED light.
Watch the video below and follow these steps:

Click on "Start"
Drag the "Setup Loop" block to the right and drop it on the canvas
Click on "Grove Digital"
Drag the "LED pin" block and drop it inside the "Loop" block you just placed on the canvas
In the LED pin block, change the LED pin to D4

Click the "Upload" button on the left side of the application and follow the instructions to select the the serial port for your Grove Kit.
- If there are no serial ports to select, you may need to manually Install the USB driver.

Did you get the "Upload successfully" prompt? And is the LED on the top left of the kit on?

Yes: Congratulations! You are ready for our first class!
No: Carefully review the instructions and try again. If you're stuck, contact the instructor.

Optional: Arduino IDE Software Installation and Setup

- You may choose to use the Arduino IDE software instead of Codecraft
- Follow these Seeed Studio instructions to:

Were you able to get the "hello, world" Arduino sketch working?

Yes: Congratulations! You are ready for our first class!
No: Carefully review the instructions and try again. If you're stuck, contact the instructor.

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