This workshop is an introduction to physical computing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_computing] using the popular Arduino [https://www.arduino.cc] microcontroller platform.
Appropriate for all, especially those with no prior programming experience.
Microprocessors are in so many of the things we use and depend on. With this simple introduction, we hope you will use your Arduino kit and new knowledge to build something cool(er) soon! Perhaps a school project that the could use an Arduino for measurement and/or control? Or maybe some sort of decorative holiday item or toy? (Everything's better with colored, blinking LEDs, right?)
Site address: https://bit.ly/ardieee [redirects to: https://sites.google.com/view/arduinoieee]
Acquire the needed materials, tools, and install the needed software (see below)
with USB cable
NOTE: The Arduino must have either the 16U2 or CP2102 USB interface chip to work with Codecraft. The CH340G chip will not work with Codecraft, though it does work with the Arduino IDE.
Soldering iron
Solder
optional: soldering work holder ("3rd hand")
You'll need a Windows, Mac, or Linux/Ubuntu computer with with a good Internet connection.
(iPads, tablets, smartphones, Chromebooks won't work for this workshop.)
Codecraft is supported on:
Windows 10 or newer with 32-bit and 64-bit systems
Mac OS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) or above
Linux - Ubuntu
The Arduino UNO we are using in this workshop has the ATMEGA 16U2 USB interface. The device drivers are included in Windows, MacOS and Linux.
If you are using an Arduino with the CP210 USB interface, you may need to download and install device drivers.
Note that Codecraft does not support Arduino boards with the CH340 USB interface. The Arduino IDE does support CH340 boards.)
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)
We'll be using Codecraft, an easy to use graphical programming tool for this workshop.
(It is based on MIT Scratch.)
Optional: If you want to save your programs (Codecraft programs):
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
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
Connect your Arduino UNO to your computer using the USB cable included in the kit.
Under "Select Hardware for Programming," click on Arduino (Uno/Mega/Beginner Kit)
(see the image to the right --> )
Click the Upload button
If the Codecraft Assistant software has not already been installed, you will get an error message "The device assistant is not running."
Click "Download Device Assistant", download the installation program, and run it.
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.
After downloading, open Applications folder, highlight the CodeCraft app and press “control" and click at the same time. Select the option of loading the app at your own risk. The Codecraft software team is working on a fix for this issue.
Click the "Upload" button on the left side of the application and follow the instructions to select the serial port.
Did you get the "Upload successfully" prompt?
Yes: Congratulations! You are ready for the next step!
No: Carefully review the instructions and try again. Ask one of our IEEE volunteers for help if you are stuck.Perhaps your USB cable is defective? Try a different cable if available.
You may choose to use the Arduino IDE software instead of Codecraft and program using the text-base C/C++ Arduino language directly
Download from https://www.arduino.cc/en/software