Programming - MacOS
This section explains the step-by-step process for programming and testing the Tech-Box.io Laser Stem Matrix
Table of Contents - Laser Stem Matrix Instruction Guide
Programming Preface
The following instructions will guide you through the processes of preparing your MacOS computer with the correct Arduino IDE configuration (the computer program used to upload a program to your Nano Board (Part C)) and through programming the Nano Board (Part C) microcontroller.
Programming
Now that the electrical components are installed and the wiring is complete, follow the steps below to complete the programming of your kit's Nano Board (Part C) microcontroller:
- Begin by connecting the Mini USB Cable (Part G) to the Nano Board (Part C) and then plug it into your Mac or Mac's USB hub (Note: Not all USB hubs work correctly with the Arduino IDE, so if you have issues while using a USB hub, connect the cable directly to your Mac, if possible).
(Note: Parts other than the Nano Board (Part C) and Mini USB Cable (Part G) have been removed from the image below for clarity)
When you upload code to the pre-programmed Nano Board (Part C), the existing program on the board will be erased and overwritten. The Nano Board (Part C) can be programmed an unlimited number of times, and each upload will overwrite the prior program, so you can always customize or alter the code in the future to fit or change your style.
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If you have not already downloaded and installed the Arduino IDE version 1.8.X previously for another Arduino related project, you can follow this guide (linked here) for the step-by-step installation process. Once it is installed, you can continue with this step.
Use Safari for ALL downloads in this guide. Download the Arduino Code file for this project by clicking the link below and accepting the download if prompted. This download should appear in your Downloads folder which can be accessed by opening the Finder application. If your Mac configuration places downloads in a different location, you will need to note that location for use in the following steps. (Note: If at any point, you accidentally delete or edit the code in the file and receive error notifications from the Arduino IDE, you can re-download a fresh copy of the file by clicking the link below again.)
Tech-BoxIO_Laser_Stem_Matrix.ino
- Once the file is downloaded, you will need to open it in the Arduino IDE. If you used the Safari browser to download the file in Step 2 above, the code file should already be unzipped in your Downloads folder.
To open the code file, open the Arduino IDE from Launchpad (or wherever you have stored the Arduino application) and press “Command+O” on your keyboard to pull up the open file dialog box, this can also be accessed by clicking “File” -> “Open…” at the top of your screen. Then navigate to the download location for the Tech-BoxIO_Laser_Stem_Matrix.ino file, click on the Arduino file, and click “Open”, as shown in the image below. If the Arduino IDE requests access to the folder where the file is stored, allow it. If you have any issues or questions, feel free to contact Tech-Box Support by email at Support@Tech-Box.io
- Connect the Nano Board (Part C) to your Mac using the Mini-USB cable (Part G) if it is not already connected. Then select Tools -> Ports and you should see that a COM port has appeared, as highlighted in blue in the image below. The COM ports are labeled by number and the values will vary by Mac, but appear at the end of the "/dev/cu.usbserial-##" port name. Our Nano Board (Part C) appeared as "/dev/cu.usbserial-10", but your board may appear as any "-#" value. To download to the Nano Board (Part C), click and select the new COM port that appeared in this menu. (Note: The COM port "-#" should not change when unplugging and reconnecting the board.) If you are unsure which COM port your Nano Board (Part C) is connected to and multiple COM ports are appearing, you can unplug your Nano Board (Part C) and then check the menu again to see which COM port is no longer present. Then, reconnect your Nano Board (Part C) and select the correct port once it reappears. Once the new COM port is selected, proceed with Step 5 below.
COM Port Does Not Appear in Port MenuTroubleshooting for Step 4:
If no COM port appears under the “Port:” option with the Nano Board (Part C) connected, your USB port may not be working correctly or there may be a component or wire placed incorrectly. In this event, first attempt to connect to different USB ports on your computer and check if a COM port appears under the "Port:" menu. If no ports appear, then remove the Nano Board (Part C) from the Breadboard (Part E) and attempt to select a COM port again. If the issue persists, disconnect and then reconnect the Nano Board (Part C) from/to the Mini USB cable (Part G) to power cycle the Nano Board (Part C) and attempt the COM port selection again. If the COM port selection now works, check all of your wiring and component placements to make sure that they are in the correct locations. If you have any issues with the selection, please contact Support@Tech-Box.io
USB Cable
Some third-party USB cables are meant for power only and may not have data wires included. These cables will not allow for your microcontroller to communicate with your computer. Therefore, we recommend using ONLY the provided USB cables from our guided kits as all Tech-Box.io USB cables are configured with integrated data lines. If you have any issues with the installation, please contact Support@Tech-Box.io
End Troubleshooting for Step 4
- Once the project file is opened in the Arduino IDE, select the correct board settings in your Arduino IDE to complete the upload. To do this, in your Arduino IDE, select Tools -> Board -> Arduino AVR Board -> Arduino Nano (or Tools -> Board -> Arduino Nano on some installations) as shown in the image below.
Then, ensure that the "Processor" selection that appears below the "Board" options (and highlighted by the yellow rectangle in the image below), is set to "ATmega328P" and NOT "ATmega328P (Old Bootloader)". (Note: The processor selection will only appear once the Arduino Nano Board has been selected). Once these selections are made, click the “Checkmark” in the upper left-hand corner of the Arduino IDE, as highlighted by the red square in the image below, to verify and compile the code. This selection allows the compiler to prepare the code to be uploaded to the correct microcontroller. After a short time, your compile should complete successfully.
The Arduino code file for this project has been completely commented with each variable, line, and code block’s function explained. Feel free to read through the code to learn what each section is doing and check your understanding!
If there are errors when attempting to compile the code in the Arduino IDE, complete the following troubleshooting steps:Troubleshooting for Step 5:
1) If the error persists, restart your Mac, then open the Arduino IDE and project code and attempt to compile again.
2) If the compile still fails, please open a support ticket with Tech-Box.io Customer Support by sending an email to Support@Tech-Box.io and include the name of your kit and describe or provide the error code you are encountering in the Arduino IDE (The error information will be in the area that appears orange and black at the bottom of your Arduino IDE). Customer support will get back with you as quickly as possible!
End Troubleshooting for Step 5
- Finally, with the proper board type and COM port selected, click the “Arrow” in the upper left-hand corner of the Arduino IDE to upload the code to the Nano Board (Part C), as highlighted by the red square in the image below. The Arduino IDE will notify you when the file is “Done Uploading” in the lower left-hand area of the Arduino IDE, as highlighted by the yellow rectangle below. This Nano Board microcontroller (Part C) can be rewritten/re-uploaded to an unlimited number of times, if desired. Feel free to create your own custom patterns and colors and re-upload to the Nano Board microcontroller (Part C) as needed!
Once the Nano Board (Part C) is programmed, the LED matrix (Part D) will illuminate with a varying pattern. If no illumination is present, double check your wiring to ensure all components and wires are placed correctly, and then attempt to program the Nano Board again. If your issue persists, please reach out to Support@tech-box.io and our support team will be happy to assist you! Pressing the Push Button (Part F) at this point will cycle through the preprogrammed colors and patterns.
If there are any errors when uploading the code to the Nano Board (Part C), complete the following troubleshooting steps:Troubleshooting for Step 6:
1) Check the wiring and component placements; including the placement of the Nano Board (Part C) itself. If wires or components are in the wrong locations, it may block the code from being uploaded or prevent the Nano Board (Part C) from appearing in the COM port options. Once you have checked everything, attempt the upload again.
2) If the error persists, remove the Mini-USB cable (Part G) from the Nano Board (Part C) and then remove the Nano Board (Part C) from the Breadboard (Part E). Then reconnect the Mini-USB cable (Part G) to the Nano Board (Part C) and attempt to upload the code while it is disconnected from the breadboard (Part E). If the upload is successful now, this may mean that some part of the wiring is incorrect. So check the wiring and component placement again, then reinsert the Nano Board (Part C) into the breadboard (Part E) at the correct pin location shown in the wiring section of this guide.
3) If your program still fails to download, please open a support ticket with Tech-Box.io Customer Support by sending an email to Support@Tech-Box.io and include the name of your kit and specific issue in the email. Customer Support will get back with you as quickly as possible!
End Troubleshooting for Step 6
Congratulations! You have now successfully programmed and tested your Laser Stem Matrix and are ready to tackle the Laser Stem Matrix Coding Challenge! Continue to the next page and follow the steps in that section to take on the challenge.