Buzz
Just got your hands on an Arduino Uno microcontroller board? Dive into this step-by-step Mytour tutorial to learn how to effortlessly connect your Arduino Uno to either a Windows PC or Mac, install essential drivers, and launch your debut application.
Procedures
Setting Up on Mac OSX
Download and Install the Latest Arduino Package.
Launch the FTDIUSB Serial driver provided.
After installation, drag the application to your applications folder. Remember to reboot your device for the changes to take effect.
Plug in the Arduino. Upon first connection, OSX will prompt you about a new interface. Simply navigate to ‘Network Preferences’ and hit ‘Apply’.
Setting Up on Windows 7
Start by downloading the latest Arduino package and unzip it. The file size is approximately 80MB for download, expanding to 230MB, so grab a coffee while you wait, depending on your internet speed.
Connect the Arduino to your PC using the provided USB cable. Dismiss any pop-up windows and avoid initiating driver searches through Windows’ tool.
Press “Start,” then type devmgmt.msc. Hit ↵ Enter and the Device Manager should open.
Navigate to the ‘Other devices’ section. Look for an Arduino Uno with a yellow 'problem' indication. Double-click it, choose ‘Update Drivers,’ then ‘Browse my computer for driver software.’
Opt for ‘Let me choose a Driver,’ click ‘All Devices’, ‘Have Disk,’ and navigate to the ‘Downloads’ folder. Within the drivers folder, locate the Arduino Uno file. Proceed with the installation despite warnings of it being an “unsigned driver.”
Setting Up Board and Port Configuration
Start the Arduino application from either the ‘Downloads’ or ‘Applications’ folder.
Configure the port and board settings. Look for a tools menu on your system. Make sure to select the appropriate board, usually the Uno by default. Verify the correct serial port is chosen as well.
- On a Mac, port names might be confusing but look for one of the listed USB ports, possibly labeled as cu-USB.
Executing Your Initial Application
Click ‘Open’ and select the example application from the dialog: Basics -> Blink.
Verify the setup. To confirm the board is functioning properly and connected correctly, click ‘Upload.’
- After a brief moment of compiling, the TX / RX lights on the Arduino, often orange, will flash indicating data transmission or reception. Once completed, the code will execute immediately.
Start exploring! That's where this tutorial ends. You've successfully set up your Arduino and learned how to upload applications to it, confirming its proper functionality.
