Getting Started
Installing Firmware
When a sketch and any plugins are ready, you can compile and flash the firmware. The process is similar to flashing the firmware on an Android device, the only difference being that you have full control of the process by default.
You can flash firmware either from the IDE or a command line. Within the IDE, open the sketch and select Sketch | Upload. From the command line, switch to the directory that contains the sketch to install and enter make flash
. In both cases, the IDE compiles the firmware and often pauses before installing (Figure 4). This pause is to give you time to prepare, usually by pressing the reset button on the Arduino board, so that the bootload is bypassed for the firmware installation. On devices that run off an Arduino, like the Keyboardio Model 01, there may be a button to press, so that you do not have to unscrew the case to reset (Figure 5). While the firmware is flashed, LED lights will blink to show that the operation is happening. When the blinking stops and the process completes, unplug the board or the device and restart it. If the new firmware does not run the device properly, edit the firmware and try again. In a worst case scenario, you can restore an archived sketch that you know will work.
Next Steps
This article is a brief overview of working with Arduino technology. For any specific device, there may be additional steps required. Fortunately, the popularity of Arduino boards means that there is no shortage of additional, specialized resources. Begin with the Arduino Documentation [5] and branch out to other web resources, as well as the books available on Amazon. Just remember that Arduino technology is constantly evolving, so get the most recently written help available. Remember, too, that what is true of one board may not be true of others. You might want to buy a kit with detailed instructions to help familiarize yourself with some of the possibilities.
And if all the possibilities are too confusing, don't worry. One of the strengths of Arduino technology is its flexibility. Even without become an in-depth expert, you can still use Arduino technology to customize and improve devices to a far greater extent than you might imagine.
Infos
- Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/
- Boards and shields: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Products
- Arduino IDE downloads: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
- Arduino C: https://www.arduino.cc/reference/en/
- Arduino Documentation: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Documentation
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs