Arduino Uno R3 setup

inventr.io “30 Days Lost in Space” kit

While I was initially focused on Micro:bit (MicroPython programming), I kept receiving ads for inventr’s Arduino product (C/C++ programming), which was marketed to both adults and kids. Somehow, that was appealing to me.

They have a gamification approach, and first one getting my attention was “30 Days Lost in space”. Basic premise is that you have to complete various projects/tasks, in order to complete the mission – something like that. There’s someone called Astrid that is there to help.

Arduino HERO board and parts

The kit comes with an Arduino board; bunch of resistors; cables; USB cable to connect to computer; LEDs; OLED screen (cool!); Digital number display; DIP switch; rotating device; push buttons; speaker — all interesting part, bits and pieces. Note: I’m sure the above have official names, but that’s the idea.

“HERO” is named by inventr. They say it’s a derivative of the Arduino UNO R3 Reference Design. Right now, I’m not exactly sure what all that means, but good to know it’s an Arduino UNO R3, as I wanted to be able to cross-reference documentation between inventr and Arduino.

I also got (for $9.99) additional, a board that the HERO microcontroller mounts to (with supplied bolts, spacers, and nuts). The board is designed to also mount (with double-back tape) the breadboard. Looks like it keeps things orderly, as what will ensue are a series of cables going between the UNO and the breadboard.

My computer hardware and OS

Because several computers went south on me, I had to unbox a computer I only used for a couple years (from 2011 to 2015), and then started using it again in 2024. So far so good – working great.

It’s an Apple iMac 21.5″ (Mid 2011). Important to mention because I’m limited in the version of the Mac OS and also the Arduino IDE software. I was able to upgrade to macOS High Sierra (version 10.13.6) and the legacy Arduino IDE (version 1.8.19). I know there is an Arduino IDE 2.x version (which I can’t use with my computer), which includes a debugger. I’m hoping this is not too much of a limiting factor in learning all things Arduino for now.

Driver Install and config

Followed the instructions to first install the driver; approve a security setting; restart computer.

Software install and config

Followed the instructions to install the legacy IDE software; connect the USB cable between UNO and computer; select the board in IDE and chose the obvious serial port.

Cable connection

I’m not sure if it’s OK to keep the Arduino UNO connected to the computer for a long time. I found the cable connection to the UNO is quite tight. Therefore, I’ve loosened the USB cable connection to the back of the computer, and will push it back in again when ready to connect and program.

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