First Plugin and Code Upload


Walkthrough Video

Watch the video to see how to connect Maker Board and Maker Screen so you can upload your first program!

Have the style of kit with the USB "tail" instead of socket connector? Watch this video.

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! After you have plugged in Maker Board and have a green power light, hit 'Upload Your Code' and the onboard LED of Maker Board should start blinking really quickly, plus you'll see 'Success!' pop up on the code editor.


/* Blink Maker Board's attached LED light on and off 10 times per second */ void setup(){ pinMode(13,OUTPUT); //Set port 13 to receive power } void loop(){ digitalWrite(13,HIGH); //Turn on port 13 delay(50); //Wait 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds) digitalWrite(13,LOW); //Turn off port 13 delay(50); //Wait 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds) }
 

Challenges

Can you complete the challenge? Change the code in your code editor above. Upload your code to see the effect when you're finished. Complete a challenge? Check it off the list!

Concepts

These are the new code concepts covered in this example program. To become a great coder, read through these concepts to learn new vocabulary.

Quiz

If you're having trouble, try to run an experimental program or look at the example code to help you find the answer.

1. Which syntax ends the entire 'void loop' function?




2. Which syntax ends a single code command?



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Which coding kit(s) do you have?*

Having trouble uploading code? Try these steps in order:

1) Make sure your board is plugged in snugly and the USB cable is turned correctly - the stripes on the green sticker align with the metal stripes on Maker Board. You should see a steady green light on your board when it it powered on.

2) Try plugging your cable into a different USB port on your computer. If that fixes it, it doesn't mean the first USB port is broken, it may just be that your board didn't establish a connection with your computer the first time.

3) The drop-down menu* at the top of the code editor should say 'LSC Board' for Windows and Mac and something like /dev.tty.... on Chromebook. If it says something else, click the drop-down and select a different option. If the drop-down menu is blank or not clickable, check steps 1 and 2.

*Depending on which version of our software you are using, you may not have a drop-down menu on your code editor.

3) Unplug other USB devices from your computer to ensure nothing is interfering with the connection.

4) If this is your very first time using your kit, you may need to restart your computer after installing the software.

Still having trouble? Send us an email at info@letsstartcoding.com with the subject line: First Upload Problem: Maker Board 2
Please describe what type of computer you're using and what happened when you tried each step above. We can help!