Loading the Blimpduino code

Here's how to load the Arduino code on Blimduino:

First, you need to download and install the latest Arduino IDE.

Then, download the latest Blimpduino code from the code repository.

Unzip the file. You should have a directory that looks like this:

Now plug in your FTDI cable into the six-pin FTDI port on the Blimpduino board. Make sure the BCK and GRN labels on the board correspond to the matching black and green labels or wires on your FTDI cable.

If you're using the Sparkfun FTDI board (it requires a USB cable, if you don't already have one), it will look like this:

If you're using the DIY Drones FTDI cable, it will look like this:

To load this code, power on the Blimpduino board with the battery or using some other 5v power source (do not attempt to just power the board with the FTDI cable. We did not connect the power pins on the FTDI port to the processor to avoid power conflict when the board is powered by the Rx and you're using the FTDI as a serial monitor). The red power LED should go on.

Then in the Arduino software in the "Tools" menu make sure you've selected the right serial port (the FTDI cable will create a new one, which is probably port 5 or higher). Also ensure that the board selected is "Arduino Pro or Pro Mini (8 Mhz)"

Load the BlimpDuino "sketchfile", blimpduino[version].pde, which will load the rest of files in tabs.

Your interface should look like this:

Now press the "Upload to I/O board" icon (the little arrow pointing to the right). If you have the Sparkfun board, after about 20 seconds you should see a red LED flash a few times and then stay on for a while as the code is being uploaded. On the DIY Drones cable, which doesn't have a LED, just wait. After about 30 seconds the software should report that the sketch was successfully uploaded by reporting "Done uploading" and reporting the Sketch size. If not, check out the Arduino debugging tips here.

Note: the Arduino IDE has a handy built-in serial monitor, which is a great way to watch Blimpduino work. The code reports a lot of status messages over serial, which you can see while your FTDI cable is plugged in. Just click on the little box icon on the far right and ensure that the baud rate is set for 38400, as shown:

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Comments

Lars Schumann September 16, 2010 at 11:44am

I just want to point out that the newer Arduino IDE has an option for 8MHz ATmega168 and ATmega328. Is is important to select the ATmega168, because the ATmega328 uses a higher upload speed which means if you select this one, the upload will not work. The name of the board is now "Arduino Pro or Pro Mini (3.3V, 8 MHz) w/ ATmega168".
Eddy Khan February 15, 2010 at 3:40am

Dear CXhris Anderson:
Can I get SPI interface hardware diagram and code for vn 100 sensor for controlling of yaw,pitch,roll,magnetometer,acceleration etc.
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson January 8, 2010 at 8:54pm

Neal, excellent point. I'll add that to the manual.
Neal McBurnett January 8, 2010 at 7:53pm

I'll add that it is very helpful to also enable the "Serial Monitor" window in the Arduino software. It will show status information at startup, and can be used for debugging. See the many "Serial.print" statements in the code.
Ty Tower October 19, 2009 at 2:30am

(do not attempt to just power the board with the FTDI cable. We did not connect the power pins on the FTDI port to the processor to avoid power conflict when the board is powered by the Rx and you're using the FTDI as a serial monitor).

This is above under the last picture. Exactly what does it mean ?

Do you mean there can be conflict when the board is powered by the battery and FTDI power is also connected or is it something else?

Will I damage my board if I make the solder link on Jumper1 to give the board FTD! 5V and then further along power up the board by battery and monitor the serial output too ?.

This reply was deleted.