Getting Started - e-Gizmo/Home GitHub Wiki

What is a Gizduino?

Gizduino

GizDuino is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P and ATmega168P IC with a 16 MHz Crystal oscillator. It uses a USB Connector (mini Type B) to connect it to a computer and start programming! It also has a DC Jack for external power supply for those projects that needs that extra oomph. It is an open source computing platform based on simple input/output board and the use of standard programming language. Gizduino uses the same Arduino IDE for the Arduino/Genuino Boards.

A total newbie's guide to gizDuino!

Contents:

  1. Arduino IDE and Drivers
  2. Installation Guide - Driver Installation - How to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
  3. Manual Patching Guide
  4. Which Arduino IDE to use?
  5. Uploading Sketches to your gizDuino
  6. Testing your gizDuino at home

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Arduino IDE and Drivers

Download list:

Installation Guide

Driver Installation

  1. Download the driver software using the links above.
  2. Unzip or unrar the files and install.

If your Operating System (64-bit Windows 8, 8.1 and 10) has Driver signature enforcement enabled, disable it before installing.

How to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

On 64-bit Windows 8/ 8.1/ 10:

  1. Press and hold the Left Shift key and click restart.

  1. On boot, click on Troubleshoot.

  1. Next, click on Advanced Options.

  1. Then, click on Startup Settings.

  1. Click on the Restart button and wait for reboot.

  1. Press either 7 or F7 to disable Driver signature enforcement

  1. Your PC will restart after step six, wait till startup and install your drivers as normal.

####On 64-bit Windows 7:

  1. Restart your PC and press the F8 key repeatedly.

  2. Select the Disable Driver Signature Enforcement option in the Advanced Boot Options menu.

  1. Wait till startup and install your drivers as normal.

Manual Patching Guide

Close all open Arduino applications when patching!

  1. Unzip Compressed folder

  2. Copy 'gizduino-' folder

  3. Paste to Arduino folder>harware folder>(gizduino- folder)

  4. You can now open and use the Arduino IDE- Software with e-Gizmo microcontrollers! :smiley:

Which Arduino IDE to use?

     This gets asked more than it it should so this question gets to have its own section. Which to one to use? As it usually is with everything else, it really depends on what you need. A good rule of thumb is to check which version the library you will be using is compatible with and stick to that. Also, the Gizduino miniUSB isn't compatible with the 1.6.x versions as of yet. The huge gap between versions (1.0.6 to 1.6.9) means a ton of changes and improvements in terms of GUI, changes in the way that the IDE handles libraries and derivative boards. We don't have the specifics here but here's a link to the Arduino main site's release logs [here].
     

Uploading Sketches to your Gizuino


Things you'll need:

  • A USB type A to B cable (for the old versions, the minis, and the X).

    or
    A miniUSB cable (for the newer ones).
  • A USB to UART converter for the Gizduino Mini
  • A Laptop or Computer with the Arduino IDE (whichever version) and the correct drivers installed.

Uploading your Sketch

Future Update: Pics for this part.

  1. For the GizduinoX, the Gizduino+, and the GizduinoV:
    Connect your Gizduino board to your Laptop or PC using your USB cable.
    One of your Gizduino's LED indicator should blink rapidly.

    For the Gizduino Mini:
    Follow the wiring diagram below and connect your USB to UART converter to your Laptop or PC using your USB cable.
    One of your Gizduino's LED indicator should blink rapidly.

    For the Gizduino MiniUSB:

    • A jumper should be placed on the J2 jumper pins on the Gizduino MiniUSB board.
    • Press and hold the Reset button and plug in the Gizduino MiniUSB to your USB port.
    • Release the Reset button.

  2. Launch your chosen Arduino programming software.

  3. Go to the File tab and click on Open to load your sketch (.ino file) to the IDE.

  4. Go to the Tools tab and hover over the Board option and select the board you're using from the list.
    If you can't find any Gizduino Boards from the selection list, your Arduino IDE isn't patched.

  5. Again, go to the Tools tab and hover over the Port option.
    Check if the serial port selection is correct.

    • On Windows using the Device Manager.
    • On OSX it should be named something like /dev/tty.usbserial****.
    • On Linux this command "ls /dev/serial/" should list all available USB ports.

  6. Next press the Upload button or Ctrl+U on your keyboard.

  7. Wait for a bit for your sketch to compile and upload. A few LEDs should be blinking. After a few seconds your code should be running! Happy Coding!