JCM EDUCATION SERVICES
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Initial Setup for Programming SAMrANO
These steps should only need to be done once to set up your system
Step 1 Download your Preferred IDE
There are two different IDE's (Integrated Development Environment) that you can use for programming your SAMrANO robot, both have their strengths and weaknesses.
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The first is the Arduino IDE, using this method only required that you download the IDE based on the instructions below and proceed to the programming stage.
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The second recommended IDE is Microsoft VS Code along with the Platform IO extension.
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While the Arduino IDE is a fantastic environment for getting started and it includes many built in examples it does lack a few powerful features such as auto complete and other quality of life features to make programming faster.
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This being said we we will do our best to build tutorials that outline how to complete them in both IDE's.
Arduino IDE Install Instructions:
Download the Arduino IDE from https://www.arduino.cc/en/software and install it on your computer. You may agree to all it's default install options
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Note: If you are using Windows do not install the Arduino IDE from the Microsoft store.
VS Code Install Instructions:
Download the VS Code IDE by Going to https://code.visualstudio.com/#alt-downloads and selecting the download for your operating system of choice.
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Note: If you are using VS Code on Windows and use the User Installer this does not require administrator rights however every user of the same computer will have to install Vscode for themselves.
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Step 2 Install CH340 Driver
Some Arduino Nano Compatible processors require the CH340 Driver to be installed you can find this driver below.
CH340SER.zip
Step 3 Prepare your IDE
Arduino IDE:
The Arduino IDE does not require Installing of any additional addons for the initial configuration of your robot.
VS Code:
The VS Code application requires one extension and has a second recommended extension to program the SAMrANO kit. Follow the instructions below to Install these extensions.
Open VS Code
Once installed open VS Code and wait until the screen has loaded as pictured.
Step 4 Create & Upload a Test Project:
Arduino IDE:
Open Arduino IDE
VS Code:
Open VS Code
Step 5 Upload SAMrANO-Basic Program
A basic program has been created for the SAMrANO kit to operate as a mini sumo and is available on GitHub here:
https://github.com/MechManDan/SAMrANO-Basic
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To download this code press the downward arrow on the green code button and select Download.zip.
Move this zip file to a more convenient location such as your my documents folder and unzip the archive, then follow the IDE specific Instructions to upload the code to your robot.
Arduino IDE:
Open Arduino IDE
VS Code:
Open VS Code
If you see your code from the past step save your work then select Close Folder from the File menu.
Congratulations Your Robot is Complete!!!
Additional Resources/Tutorials
Learn how to create the program provided above by watching the videos below:
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Video 1: SAMrANO First Program
Video 2:
Additional resources for this kit are currently in development and will be posted and linked below soon. Please check back soon.