sparkfun Inventor's Kit - User Manual

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sparkfun Inventor's Kit Specifications

General

Components	Includes LEDs, resistors, buttons, and other electronic components
Power Supply	USB
Connectivity	USB
Programming Language	Arduino (C++)
Projects	Multiple projects included
Skill Level	Beginner
Microcontroller	Arduino-compatible board (varies by kit version)

Summary

The RedBoard Platform

A Computer for the Physical World

Explains the SparkFun RedBoard as a development platform and a small, portable computer.

Baseplate Assembly

Anatomy of the SparkFun RedBoard

RedBoard Hardware Overview

Details specific parts of the RedBoard such as power inputs, LEDs, and pins.

The Arduino IDE

Download and Install Arduino IDE

Instructions on downloading and installing the Arduino IDE software for programming.

Install USB Drivers

Guidance on installing necessary USB drivers for the RedBoard to communicate with the computer.

Connect RedBoard to Computer

Steps for connecting the RedBoard to a computer using a USB cable.

Download and Install SIK Code

Copy SIK Guide Code to Examples Folder

Instructions for relocating the downloaded SIK code to the Arduino IDE's Examples subfolder.

Select Board and Serial Device

Select Your Board

Guidance on selecting the correct board type (Arduino/Genuino Uno) in the Arduino IDE.

Select Serial Port (Windows)

Instructions for selecting the correct serial port for Windows users.

Select Serial Port (Mac OS)

Instructions for selecting the correct serial port for Mac OS users.

Select Serial Port (Linux)

Provides a link for distribution-specific serial device setup instructions for Linux.

Circuit 1 A: Blinking an LED

New Components: LEDs and Resistors

Details Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Resistors, including their properties and function.

New Concepts: Polarity and Ohms Law

Explains component polarity and Ohm's Law (V=I*R) for circuit understanding.

Digital Output

Hookup Guide for Circuit 1 A

Open IDE and Upload Sketch

Code to Note: Digital Output and Delay

Digital Output Commands

Delay Function

Troubleshooting Upload Errors

Addresses common errors when uploading code, suggesting board selection checks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error Uploading Code

Troubleshoots upload errors by checking serial port selection in the Arduino IDE.

Selecting the Correct Serial Port

Guide to identifying the correct serial port by unplugging and replugging the RedBoard.

LED Not Turning On

Circuit 1 B: Potentiometer

New Component: Potentiometer

New Concepts: Analog vs. Digital Signals

Explains the difference between analog (infinite values) and digital (discrete values) signals.

Analog Inputs on RedBoard

Voltage Dividers

Hookup Guide for Circuit 1 B

Open IDE and Upload Potentiometer Sketch

Program Overview: Potentiometer Control

Details the program steps: reading potentiometer, controlling LED blink speed.