Firmware Resources

Arduino IDE

The IDE is where you write and upload code. Both boards use it.

• Download Arduino IDE 2.x: arduino.cc/en/software
• Getting started guide: docs.arduino.cc/software/ide-v2
• Language reference (every function, explained): arduino.cc/reference/en

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Arduino Uno R3 Clone

Your kit has a clone board that works the same as the official Uno but uses a CH340 USB chip. You probably need to install the driver before your computer sees it.

Driver

• CH340 driver (Windows + Mac): sparks.gogo.co.nz/ch340.html

After installing, unplug and replug your board. A port should appear under Tools > Port.

Pinout and Specs

• Official Uno R3 hardware page + pinout: docs.arduino.cc/hardware/uno-rev3

Learning

• Arduino built-in examples (File > Examples in the IDE) are the best place to start
• Arduino tutorials: docs.arduino.cc/tutorials
• Adafruit Learning System (beginner-friendly guides for basically every component): learn.adafruit.com

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ESP32

Setup

The ESP32 needs a board package installed before it shows up in the IDE. Follow this guide:

• Official install guide: docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/installing.html

Board manager URL to paste into File > Preferences:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json

Pinout and Specs

• GPIO reference (what each pin does, what's safe to use): randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-pinout-reference-gpios
• Official ESP32 datasheet: espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32_datasheet_en.pdf
• Pin definitions in the arduino-esp32 source (SDA, SCL, etc.): github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/.../pins_arduino.h

Learning

• Random Nerd Tutorials (best ESP32 resource on the internet): randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32
• Official arduino-esp32 API docs: docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest
• Last Minute Engineers (clear component-by-component guides): lastminuteengineers.com

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Libraries

Install any of these from Tools > Manage Libraries in the IDE.

What you need	Library name	Docs
OLED display (SSD1306)	Adafruit SSD1306 + Adafruit GFX Library	learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-gfx-graphics-library
Button debouncing	Bounce2	github.com/thomasfredericks/Bounce2
Alternative display driver	U8g2	github.com/olikraus/u8g2/wiki
JSON parsing	ArduinoJson	arduinojson.org

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Troubleshooting

Port not showing up (Uno clone)

Almost always a missing CH340 driver. Install it from the link above, unplug, replug.

Upload failing on ESP32

Hold the BOOT button on your board while the IDE shows "Connecting.....". Release once the upload starts. Some boards need this to enter bootloader mode.

I2C device not found / OLED not working

Run this I2C scanner sketch to find your device's address:

• playground.arduino.cc/Main/I2cScanner

Most OLEDs are at 0x3C, some are at 0x3D.

General help

• Arduino Stack Exchange: arduino.stackexchange.com
• ESP32 forums: esp32.com/viewforum.php?f=19
• The #breadboard channel on Hack Club Slack