This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revision | ||
docs:blox:firmware-blox-firmware [2024/08/15 17:54] admin |
— (current) | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
- | ====== 5.1 BLOX Firmware ====== | ||
- | BLOX provides a simple, block-based programming interface that allows users to quickly get started with electronics and coding without needing extensive knowledge. | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.1 Requirements ===== | ||
- | |||
- | * A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux. | ||
- | * An internet connection to download the necessary software | ||
- | * A browser than supports WebSerial for full compatibility: | ||
- | * We recommend Chrome https:// | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.2 Overview ===== | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | The main workspace consists of | ||
- | |||
- | * TOOLBOX: This is the area where you can locate the various " | ||
- | * BLOX BLOCK: This default Block contains your program blocks. | ||
- | * VIEW CONTROLS: Zoom in / Zoom out and Recenter view buttons allows you to control the view of the workspace | ||
- | * TRASH: | ||
- | * ACTION BUTTONS: | ||
- | |||
- | You would typically follow the workflow | ||
- | |||
- | ^ **EDIT FIRMWARE** | ||
- | | Create Firmware using BLOX | {{fa> | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.3 Toolbox ===== | ||
- | |||
- | The toolbox contains BLOX Blocks categorised for convenience. Open the toolbox and select a block you need. Drag your block to the workspace, and plug it into the BLOX block | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.4 BLOX Block ===== | ||
- | |||
- | The BLOX Block is the most important block in your workspace. This block is the container into which all your other development is contained. Only blocks plugged into the BLOX will be included in your firmware | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | The most important concept is the Initialize vs Run inputs. | ||
- | |||
- | ** Initialization Blocks ** | ||
- | |||
- | This is used to initialize settings and configurations that need to be set up once when the BLOX starts running. It runs once at the beginning of the program, right after the BLOX is powered on or reset. | ||
- | |||
- | ** Run Blocks ** | ||
- | |||
- | This section contains the blocks that will run repeatedly, allowing your program to perform tasks or respond to inputs continuously. It runs in a loop after Initialization | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.5 Add Initialization Blocks to Workspace ===== | ||
- | |||
- | For example, here we dragged the **Wifi Setup** block into the BLOX Block' | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | Customize the settings according to your network. | ||
- | |||
- | When the device boots up with the firmware, it will connect to the configured Wifi network during the Initialization process | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.6 Add Run Blocks to Workspace ===== | ||
- | |||
- | For example, here we dragged the **If Wifi is Connected** block into the BLOX Block' | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | In this example we're using it to track the status of the Wifi connection, and change the onboard LEDs on the BLOX to indicate the connection status | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.7 Compile Firmware ===== | ||
- | |||
- | Once all your blocks are setup the way you want them, click the **Compile Firmware** button | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | Our cloud based compile service will build the firmware binary for you. | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | When its done, it will ask you to place the BLOX into Bootloader mode, and to select the correct port to connect to for flashing the firmware | ||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.8 Flashing Firmware ===== | ||
- | |||
- | Click on the **Select OpenBuilds BLOX USB Port to continue** button, and in the pop up select the COM/ | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | Click on **INSTALL <Your project title here> FIRMWARE** | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | Confirm you want to proceed, and click **INSTALL** | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | Wait for the device to complete flashing. If it fails, you can try again, possibly forgot to place it in bootloader mode as instructed onscreen | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | Once flashing is complete, it will show Installation complete! | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | Press the **RESET** button on your BLOX to let it boot up with your new firmware. | ||
- | |||
- | Test that it works as intended, otherwise return and update your program accordingly. | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | ===== 5.1.9 Debug Logs ===== | ||
- | |||
- | You can use the Logs and Console option to view the live serial log coming from the BLOX | ||
- | |||
- | {{: | ||
- | |||
- | This will show the boot log and help you troubleshoot issues. | ||
- | |||
- | {{: |