BLOX provides a simple, block-based programming interface that allows users to quickly get started with electronics and coding without needing extensive knowledge.

The Developer Toolbox runs entirely in your web browser and you can design your firmware, compile it and flash directly to a BLOX from within the browser - no other software needed

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• An internet connection
• A browser than supports WebSerial for full compatibility: Refer to https://caniuse.com/web-serial
• We recommend Chrome https://www.google.com/chrome/ or Edge https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/download

The BLOX firmware option allows you to build out controller firmware visually, without needing any code. It is accessed via your Projects on the OpenBuilds BLOX Developer Toolbox

The main workspace consists of

• TOOLBOX: This is the area where you can locate the various “blocks” to piece together to build your own custom firmware
• BLOX BLOCK: This default Block contains your program blocks. Initialize section is used to setup and initialize accessories, the Run block is executed as a loop. Drag the blocks into this main block to build your firmware
• VIEW CONTROLS: Zoom in / Zoom out and Recenter view buttons allows you to control the view of the workspace
• TRASH: Drag unwanted blocks to the trashcan to delete them (Or select the block, and right-click > delete; or select the block and press DEL on the keyboard). You can restore a deleted block from the trash as well
• ACTION BUTTONS: Used to Save your firmware configuration to your Project, compile the firmware, flash it to a BLOX device, as well as for connecting to a BLOX to view the Serial Logs

You would typically follow the workflow

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

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.

Typically used for

• Connecting to a Wifi Network
• Setting up Timesync
• Configuring Stepper Motor's Axis type, Calibration, Current Setting, etc
• Configure initialization and pin assignments for displays/sensors/modules

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 completes, and it will keep running over and over until the BLOX is powered off or reset.

Typically used for

• Reading Sensors, Buttons and Switches
• Manipulating data
• Sending/Receiving messages
• Logging
• Control the flow of the Program with Logic blocks
• Move Motors or Servo
• Turn devices on/off
• Change LED colors
• Play audio