Tutorial

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RoboRider Labs – Classroom Tutorial
RoboRider Labs – Classroom Lesson
RoboRider Labs — Lesson 1: Getting Started with Arduino

Lesson 1 — Get Set with Arduino 🔌

🧭 What we’re doing today

We’re setting up the Arduino IDE so your computer can talk to your board. Then we’ll pick the right board + port. That’s it. Simple wins.

💡 Goal check: by the end, you can hit Upload on a sample sketch and watch your board say “hello.”

💻 Install Arduino IDE (Windows)

1) Download

Go to the Arduino Software page and grab the Windows ZIP (not the installer).

💡 ZIP version = no admin needed. Perfect for school PCs.

2) Unzip

  1. Right-click the downloaded .zip.
  2. Extract All… → choose your Desktop.
  3. Click Extract. You’ll get an Arduino folder.

3) Plug in your Arduino

Connect with the USB cable. Little power light on? Good sign. If Windows pops “Found New Hardware,” just cancel—driver is next.

4) Install the USB driver

  1. Open Control Panel → Device Manager.
  2. Find Unknown Device (that’s your board).
  3. Right-click → Update driver → Browse my computer.
  4. Point to Arduino\drivers inside the folder you unzipped.
  5. Hit Next and allow any prompts.

✅ Windows done! Time to connect inside the IDE.

🍎 Install Arduino IDE (Mac)

  1. Go to the Arduino Software page.
  2. Download the macOS ZIP.
  3. Open it → you’ll see Arduino.app.
  4. Drag Arduino.app into Applications.
  5. Launch it from Applications (pin it to the Dock if you want).
⚠️ “App can’t be opened”? Click Open Anyway to allow it.

🐧 Install Arduino IDE (Linux)

Linux flavors vary. Use the Arduino Linux Guide and follow the steps for your distro. Ask your teacher/IT if stuck.

⚙️ Set up your Board in Arduino

1) Open the IDE

Start the Arduino app from your Desktop or Applications.

2) Pick your board

  • Tools → Board.
  • Choose your model (e.g., Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano).

3) Pick the right Port

  • Tools → Port.
  • Choose the port your board shows up on:
    • Windows: COM3, COM4, etc.
    • Mac/Linux: /dev/tty.usbmodem… or /dev/ttyUSB0
💡 Not sure which one? Unplug, check the list, plug back in. The new one is yours.

🧪 First upload (mini win)

  1. File → Examples → 01.Basics → Blink.
  2. Click Upload (the right-arrow button).
  3. See “Done uploading”? LED blinking? That’s your victory lap. 🙌
💡 If it fails, recheck Board + Port. Still grumpy? Try a different USB cable (data cable, not charge-only).

🎉 You’re set!

  • Arduino IDE installed
  • Board connected
  • Board + Port selected
  • Test sketch uploaded

Nice work! Next lesson: sensors, sounds, and making stuff move. 🚀

RoboRider Labs • Classroom Lesson 1