Are you new and don’t know how to upload code to Arduino?
Arduino has become an indispensable tool for hobbyists, students, and professionals in electronics and programming.
The user-friendly platform allows you to bring your ideas to life by providing a straightforward way to develop and control electronic devices.
But before you can experiment with your Arduino board, you must know how to upload code.
This article will discuss easy methods to upload code to Arduino, making the process hassle-free for beginners.
Table of Contents
- Uploading Code to Arduino: Easy Guides for Different Devices
- Troubleshooting Common Arduino Uploading Errors
- Summary
Uploading Code to Arduino: Easy Guides for Different Devices
Uploading Code to Arduino Using Another Arduino
You can use a separate Arduino board as a programmer to upload code. And this works with the ArduinoISP function in the IDE.
ArduinoISP is a built-in system programmer for AVR-based microcontrollers and works with compatible Arduino boards.
For this method, you’ll need the following:
- Jumper wires
- Arduino Board
- Laptop/IDE
- ArduinoISP
The Arduino IDE has the ArduinoISP example to help you out. Just go to File > Examples > ArduinoISP. You’ll need Vcc, GND, and four data pins.
Connect MISO, MOSI, and SCK of the programming Arduino to the target Arduino and the fourth pin to the target Arduino’s Reset pin.
On some Arduino boards, like the UNO, MOSI, MISO, and SCK, pins work as digital pins 11, 12, and 13. We’ll use these instead of ICSP1 pins.
Red and black wires represent 5V Vcc and GND. And it would be best if you had these wires to power the target Arduino board.
Connect the bottom board to the PC with a USB B cable.
Arduino nano board
Follow these steps to upload your code:
1. In the IDE, go to Tools > Board and select your board.
2. Open the ArduinoISP code at File > Examples > ArduinoISP.
3. Upload your sketch.
4. Select the target board like in Step 2.
5. Go to Tools > Programmer > ArduinoISP.
6. Finally, choose Upload using Programmer in the Sketch menu.
Uploading Arduino Code with a PC or Laptop
Uploading sketches to Arduino boards is a breeze with a laptop or PC. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Laptop or PC
- Arduino IDE (software)
- Arduino Board (UNO)
- USB cable
Just follow these simple steps:
1. First, open the Arduino IDE.
2. Plug the Arduino into your PC with the USB B cable.
3. Go to Tool > Board > Arduino UNO to pick the right board.
4. Next, open an example program at File > Examples > 01. Basics > Led.
5. Finally, compile and upload your sketch.
Kid uploading an Arduino code of a robot with a laptop
Uploading Arduino Code with Smartphones
Did you know you can use smartphones to upload sketches to Arduino boards? It’s great for on-the-go coding when you don’t have a laptop. You’ll need the following:
- Smartphone
- Open-source Android IDE app
- OTG cable or converter
- USB B cable
- Arduino Board (UNO)
Here’s how to do it:
1. Search for Arduino IDE in the Play Store on your smartphone and install your preferred app.
2. Then, open the app, tap the three-dot menu, and go to Sketch > Examples > 01.Basics > Blink.
3. The Blink sketch will appear, showing the LED blinking code.
4. Connect your smartphone to the Arduino board with an OTG connector and follow the on-screen steps to upload your code.
5. After the compilation, tap the upload icon to send the sketch.
Concept art of using phones with Arduino
Troubleshooting Common Arduino Uploading Errors
As you embark on your Arduino journey, you may encounter some errors during the programming process. Here are some common errors and their solutions:
1. Exit Status 1:
Usually, you see this error when you’re compiling or uploading code. Look at the lines before the error message for more details.
If it’s a code problem, double-check your syntax. For issues with ports or connections, make sure you connect everything right.
2. dfu-util: No DFU-capable USB device is available:
If you see this error, check that the board is connected to your computer.
Ensure the right board and port are chosen under Tools > Board and Tools > Port.
Close anything else using the port, including other Arduino IDE windows, serial monitors, or other programs. After doing so, restart the computer if needed.
3. Can’t find a Board on the selected port:
If your board isn’t working, check that it’s plugged in and you’ve picked the right spot from Tools > Port.
If it’s still not working, push the reset button the second you start uploading.
4. No device found on <port>:
Be sure that you’ve chosen the right port under Tools > Port. It would be best if you closed anything else that could be using the port.
This includes other Arduino ID windows, serial monitors, or other programs. Then, restart the computer if needed.
5. jssc.SerialPortException: Port name – <port>; Method name – openPort(); Exception type – Port busy:
This error means that the port you picked is already in use.
Ensure that you have chosen the right port under Tools > Port.
Close anything else that could be using the port.
And this includes other Arduino IDE windows, serial monitors, or other programs.
Then, you can restart the computer if needed.
Upload the code to the Arduino microcontroller board
Summary
Uploading code to an Arduino board is user-friendly, even for those with limited experience.
Following the steps detailed in this guide, you’ll efficiently set up your Arduino environment and upload code to your board.
This way, you can bring your electronic projects to life and explore programming and electronics.
