Revision as of 01:19, 22 February 2018

Itty Bitty City

The Itty Bitty City is an 8-in-1 complete project kit which features Microduino’s mCookie modules. Each of the 8 projects introduces new concepts and ideas related to programming and electronics. It is designed for beginners. The kit contains everything needed to build the 8 projects. Including mCooke modules, sensors and trinkets, building bricks, and additional accessories. The source code is also available for each of the projects.

Getting Started

Step 1: Downloading Latest Software

Download the latest Microduino software for your OS (Windows or Mac) at: http://microduinoinc.com/download/

Step 2: Follow the Software Getting Started Guide

Follow the getting software started guide for your OS at:

Windows
IDE Install Guide for Windows

MAC
IDE Install Guide for MAC

Follow the guide to ensure the software is properly setup and the correct drivers are installed.

Step 3: Configuring and Testing the Software

1. Open the Microduino software.
   
   
   
   
2. Go to “Tools > Board” and select “Microduino/mCookie-device”
   
   
   
   
3. Go to “Tools > Processor” and select “Microduino/mCookie-Core (328p)@16M,5V”
   
   
   
   
4. Only have the red Core module and yellow battery stacked. Then connect the MicroUSB to the yellow battery and the other end to your computer's USB port.
   
   
   
   
5. Check if the red LED is lit on the yellow battery. This indicates the battery is ON and SUPPLYING power to the modules.
   If there is no red LED lit, then press and hold the button on the yellow battery for a few seconds to turn it on.
   Note: Blinking blue LEDs indicates the battery is CHARGING ONLY.

   IMPORTANT: The red LED must be on when programming or using your project.

   
   
   
6. Go to “Tools > Port” and select the port. It is usually the one that is select-able. (If you are using a Mac, it is not the Bluetooth one)
   
   
   
   
   
7. With the default sample code. Hit upload (right arrow icon on the top left of the software).
   
   
   
   
8. The code will compile and will say upload complete if successful. Congratulations the software setup is complete!
   
   

The digital version of the printed manual can be found here: Instruction Manual

Troubleshooting

IMPORTANT: Before attempting these troubleshooting steps, follow the Getting Started section first.

I can't select my port!

1. Drivers for mBattery (yellow battery) not installed
   The drivers to use mBattery may not have been installed.
   
   Solution: Please carefully follow the Software Installation Guide for your OS.
   
   
2. Defective mBattery (yellow battery)
   If the above solutions do not resolve the issue, (Contact Us) for a replacement part. Please indicate the prior troubleshooting steps you have performed and the results for a quicker response time.

"stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding" error

If you are able to select the port successfully and receive this error when attempting to upload, then the error may be related to:

1. mBattery (yellow battery) is not supplying power to the modules.
   Blinking blue LEDs indicates CHARGING ONLY.
   A red LED on indicates that the battery is ON and SUPPLYING power to the modules. This is required for uploading/programming and using your projects.
   
   Solution: Press and hold the button for a few seconds on mBattery (yellow battery) until a red LED comes on.
   
   
2. Incorrect port selection or software configuration
   This error can occur when the software is not properly configured.
   
   Solution:
   Confirm "Tools > Boards > Microduino/mCookie-device" is selected.
   Confirm "Tools > Processor > Microduino/mCookie-Core (328@16M,5V)" is selected.
   Select a different port under "Tools > Port". Then attempt to upload again. If you have multiple ports, try different ones and attempt to upload each time.
   
   
3. Bad connection between the Core module and mBattery (yellow battery)
   The gold pins between the Core module and mBattery may be bad, which results in being unable to program.
   
   Solution: Carefully clean the contacts (gold pins & gold pads) on both the Core module and mBattery with rubbing alcohol. Also check for defective pins or pads on both modules.
   
   
4. Defective mBattery (yellow battery) or Core module
   If the above solutions do not resolve the issue, (Contact Us) for a replacement part. Please indicate the prior troubleshooting steps you have performed and the results for a quicker response time.

Projects

1. Windmill
Windmill Project

2. Light House
Light House Project

3. 1 vs 1 Basketball
1 vs 1 Basketball Project

4. Night Light
Night Light Project

5. Piggy Bank
Piggy Bank Project

6. Music Box
Music Box Project

7. Reflex Battle
Reflex Battle Project

8. Smart Car
Smart Car Project

Itty Bitty City Kit Contents

Module	Quantity
Core (ATmega328p)	1
Hub	1
Motor Controller	1

Trinket	Quantity
Buzzer	1
LED (Multi-Color)	2

Sensor	Quantity
Crash Sensor	2
Infrared Receiver	1
Line Finder Sensor	2
Light Sensor	1
Microphone	1

Accessory	Quantity
Ball	2
Building Block (Various)	136
MicroUSB Cable	1
Motor	2
Omni-Wheel	1
Remote Control	1

Accessory	Quantity
Roll of Black Tape	1
Rubber Sleeve (for Motor)	1
Sensor Cable	16
Set of Music Card	1
USB Flash Drive	1
Wheel	2