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Setting Up Arduino

Arduino

This example assumes you are using the latest version of the Arduino IDE on your desktop. If this is your first time using Arduino IDE, library, or board add-on, please review the following tutorials.

Install the Realtek Board Add-on

First, open your Arduino preferences (File > Preferences). Then find the Additional Boards Manager URLs text box, and paste the below link in. If you have other links for other 3rd party boards, you will need to add a comma (,) between each link in the field. You can also open an additional window by clicking the window button next to the Additional Boards Manager URLs: field and add the link to a separate line.

https://github.com/ambiot/ambd_arduino/raw/dev/Arduino_package/package_realtek_amebad_early_index.json

Then hit "OK", and travel back to the Board Manager menu. Type "realtek" in the search bar and hit enter. Click on the "Install" button for the Realtek Ameba Boards (32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 @200MHz) by Realtek. Downloading and installing the tools may take a couple minutes. Feel free to walk around, grab some water, or do a little dance while the tools install.

Search for realtek in Arduino Boards Manager
Search for realtek in Arduino Boards Manager

Once installed, the version number and Arduino-blue "INSTALLED" text should appear next to the boards list entry.

Installed Realtek Arduino Core
Installed Realtek Arduino Core

Selecting the SparkFun Thing Plus NORA-306

To upload code to the board, you will need to select the correct board. From the menu, select the following: Tools > Board > Realtek Ameba Boards (32-bits ARM Cortex-M33 @200MHz) > SparkFun Thing Plus NORA-306 (RTL8720DF) .

Screenshot Board Selection
Screenshot Board Selection

There are a few options for the board. One of them is the option to automatically upload code to the board without the need to press the BOOT and RESET buttons as Arduino uploads your code. By default, the Auto Upload Mode is disabled. From the menu, select the following: Tools > Auto Upload Mode: > Enable .

Screenshot of Auto Upload Mode
Screenshot of Auto Upload Mode

COM Port Selection

You will also need to select the COM port that the board enumerated to. From the menu, select your respective COM port on your computer (in this case, it was COM13 on a Windows computer): Tools > Port > COM___ .

Screenshot COM Port Selection
Screenshot COM Port Selection