Hello All,
Ok, so you're my last hope... I bought myself an Arduino UNO for Christmas, but I'm not having fun yet...
I downloaded the software, but when trying to upload an example, I keep getting the error:
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00
2 days of google searching revealed that this appears to be a common error, but so far I didn't find a fix. Either, it didn't work, or the instructions to fix were too much nerd-speak for me to decipher (I'm NOT an computer geek). But I suspect that the Computer isn't yet communicating with the Arduino.
What I have:
- an old computer with Windows XP
- an Arduino UNO StarterKit
- absolutely no clue. I thought I'd learn it all hands-on via an online video workshop, but it seems like I cannot even set this thing up.
What I tried:
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plugging in the Arduino via USB. This produced "Unknown Device" on my Device Manager
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the Arduino starts blinking when connected, so it's getting some power at least
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chose the Arduino UNO in the Tools section. The 'serial port' is preset on COM1, no other option is shown.
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followed the instructions to install the arduino.inf driver from the 'Troubleshooting' Section. Didn't work, I couldn't find the file in the (recently) downloaded software pack.
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found an enhanced download online that promised to install the drivers automatically.
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since then, my Arduino software tells me in the bottom line "Arduino UNO on COM1", but the error message continues.
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opening my Device manager and trying to update the driver by hand: still "unkknown device" and "The hardware was not installed because the wizard cannot find the necessary software"
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tinkering with 'update driver' in the device manager, I tried an option saying "Don't search. I will find the driver to install". This sent me to a menu where I could choose 'Arduino' and 'Arduino Uno'.
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The computer installed something, but finished with a error code: "this device cannot start(10)"
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result: my Device Manager now shows a new port labeled "Arduino UNO(COM2)", the "unknown Device" vanished
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problem: when I choose "Tools" and "serial port" in my Arduino software, the only option shown is still "COM1". The error message continues when trying to upload a program.
-multipe computer restarts, both with and without the arduino board plugged in, did not change anything.
So, am I missing something obvious here? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Btw, I tried the "Loop-Back Test Instructions". You lost me at point 6., because I don't know what a Terminal Application and a Serial Monitor might be...
Best regards,
Ma-en