Newbie problem with arduino uno

Hi all,

I'm using an arduino uno and a blinkm maxm with max/msp 6. But I'll keep my issue rather precise so hopefully I can get to the bottom of things!

In the getting started guide, its says this bit:

'If you're using the Arduino Uno or Arduino Mega 2560, a dialog box will appear telling you that a new network interface has been detected. Click "Network Preferences...", and when it opens, simply click "Apply". The Uno or Mega 2560 will show up as "Not Configured", but it's working properly. Quit System Preferences.'

Now, I'm wondering if this dialog box should appear every time you connect the arduino uno? Cause it doesn't always appear on my computer, and I'm thinking this could explain the greater problem I'm having within my set up.

I'm using a macbook pro 2.5ghz intel core duo with 2gb SD ram running Mac OSX 10.6.8 in case that info is important.

There's a few more things that could be causing issues, but I feel this is a good place to start!

Any help would be greatly appreciated :slight_smile:

toddak:
Now, I'm wondering if this dialog box should appear every time you connect the arduino uno?

It doesn't.

toddak:
I'm thinking this could explain the greater problem I'm having within my set up.

Which is?

toddak:
There's a few more things that could be causing issues, but I feel this is a good place to start!

Such as?

Sorry, was attempting to keep it brief! But time for more details. :slight_smile:

All I'm trying to do is control a Blinkm Maxm from Max/msp 6 via an arduino uno, using the test patch they've provided. The greater problems is it doesn't control the blinkm. The times I have noticed that it did work (and there have been few) was when it came up with the 'Network Preferences' Message. But it just continues to flash its programmed default sequence when connected, it doesn't allow max to communicate.

When trying to communicate with it from Max, the RX light on the board does seem to flash in response. Not sure if that's a sign of anything, but feel its worth mentioning.

There is another problem. I've tried contacting Blinkm about this one but haven't heard a response. When I try to load the blinkm communicator sketch, I get this error message:

In file included from BlinkMCommunicator.cpp:36:
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/libraries/Wire/utility/twi.h: In function 'void BlinkM_scanI2CBus(byte, byte, void ()(byte, byte))':
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/libraries/Wire/utility/twi.h:44: error: too many arguments to function 'uint8_t twi_writeTo(uint8_t, uint8_t
, uint8_t, uint8_t)'
BlinkM_funcs.h:67: error: at this point in file
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/libraries/Wire/utility/twi.h: In function 'int8_t BlinkM_findFirstI2CDevice()':
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/libraries/Wire/utility/twi.h:44: error: too many arguments to function 'uint8_t twi_writeTo(uint8_t, uint8_t*, uint8_t, uint8_t)'
BlinkM_funcs.h:79: error: at this point in file

And I have no idea what any of that means!

I've been using there start up guide: BlinkM Quick Start Guide | ThingM

And for that matter, the start guide says to load a .pde patch, and it doesn't exist in there suggested downloads folder... Instead, its a .ino file. Again, not sure if that's important.

They do also recommend using an Arduino Diecimila board, but I'm not really sure of the differences between that and an Uno. But if anyone thinks that may make a difference then I'll be ordering asap!

Thanks for the help, its really appreciated!

Sounds like the example and code you are using are meant for Arduino pre-1.0.

You aren't the only one having trouble with their old code:
https://getsatisfaction.com/thingm/topics/cant_get_blinkm_communicator_to_compile_and_upload

You could try using version 0023 of the IDE to see if it will compile.

James: Thanks for the link, and was an interesting read! Certainly put me in the right direction.

However, what I've noticed after uploading the newest communicator sketch, is that the problem seems to be in the length of the cables.

The length of wire between the blinkm and athe arduino is a little over 1m. And while the voltage signal is happy to carry that distance, it seems that the data to control the light gets lost.

When using shorter cable of about 10cm, the data gets through fine, and the light is controllable...

Consqeuently, is there any way to boost the 'data' signal? (perhaps wrong terminology...). If not, I'll be re-designing my project to house the arduino closer to the light source!