I'm new to Arduino, and my Projects Pack for Arduino kit from the Maker Shed came today. I am running the latest version of Snow Leopard on an Intel MacBook Pro. In the Serial Port menu in the Arduino IED, the only things there are Bluetooth PDA Sync and Bluetooth Modem. I've tried installing the FTDI USB serial drivers many many times, restarted the computer, and tried to follow the instructions that the forum that the Troubleshooting guide directs you to (it wouldn't let me post the link since I'm new), but it is from 2006 before even Leopard was out, and no files even exist in the folder that it directs me to. On the Arduino the yellow LED labeled "L" is still flashing. This problem seems strange and nothing I've been doing is working.
Thanks for any help.
Are you using a Uno or a Duemilanove?
A brand new Uno.
I've tried installing the FTDI USB serial drivers many many times
Brand new Unos don't have FTDI chips on them, so installing drivers for non existent hardware is not going to solve your problem.
tried to follow the instructions that the forum that the Troubleshooting guide directs you to (it wouldn't let me post the link since I'm new), but it is from 2006 before even Leopard was out
The online Troubleshooting page does not have a date on it that I can see.
http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Troubleshooting
If you are seeing a 2006 date, I have to wonder what version of the IDE you are using.
Sorry, I wasn't clear on what I meant by link. The question in the troubleshooting part of the website was "Why doesn't my board show in the Tools | Serial Port menu ?" It directed you to this link: http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1143197735 .
You'll probably want to follow the OSX getting started guide found here:
http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/MacOSX
Paying special attention to this paragraph:
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.
If you open up USB Prober you should see:-
Full Speed device @ 2 (0x1D100000): ............................................. Communication device: "Arduino Uno"
When it is plugged in, an it disappears when it is removed.
If you don't see it then you have a faulty arduino or faulty USB lead.
Yes I just checked and it was not in the list. It's funny even though I've connected it many times, the orangle "L" light is still blinking.
the orangle "L" light is still blinking.
Yes it will, that shows the Atmega chip is working, it is performing the default blinking LED sketch. It should be four short and one long blink.
What is not working is the USB to serial converter. This is either the chip or the lead. The blinking only shows the power connections are correct, it could be the data lines that are broken.
Are you plugging directly into the Mac or through a hub?
Directly.
I also just checked the USB Prober and the Arduino did not show up. I checked my USB ports and they are working fine. I've contact MakerShed and will exchange the faulty Arduino.