Building Hex Files for the Meggy Jr

Getting started with the Meggy Jr on the linux machines in CS department.

  1. Download the MeggyJrSimple.cpp, MeggyJrSimple.h, MeggyJr.cpp, MeggyJr.h, Makefile, and simple-test.cpp files.
  2. Plug the Meggy Jr device into your USB port (cables already connected to USB ports in most CSB 315 machines), turn it on, and make sure /dev/tty.usbserial-FTEST4DK is selected under Tools-->Serial Port.
  3. Follow the directions at the top of the Makefile file to compile the example and install it on your Meggy Jr device.

Things to try out next

More suggestions are coming...

Getting started with the Meggy Jr on a Mac

Pretty much following www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/meggyjrlib. These instructions are offered as is with no support from the 453 instructor or TA. If you figure out how to get Arduino to work with your Windows or linux box, please consider sharing it with the rest of the class.
  1. Download the Arduino software from http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software. Copy the Arduino application to the Applications directory as suggested visually by the mounted .dmg.
  2. Install the FTD|USBSerialDriver included on the Arduino .dmg.
    1. Double-click the package icon for the driver and install it.
    2. RESTART your machine after installing this driver.
    3. Start the Arduino application, plug your Meggy into the USB port, turn on the Meggy, and in the Arduino application under Tools-->Serial Port you should see /dev/tty.usbserial-FTEST4DK.
  3. Make the MeggyJrLibrary accessible in Arduino.
    1. Download MeggyJrLibrary1.40.zip from http://code.google.com/p/meggy-jr-rgb/.
    2. Exit out of Arduino application.
    3. Put the unzipped folder into the Sketchbook location in a subdirectory called libraries, which is specified in the Arduino preferences and is by default /Users/yourusername/Documents/Arduino/. You will probably have to create the libraries subdirectory, /Users/yourusername/Documents/Arduino/libraries/, and place the MeggyJr folder in the libraries/ subdirectory.
    4. Restart the Arduino application.
    5. You should be able to open the MeggyJr examples. For instance, try File->Examples->MeggyJr->MeggyJr_FroggyJr in the Arduino application.
  4. Upload an example to the MeggyJr device.
    1. Under the Tools->Board menu select Arduino Duemilanove or Nano w/ ATmega328
    2. Plug the Meggy Jr device into your USB port, turn it on, and make sure /dev/tty.usbserial-FTEST4DK is selected under Tools-->Serial Port.
    3. Click the upload button on the example. The example should start immediately running on the Meggy Jr device. Troubleshooting: Hold down the shift key when you click the upload button to see what commands are being executed.
  5. Writing your own example in C without using the Arduino GUI.
    1. Download the MeggyJrSimple.cpp, MeggyJrSimple.h, MeggyJr.cpp, MeggyJr.h, Makefile.mac, and simple-test.cpp files.
    2. Plug the Meggy Jr device into your USB port, turn it on, and make sure /dev/tty.usbserial-FTEST4DK is selected under Tools-->Serial Port.
    3. Follow the directions at the top of the Makefile.mac file.
    4. Create your own .cpp file by copying the frame.cpp file. The build process in the Makefile.mac is set up for a single .cpp file of any name.

mstrout@cs.colostate.edu .... February 10, 2011