configuration tools

Getting the Tools You Need

These instructions are to get your computer prepared to communicate with the hardware in the ThinSat Program. Additional software that you need to install are outlined in later tutorials.

1. USB/FTDI Drivers
2. FlashTool Tutorial (WiFi Module)
3. xLoader Tutorial (Radio Modules)
4. Arduino IDE (Used for programming labs)

USB/FTDI Drivers

The FTDI Virtual Com Port drivers to allow the USB interface chip (IP01) to talk to your computer. Most new operating systems have these installed by default, but we recommend installing the latest version to prevent issues in later steps.

1. Select the appropriate driver package for your combination of operating system and hardware.

• Windows Drivers
• Mac Drivers

2. Unzip the driver installer, open it, and follow the installation prompts.

Windows 7 users may need to right click the installer and select "Run as Administrator" to allow the installer to run.

Once installation is complete, your computer should recognize the xChips when you connect by USB.

Note: Some antivirus may give you a warning about these files. They are from the developers of the hardware and are safe to run.

Windows 7 users may need to right click the installer and select "Run as Administrator" to allow the installer to run. If your computer says you don't have correct privileges, you may need to speak to your IT department to have them install the drivers.