Difference between revisions of "Getting started"

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(Added how to use my Gamebuino)
(Add link to MAKERbuino build guide)
 
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= How to get a Gamebuino =
+
== Get a Gamebuino ==
  
−
For an overall presentation head to the [http://gamebuino.com home page] or [https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gamebuino-an-arduino-handheld-console/x/6587762 indiegogo page].
+
To order a Gamebuino along with some cool customization accessories, head to the [http://gamebuino.com/shop Gamebuino Shop].
  
−
As the indiegogo campaign is over, you can't order a Gamebuino for now. But you can subscribe to the newsletter to know when they'll be available for order again.
+
While you wait for your Gamebuino to arrive, you can start to play and program games using one of the [[Emulators]].
 +
 
 +
== MAKERbuino build guide ==
 +
If you got a MAKERbuino kit and wonder how to assemble it, head to the [[MAKERbuino: build guide]].
 +
 
 +
== Use your Gamebuino ==
 +
[[File:Gamebuino parts.jpg|center]]
  
−
= How to use my Gamebuino =
 
−
== First things first ==
 
 
=== Turn it on ===
 
=== Turn it on ===
−
* You just received your Gamebuino, hurray! You should first turn it on to check that nothing has been damaged during shipping (see below for screen troubleshooting).
+
You just received your Gamebuino. Hurray! You should first turn it on to check that nothing has been damaged during shipping. If nothing shows up the battery may be empty or the screen may have moved... don't panic, and head to the [[troubleshooting]] page.
  
 
=== Load games from the micro SD card ===
 
=== Load games from the micro SD card ===
−
* Make sure that the provided SD card is correctly inserted in it's socket.
+
<youtube>DCkUAPv2Cos</youtube>
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* The game browser is named LOADER.HEX. There is several ways to load it:
+
* The new graphical loader allows you to navigate through games easily. You can select a game, see it's description (use up and down arrows to browse through the description), delete saved games, or delete the game itself.
−
** Hold down C while you turn the power switch on. You don't have to keep it down.
+
* To get back to the loader from a game, press "C" when in the game's main menu.
−
** ...or press C in the Gamebuino start up menu
+
* For it to work, the micro SD card needs to be inserted, to be formatted to FAT, and to contain at least the file LOADER.HEX. See [[Troubleshooting#SD_card]]
−
** ...or select "change game" in the menu of games which features it.
+
* '''Pro Tip:''' If you accidentally turn the Gamebuino off while a game is loading, it won't start again. To solve this: hold "C" down, turn the Gamebuino ON, release "C", and wait 30 seconds for LOADER.HEX to be loaded from the SD card. You can also use this if you are stuck in a game which doesn't allow you to get back to the loader.
 +
 
 +
=== Adjust settings ===
 +
* When in the loader, select SETTINGS:
 +
[[File:SettingsLogo.png]]
 +
* Useful settings:
 +
** Default username in "change settings/player name"
 +
** Display contrast in "change settings/display/contrast"
 +
** Disable the critical battery alert by setting it to 0 in "change settings/battery/critic voltage"
 +
** Mute sound by default by setting "sound/default volume" to 0.
 +
* Don't forget to select "save" before you exit!'''
 +
 
 +
=== Charge the battery ===
 +
Simply plug in a micro USB cable (or smartphone charger).
 +
A full charge will give you up to 24 hours of play time... enough to beat your Tetris highscore!
 +
 
 +
'''Pro Tip:''' Charge your Gamebuino from time to time, or the battery will die over a few months.
 +
 
 +
== Software setup ==
 +
 
 +
=== Install Arduino ===
 +
 
 +
* Download and install Arduino from [http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software here].
 +
* Arduino 1.0.5 or above required. Arduino 1.6.2 or above recommended, it will make the library installation easier.
 +
 
 +
=== Install the Gamebuino Library (Automatic) ===
 +
'''For Arduino version 1.6.2 and newer.'''
 +
 
 +
Open the library manager:
 +
 
 +
[[File:Arduino manage libraries....png]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Type "Gamebuino" in the search field, select the Gamebuino library and click "install":
 +
 
 +
[[File:Arduino library manager gamebuino.PNG]]
  
−
=== Change the default settings ===
+
Now '''restart Arduino''', and the Gamebuino examples will show up. Give it a look!
−
* Load SETTINGS.HEX
 
−
* Select "See all settings" to know what can be adjusted. These settings are stored directly in the Gamebuino and will be share between different games.
 
−
* You should at least adjust these two settings:
 
−
** Display contrast
 
−
** Default username
 
−
* You can let the other settings to their default value, it should be okay.
 
−
* Press "Save and exit": it will save your settings and go back to the game loader.
 
  
−
== Remove the paper cover ==
+
[[File:Arduino examples menu.png]]
−
* The transparent acrylic case is covered with a brown paper protection. Some of you may want to keep it, some may want to remove it.
 
−
* First, check that your Gamebuino works fine.
 
−
* Dismantle it:
 
−
** Unscrew the 4 short screws on the back side first
 
−
** Remove the back plate
 
−
** Unscrew the 4 white nylon spacers
 
−
** Remove the PCB
 
−
** Unscrew the 4 long screws on the front side last
 
−
* Remove the paper cover. Be careful not to scratch the acrylic
 
−
* Check that everything still works fine (especially the display)
 
−
* Assemble back your Gamebuino:
 
−
** Be gentle when you tighten the screws or you may damage the nylon spacers
 
−
** Screw the 4 long screws with 4 nylon spacers on the top plate (be careful to put it on the right side)
 
−
** Put the screen holder on the two upper nylon spacer
 
−
** Put the PCB in place, check that buttons are correctly placed int their holes
 
−
** Screw 4 nylon spacer to hold the PCB in place
 
−
** Add the back plate and screw it with the 4 short screws
 
−
** You might want to a spacer between the back plate and the PCB to limit the PCB bending because of screen pressure
 
  
−
== Charge the battery ==
 
−
* You may want to charge you're Gamebuino battery when you receive.
 
−
* To load the battery, you just have to connect your Gamebuino to an USB port (from your computer or an outlet charger) using the provided micro USB cable. The "charging" LED will turn on (the one next to the empty battery logo) until it's fully charged. Then, the "charged" LED will turn on (the one next to the full battery logo).
 
−
* Your Gamebuino will charge faster if turned of.
 
−
* A charged battery will give you at least 8 hours of continuous play.
 
  
−
== Troubleshoot display issues ==
+
=== Install the Gamebuino Library (Manual) ===
−
=== If the screen is too dark or too dim ===
+
'''For Arduino version pre-1.6.2.'''
−
* Adjust the contrasts using the program SETTINGS.HEX located on the SD card.
+
* Download and the Gamebuino library [https://github.com/Rodot/Gamebuino/archive/master.zip here] and extract it (see [[download]] page for more).
−
* Pinch the top of the screen to improve the contact with the PCB
+
* Put all the files in <sketchbook>/library/Gamebuino/
−
* Check the screen holder is in place to prevent the screen from moving.
+
** Windows: Documents/Arduino/library/Gamebuino/
 +
** OS X and Linux: <home>/scketchbook/library/Gamebuino/
 +
** You can change the sketchbook location in Arduino preferences: File/Preferences/Sketchbook location (requires a restart).
 +
* '''Restart Arduino''' and click on File/Examples/Gamebuino. If Gamebuino is not there, check that the library is in the right location and restart Arduino.
  
−
=== If the screen is blank when you turn on your Gamebuino ===
+
=== Install the Gamebuino board ===
−
* If you don't hear the startup sound
 
−
** You may be out of battery: turn your Gamebuino off, and plug it in (the "charging" led should turn on) for about one hour and try again.
 
−
** You may not have a program loaded in your Gamebuino, so press C while you turn your Gamebuino on to flash LOADER.HEX from the micro SD card.
 
−
* If you can hear the sound but the display stays blank, it means that it may have moved and the contacts with the PCB are misaligned.
 
−
** Check that the screen is correctly snapped to the PCB
 
−
** Check that the screen holder is in place
 
−
** Try to gently push the screen upward/downward/leftward/rightward and restart the Gamebuino until the contacts are correctly aligned and you can see something.
 
  
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= How program my Gamebuino =
+
COMING SOON: Arduino board manager compatibiliy.
  
−
== Install the Arduino software ==
+
=== Select the board ===
 +
For a quick start, select '''Tools/Board/Arduino Uno''', then select '''Tools/Processor/ATmega328'''.
  
−
* Download the Arduino application [http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software here] and follow instruction to install it.
+
=== Install the drivers ===
  
−
== Install the Gamebuino Library ==
+
If you need help installing the drivers, refer to [http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage the Arduino guide] ([http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Windows#toc4 Windows], [http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/MacOSX#toc3 MacOSX], [http://playground.arduino.cc/Learning/Linux Linux]). Note that your Gamebuino should be turned on when you connect it to the computer
  
−
* Download and the [https://github.com/Rodot/Gamebuino/archive/master.zip Gamebuino library]
+
== Upload a game through USB ==
−
* Extract the archive and open the folder named "Library".
 
−
* Copy the folder named "Gamebuino" and paste it into Arduino/libraries
 
−
* To check that the library is correctly installed, start the Arduino software. Click on File/Examples, there you should find "Gamebuino".
 
  
−
== Install the drivers ==
+
* Start Arduino
 +
* Open an example: File/Examples/Gamebuino/
 +
* Select the right device: Tools/boards/ (you can either choose Gamebuino or Arduino Uno).
 +
* Select the serial port: Tools/Serial Port/
 +
** If it's grayed out check the drivers, your USB cable, and that the Gamebuino is ON.
 +
* Click on "Upload"
 +
** Pro Tip: press Ctrl+U instead
  
−
* Drivers are located in the Arduino/drivers folder
+
'''You just uploaded your first Gamebuino game, congratulations !'''
−
* If you need help to install the drivers, refer to [http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage the Arduino guide]
 
−
* Note that your Gamebuino should be turned on when you connect it to the computer
 
  
−
== Upload a game ==
+
'''Pro Tip:''' You can use one of the [[Emulators]] during development, rather than using the USB upload, this will allow faster development. Once you're done put the HEX file on the SD card (see below) and play your game for real on your Gamebuino!
  
−
Now, you're all set, all you need is to upload a program to check that everything works fine :
+
== Put games on the micro SD card ==
 +
=== Get an .HEX ===
 +
You need a compiled game in the .HEX format on the micro SD card to be able to play them on your console. <code>.HEX</code> can also be played on a computer using the Simbuino emulator (see [[Download]]).
  
−
* Start the arduino IDE.
+
You can get a compilation of the necessary <code>.HEX</code> files (<code>LOADER.HEX</code> and <code>SETTINGS.HEX</code>) along with up-to-date games here: [https://github.com/Rodot/Gamebuino-Games-Compilation Gamebuino-Games-Compilation].
  
−
* Open an example by clicking File/Examples/Gamebuino/ If you don't find it, check that you correctly installed the Gamebuino library
+
Browse all the games created by the community by visiting the [[Games]] Gallery.
  
−
* Select Tools/boards/Gamebuino
+
=== Make your own .HEX ===
 +
* Start the Arduino software
 +
* Click on File/Preferences and check "Show verbose output during compilation"
 +
* Compile your program (Ctrl+R)
 +
* A lot of text will scroll in the black area at the bottom of the window. The build directory path will be displayed there, and should looke something like:
 +
** Windows: <code>"C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp\build[random number].tmp\a_Hello.cpp.hex"</code>.
 +
** GNU/Linux: <code>"/tmp/build[random number].tmp/a_Hello.cpp.hex"</code>
 +
** Mac : Type <code>open $TMPDIR</code> in your mac's terminal to open the folder that is otherwise not accessible. You can then make a shortcut to your desktop.
 +
* You can also change the build path in <code>"arduino/lib/preferences.txt"</code> by changing the line <code>#build.path=</code> to <code>build.path=(directory you want)</code>.
 +
* Navigate to this folder and find the .hex file with the name of your program
 +
* Rename it to a 8:3 format: only capitals, 8 characters max for the name and .HEX extension. For example: CRABATOR.HEX or PONG.HEX
  
−
* Select the right serial port. If you don't find it, check that you have correctly installed the drivers, that the Gamebuino is plugged in you computer and turned on.
+
=== Put it on the micro SD card ===
 +
Put your .HEX file with a 8:3 name on your micro SD card using any micro SD card reader. You can now select the .HEX file on your Gamebuino to load it on the go, without a computer! Do '''NOT''' turn off your Gamebuino while flashing.
  
−
* Upload the program
+
=== Add a logo and description ===
 +
[[File:InfEncoderScreenshot.png|right]]
 +
If you want your game to appear with a logo and description in the loader, you have to create an .INF file and put it along the .HEX file on the SD card.
 +
* Get the INF encoder from the [[Download]] page (requires Java).
 +
* Put the generated .INF file along with the game's .HEX file on the SD card. They must have the same name, all in capitals, and 8 characters max. For example CRABATOR.HEX (the game binaries) and CRABATOR.INF (the description file).
 +
* Logo must be 19*18px
 +
* Slides must be 84*32px, up to 255 slides is allowed.
 +
* Drag and drop slides to reorganize them
 +
* The first slide is the one shown while the game is loading
 +
* Slides can be used to describe the game, tell the story, explain how to play, etc. By putting this information in the INF you can read it before loading the game, everything that's in the .INF don't need to be in the .HEX so it frees some space for your code.
  
−
You just uploaded your first Gamebuino game, congratulations !
+
== See Also ==
 +
* [[Troubleshooting]]
 +
* [[Learning]]
 +
* [[Games]]

Latest revision as of 2017-01-01T19:31:38

Get a Gamebuino

To order a Gamebuino along with some cool customization accessories, head to the Gamebuino Shop.

While you wait for your Gamebuino to arrive, you can start to play and program games using one of the Emulators.

MAKERbuino build guide

If you got a MAKERbuino kit and wonder how to assemble it, head to the MAKERbuino: build guide.

Use your Gamebuino

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Turn it on

You just received your Gamebuino. Hurray! You should first turn it on to check that nothing has been damaged during shipping. If nothing shows up the battery may be empty or the screen may have moved... don't panic, and head to the troubleshooting page.

Load games from the micro SD card

  • The new graphical loader allows you to navigate through games easily. You can select a game, see it's description (use up and down arrows to browse through the description), delete saved games, or delete the game itself.
  • To get back to the loader from a game, press "C" when in the game's main menu.
  • For it to work, the micro SD card needs to be inserted, to be formatted to FAT, and to contain at least the file LOADER.HEX. See Troubleshooting#SD_card
  • Pro Tip: If you accidentally turn the Gamebuino off while a game is loading, it won't start again. To solve this: hold "C" down, turn the Gamebuino ON, release "C", and wait 30 seconds for LOADER.HEX to be loaded from the SD card. You can also use this if you are stuck in a game which doesn't allow you to get back to the loader.

Adjust settings

  • When in the loader, select SETTINGS:
Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination
  • Useful settings:
    • Default username in "change settings/player name"
    • Display contrast in "change settings/display/contrast"
    • Disable the critical battery alert by setting it to 0 in "change settings/battery/critic voltage"
    • Mute sound by default by setting "sound/default volume" to 0.
  • Don't forget to select "save" before you exit!

Charge the battery

Simply plug in a micro USB cable (or smartphone charger). A full charge will give you up to 24 hours of play time... enough to beat your Tetris highscore!

Pro Tip: Charge your Gamebuino from time to time, or the battery will die over a few months.

Software setup

Install Arduino

  • Download and install Arduino from here.
  • Arduino 1.0.5 or above required. Arduino 1.6.2 or above recommended, it will make the library installation easier.

Install the Gamebuino Library (Automatic)

For Arduino version 1.6.2 and newer.

Open the library manager:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination


Type "Gamebuino" in the search field, select the Gamebuino library and click "install":

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Now restart Arduino, and the Gamebuino examples will show up. Give it a look!

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination


Install the Gamebuino Library (Manual)

For Arduino version pre-1.6.2.

  • Download and the Gamebuino library here and extract it (see download page for more).
  • Put all the files in <sketchbook>/library/Gamebuino/
    • Windows: Documents/Arduino/library/Gamebuino/
    • OS X and Linux: <home>/scketchbook/library/Gamebuino/
    • You can change the sketchbook location in Arduino preferences: File/Preferences/Sketchbook location (requires a restart).
  • Restart Arduino and click on File/Examples/Gamebuino. If Gamebuino is not there, check that the library is in the right location and restart Arduino.

Install the Gamebuino board

COMING SOON: Arduino board manager compatibiliy.

Select the board

For a quick start, select Tools/Board/Arduino Uno, then select Tools/Processor/ATmega328.

Install the drivers

If you need help installing the drivers, refer to the Arduino guide (Windows, MacOSX, Linux). Note that your Gamebuino should be turned on when you connect it to the computer

Upload a game through USB

  • Start Arduino
  • Open an example: File/Examples/Gamebuino/
  • Select the right device: Tools/boards/ (you can either choose Gamebuino or Arduino Uno).
  • Select the serial port: Tools/Serial Port/
    • If it's grayed out check the drivers, your USB cable, and that the Gamebuino is ON.
  • Click on "Upload"
    • Pro Tip: press Ctrl+U instead

You just uploaded your first Gamebuino game, congratulations !

Pro Tip: You can use one of the Emulators during development, rather than using the USB upload, this will allow faster development. Once you're done put the HEX file on the SD card (see below) and play your game for real on your Gamebuino!

Put games on the micro SD card

Get an .HEX

You need a compiled game in the .HEX format on the micro SD card to be able to play them on your console. .HEX can also be played on a computer using the Simbuino emulator (see Download).

You can get a compilation of the necessary .HEX files (LOADER.HEX and SETTINGS.HEX) along with up-to-date games here: Gamebuino-Games-Compilation.

Browse all the games created by the community by visiting the Games Gallery.

Make your own .HEX

  • Start the Arduino software
  • Click on File/Preferences and check "Show verbose output during compilation"
  • Compile your program (Ctrl+R)
  • A lot of text will scroll in the black area at the bottom of the window. The build directory path will be displayed there, and should looke something like:
    • Windows: "C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp\build[random number].tmp\a_Hello.cpp.hex".
    • GNU/Linux: "/tmp/build[random number].tmp/a_Hello.cpp.hex"
    • Mac : Type open $TMPDIR in your mac's terminal to open the folder that is otherwise not accessible. You can then make a shortcut to your desktop.
  • You can also change the build path in "arduino/lib/preferences.txt" by changing the line #build.path= to build.path=(directory you want).
  • Navigate to this folder and find the .hex file with the name of your program
  • Rename it to a 8:3 format: only capitals, 8 characters max for the name and .HEX extension. For example: CRABATOR.HEX or PONG.HEX

Put it on the micro SD card

Put your .HEX file with a 8:3 name on your micro SD card using any micro SD card reader. You can now select the .HEX file on your Gamebuino to load it on the go, without a computer! Do NOT turn off your Gamebuino while flashing.

Add a logo and description

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

If you want your game to appear with a logo and description in the loader, you have to create an .INF file and put it along the .HEX file on the SD card.

  • Get the INF encoder from the Download page (requires Java).
  • Put the generated .INF file along with the game's .HEX file on the SD card. They must have the same name, all in capitals, and 8 characters max. For example CRABATOR.HEX (the game binaries) and CRABATOR.INF (the description file).
  • Logo must be 19*18px
  • Slides must be 84*32px, up to 255 slides is allowed.
  • Drag and drop slides to reorganize them
  • The first slide is the one shown while the game is loading
  • Slides can be used to describe the game, tell the story, explain how to play, etc. By putting this information in the INF you can read it before loading the game, everything that's in the .INF don't need to be in the .HEX so it frees some space for your code.

See Also

Retrieved from "http://legacy.gamebuino.com/wiki/index.php?title=Getting_started&oldid=1217"