ProtoBot: Arduino Setup

ProtoBot is ready to use straight out of the box. Simply power it on and connect using the MicroLink app to start driving and exploring its features.

To make sure you have the latest firmware installed, open the app, go to Settings, and tap Firmware Update.

If you'd like to update ProtoBot via USB, or customize and program it yourself, you can do so using the open-source Arduino library. ProtoBot uses the CodeCell C6 Drive as its tiny brain, combining an ESP32-C6, motor drivers, sensors, and battery charging in one compact module.

Step 1 – Install the Arduino IDE

Download and install the latest version from the official Arduino website.

Step 2 – Add ESP32 Board Support

1. Open File > Preferences.
2. In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, paste: https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

3. Click OK and restart the Arduino IDE.
4. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
5. Search for ESP32 and install the latest version.

Step 3 – Install the ProtoBot Library

1. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
2. Search for ProtoBot and install the latest version.
3. If already installed, make sure it is up to date.

Note: The ProtoBot library automatically depends on the following libraries: CodeCell, DriveCell, BLEOTA, and Adafruit NeoPixel. These are automatically installed when the ProtoBot library gets installed.

At the moment, the BLEOTA library is only compatible with version 1.0.3. If you experience compilation errors, open the Library Manager and make sure BLEOTA is set to version 1.0.3.

Step 4 – Select the Board

• Go to Tools > Board → select ESP32C6 Dev Module.
• Set Flash Size → 8MB (64Mb).
• Set CPU Frequency → 160 MHz.
• Set Partition Scheme → 8M with SPIFFS (3MB APP / 1.5MB SPIFFS).
• Enable USB_CDC_On_Boot.

Step 5 – Connect ProtoBot

Use a USB-C cable to connect ProtoBot to your computer. Make sure the USB-C cable supports data transfer, not just charging.

Step 6 – Select the Port

Go to Tools > Port and select the port that appears when ProtoBot is connected.

Step 7 – Upload an Example

1. Open File > Examples > ProtoBot.
2. Select any example sketch.
3. Click Upload.

Step 8 – Open the Serial Monitor

Go to Tools > Serial Monitor and set the baud rate to 115200 to view debug messages and sensor data.

Quick Tips

• Use a USB-C cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
• Make sure the battery is connected if your project uses the motors.
• It is recommended to place ProtoBot in Charging Mode (eyes cycle red → yellow → green) rather than USB Mode (eyes flashing blue) when updating the firmware via USB.
  
• Keep the ProtoBot library and ESP32 core up to date.

Your ProtoBot is now ready to program. Explore the example sketches, experiment with the sensors and motors, and customize your robot with your own code and hardware add-ons.