diff --git a/soargettingstarted.html b/soargettingstarted.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b81c5d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/soargettingstarted.html @@ -0,0 +1,67 @@ + + + + + + + + SOAR - Getting Started | Dark Water + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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Dark Water Documentation

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+ + + diff --git a/soargettingstarted.md b/soargettingstarted.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..65ab762 --- /dev/null +++ b/soargettingstarted.md @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ +# Getting started + +![soar](/images/soar-450.png) + +Welcome to the SOAR board - this is a very simple board designed to hold our small expansion sensors. + +Whilst you may decide to connect an expansion sensor directly to your control board - if you think that you may change motor drivers at some point, then this board gives you the option of keeping your sensors separate. + +## Setup your SOAR + +The first thing you should do is add the expansion sensor to your SOAR board - it is a lot easier to solder it on when the SOAR board is flat on your desk. + +![SOAR expansion](/images/soarexpansion.png) + +Our guide to adding the [expansion board is here](/expansionadding.html). When you have the expansion board added, return here. + +### Attach the header + +For this example we'll show you how to connect a stackable header, as it's the most complex. + +Due to the length of the stackable headers pins, it can sometimes be a hassle to get them through the holes on the board. + +We've found that if you slide up the spacer on the stackable header so that it is near the top, you can get the pins into the boards header holes a lot easier and then slide the spacer back down again. + +![SOAR spacer](/images/stacker-trick.png) + +Once you have your header in place, use some plasticine to make sure the board is level and then solder away. You should solder a single pin first, then make sure the header is level - if it isn't then apply the soldering iron to the pin again and move the header until it is correct. + +![SOAR header](/images/soar-header.png) + +*Note* - the image above shows the SOAR board ready for the header to be soldered **without** the expansion sensor attached - you can assemble the board in this order if you want (some people prefer it), but it's easier to add the expansion sensor first in out opinion. + +Now that your board is set up, it's time to configure your Raspberry Pi so that you can use it. + +## Setting up your Pi + +Before we can start using the SOAR board we need to enable the interface that the board uses on your Raspberry Pi. + +The SOAR board is controlled using the SPI interface. + +### Enable SPI in Pixel + +If you are using the graphical interface on your Raspberry Pi then click on your main menu icon, move down to *Preferences* and click on the *Raspberry Pi Configuration* menu item. Once open click on the *Interfaces* tab and you should see something like in the image below. + +![rasbpi config spi](/images/raspberryspi.png) + +Make sure that the line labelled SPI is set to enabled. + +Once you click Ok you may be promtped to reboot your Raspberry Pi - go ahead and reboot. + +### Enable SPI on the command line + +If you are only using the command line on your Raspberry Pi then you will need to use the text version of the Raspberry Pi configuration tool to enable the interfaces. + +Type the following to bring up the configuration interface: + +``` bash +$ sudo raspi-config +``` + +Once the menu is showing, scroll down to the *Advanced Options* menu and press Enter. + +![rasbpi config adv](/images/advoptions-450.PNG) + +Now we'll need to enable the SPI interface, so move down to the *SPI* menu and press Enter. You'll be asked if you want to enabled SPI - select *Yes* and you will see a confirmation and be returned to the main menu. + +When you are returned to the main menu, move down to the *Finish* option (pressing the right arrow key twice will get you there) and press enter. + +You have now enabled the interface you need to use your board. \ No newline at end of file