Tag: Arduino IDE

Using an External Text Editor in Arduino IDE

Whenever I program an Arduino based project I would always use Sublime Text as my editor then compile and upload using the Arduino IDE. I prefer using Sublime Text as my Arduino Sketch editor as it gives more flexibility on color highlighting.

This post is a tutorial on how to use Sublime Text as an External Editor. It also answers the why, advantages and disadvantages of using External Editor.

In case you prefer to use Atom Text Editor  or Visual Studio Code than Sublime Text then you may still do so by opening your code on Atom Text Editor.

(Left) Sublime Text; (Right) Arduino IDE
Both editors are showing the same stripped down version of the Blink code.

Continue reading Using an External Text Editor in Arduino IDE

Setting Arduino .ino files to open as C++ files in Sublime Text

I have always preferred developing in Sublime Text especially for Arduino Projects since the syntax highlighting is better than doing it in Arduino IDE. Unfortunately, it is annoying to keep opening .ino files on Sublime Text then set the syntax highlighting to C++ (.cpp) on each file.

Luckily, there is a way to do this automatically so that whenever I open a .ino file it will always open with a C++ syntax highlighting in Sublime Text. Below are the steps on how I did it.

Modified version of the Blink code in Arduino IDE
Modified version of the Blink code in Arduino IDE

Note: My Sublime Text is configured to use the Color Scheme named Sixteen.

1. Open a .ino file in Sublime Text

In my case I created an Arduino Sketch, saved it then opened it in Sublime Text.  Continue reading Setting Arduino .ino files to open as C++ files in Sublime Text

Gizduino Installation in Windows 10

I have my own Arduino Uno but most of the time I use a Gizduino since this is cheaper and easier to source here in the Philippines.

  • Arduino Uno (1,299 Pesos)
  • Gizduino+ mini with ATmega328 (735 Pesos)

If you are looking for a Gizduino you may purchase them in the e-Gizmo website (https://www.e-gizmo.net/)

To use the Gizduino, you will need to install the Arduino IDE to your Operating System and install the Gizduino Boards. Below are the steps for Gizduino Installation.

Author’s Note: The installation method below also works for Windows 7 and Windows 8.

1. Install the latest version of the PL2303 Prolific Driver for Windows

http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41

2. Download and Install the latest Arduino IDE release

Link to the Arduino Software: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

Author’s Notes:

As of writing the latest Arduino IDE is 1.8.5. I prefer to download the non-install version (160 MB download). Just unzip on your preferred location on your drive, run the arduino.exe and wait for the Arduino IDE to initialize.

When unzipped it occupied around 399 MB of space in your drive. Then you can delete the zip file once unzipping was finished. Continue reading Gizduino Installation in Windows 10