This is a quick start guide for .NET Gadgeteer and the FEZ Spider Kit. It includes instructions for the installation of necessary software and drivers of the Gadgeteer platform as well as for the first Gadgeteer program.
Okay so it does not like Visual Studio 2012, so I next need to download is
1. Microsoft Visual C# Express 2010
You can still use professional or ultimate.
2. Microsoft .NET Micro Framework 4.2 QFE2 SDK
This SDK must be installed before step three.
3. GHI Software Package v4.2 Feb. 18, 2013
Includes NETMF and .NET Gadgeteer SDKs and components. See release notes and known issues.
Should you already have installed C# Express or a full version of Visual Studio 2010. In a second step install the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework 4.2 QFE2 SDK (not 4.1!). You need to create an account on the GHI Electronics website in order to download and install the GHI NETMF v4.2 and .NET Gadgeteer Package in the last step.
First Gadgeteer Application
Run Visual C# Express and create a new Project.
You will start within the hardware layout view. Drag and drop the following modules from the left toolbox onto the white space near the spider mainboard:
- UsbClientDP module
- T35_display module
- Button module
Right click on the white space and select “Connect all modules”. The IDE will automatically connect all your selected modules to compatible ports on the spider mainboard. Now all you need to do is to connect your physical modules the same way. Notice that all sockets on the mainboard as well as on the modules have labels on them (X,Y,U;S, etc.) that describe their compatibility (e.g. socket A modules can only be plugged into A sockets on the mainboard).
Plug the USB mini cable into the UsbClientDB module and connect it with a USB2.0 port on your computer (Hint: USB 3.0 does not work for me!). When the Spider Kit is connected via USB for the first time, Windows will try to install the driver. If it fails, point the driver installation routine to the following folder (you can find the device as EMX in your system device manager):
C:\Program Files (x86)\GHI Electronics\GHI Premium NETMF v4.2 SDK\USB Drivers\GHI_NETMF_Interface
Select the Program.cs tab which holds the skeleton code for your first Gadgeteer application. Enter the following lines and hit the “Start Debugger” button in the top of Visual Studio:
You can monitor the deployment process in the footer line of Visual Studio. If the process takes too long, try to reset the spider mainboard by pressing the reset button. If deployment is successful a debug window comes up. Press the button module and see what happens on the display.
FEZSpider Starter Kit Guide.pdf (8.32 mb)
Tinyclr – Gadgeteer First Project