Demo video
Basic components and materials
- An Arduino board or a Gainer I/O module
- An USB cable (A-to-B or A-to-mini B)
- A LED of your choice
API
How to install a device driver
Gainer I/O modules and Arduino boards are equipped with an USB chip, so install a device driver first.
Windows XP/Vista
First, install the device driver from the following URL. Then run the installer and follow the directions it provides.
Mac OS X
First, install the device driver from the following URL. Then extract the package, run the installer and follow the instructions.
Preparation for your hardware
Gainer I/O modules
In case of Gainer I/O modules, you have nothing to do. Just connect your module via USB cable, and follow the instruction described below to launch Funnel Server.
Arduino boards
To connect Arduino boards, Firmata is needed. Firmata is a MIDI like protocol proposed by Hans-Christoph Steiner. Since Arduino 0015 includes the Firmata library by default, you can easily start using your Arduino board as an I/O module for Funnel just by uploading the example sketch as follows.
- Choose an appropriate model in Tools/Board menu
- Choose an appropriate serial port in Tools/Serial Port menu
- Choose StandardFirmata in File/Sketchbook/Examples/Library-Firmata
- Press the Upload button to upload the sketch to your board
The upload process should finish after 10 seconds or so. If you see error messages, please make the board and serial port selection, then try again.
How to configure and run Funnel Server
Download
Start-up and Configure settings for Arduino
On both Mac OS X and Windows, double click on Funnel Server to launch, the choose "Gainer" for Gainer IO boards or "Arduino (StandardFirmata)" for Arduino boards. On Mac OS X, Funnel Server will then try to open an appropriate port. So you might not need to configure the serial port settings. On Windows, you have to configure the serial (com) port setting. Please choose a proper serial port (e.g. COM3) in the port menu.