How to get started with NavSpark: Hello World

Installation: Step-by-step instructions for setting up the Arduino software and connecting it to a NavSpark, NavSpark-GL, and NavSpark-BD. First, choose your OS:

Windows

or

Linux

Windows

1. Get a NavSpark board and a micro USB cable

In this tutorial, we assume you're using a NavSpark, NavSpark-GL, or NavSpark-BD.

You need to solder you NavSpark board in order to work on a breadboard.

If you own a NavSpark-mini, the following example is not compatible with NavSpark-mini. Please refer to our user guide and Tutorial 2.

2. Download the GNSS Viewer and Arduino environment

Get the latest version from our Downloads page.

Download the Arduino 1.6.5 from Arduino website (Both Installer and ZIP file for non admin install are fine).

When the download is finished, install or unzip the downloaded file.

Download "sparc-elf-3.4.4-mingw.zip" and unzip it to "C:\opt". The target directory must be "C:\opt" or the tool chains will NOT function correctly.

Download the "GNSS_Viewer-CustomerRelease-2.0.168.exe.zip". Unzip the file and place it at any desired location.

3. Connect the board

Connect the NavSpark board to your computer using the micro USB cable. The green power LED should go on.

4. Installing the drivers

Installing drivers for the NavSpark, NavSpark-GL, NavSpark-BD, and NavSpark-mini with Windows 7/8/10 and Vista:

When you connect the board, Windows should initiate the driver installation process.

5. Launch the Arduino application and the GNSS Viewer

Double-click the Arduino application and the GNSS Viewer.

6. Open the hello world demo

Download the NavSpark Example Code Files from our Downloads page and open the hello world demo (demo_hello_world.ino).

7. Download and select your board

Go to File > Preference and add the following link to the Additional Boards Manager URLs.

http://navspark.mybigcommerce.com/content/package_navspark_index.json

Go to Boards Manager under Tools > Board > Boards Manager.

Install Arduino NavSpark Boards by SkyTraq.

After installation, you'll need to select the entry in the Tools > Board menu that corresponds to your NavSpark.

8. Select your processor

You'll also need to select your processor with GNSS library.

9. Verify the program

Press verify to compile the program.

10. Upload the program

Option 1

Choose the correct COM port.

Upload the program using Arduino IDE.

Option 2

Open GNSS Viewer and choose the correct COM port & baud rate (default 115,200) and press connect.

Upload the program by choosing clicking on ...

The file will be in C:\Users\USERS\AppData\Local\Temp

Choose a baud rate and upload the sketch using the upload button.

11. Check the program

Check if UART2 is outputting the correct results.

Linux (Ubuntu)

1. Get a NavSpark board and a micro USB cable

In this tutorial, we assume you're using a NavSpark, NavSpark-GL, or NavSpark-BD.

You need to solder you NavSpark board in order to work on a breadboard.

If you own a NavSpark-mini, the following example is not compatible with NavSpark-mini. Please refer to Tutorial 2.

2. Download the Arduino environment

Get the latest version from our Downloads page.

Download the Arduino 1.6.5 from Arduino website (Linux 32 bits).

When the download is finished, untar the downloaded file.

Download "sparc-elf-3.4.4-mingw.tar.gz" and untar it to "/opt" by command “sudo tar xvfz sparc-elf-3.4.4-33.tar.gz –C /opt”.

The target directory must be "/opt" or the tool chains will NOT function correctly.

3. Connect the board

Connect the Arduino board to your computer using the micro USB cable. The green power LED should go on.