Easy Guide to Setting up Intel Edison on a Mac
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Setting up an Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer
- Downloading and installing FTDI drivers
- Updating the firmware
- Connecting to the Intel Edison
- Configuring the Intel Edison
- Transferring files to the Intel Edison
- Running Python programs on the Intel Edison
- Cloning a library from GitHub
- Installing additional libraries
- testing the Intel Edison
Setting up an Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer
In this Tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up an Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this tutorial will provide you with easy-to-follow steps. By the end of this tutorial, you will have your Intel Edison up and running with the Yocto project distribution.
Introduction
The Intel Edison is a powerful development platform that can be used for a wide range of applications. It consists of a small computer with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various other interfaces. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of setting up the Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer, including downloading and installing the necessary drivers, updating the firmware, and configuring the device.
Downloading and installing FTDI drivers
The first step in setting up the Intel Edison is to download and install the FTDI drivers. These drivers enable communication between your Macintosh computer and the Intel Edison. To do this, open your web browser and search for "Edison getting started guide." Look for the SparkFun link and click on it. On the SparkFun website, navigate to the Drivers and Arduino section, and download the FTDI drivers for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions to complete the process.
Updating the firmware
Once the FTDI drivers are installed, you can proceed to update the firmware on your Intel Edison. The firmware update is necessary to ensure that your device is running the latest version of the Yocto project distribution. To update the firmware, download the configuration tool and the latest Yocto firmware release from the Intel website. Install the configuration tool on your Macintosh computer and open it. In the tool, select the option to flash firmware and choose the local image file that you downloaded. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
Connecting to the Intel Edison
After updating the firmware, you can now connect to your Intel Edison. To do this, open the Terminal application on your Macintosh computer. In the terminal window, type in the command to list the available serial ports. Look for the USB serial port with an eight-digit serial port name. Once you have identified the correct serial port, use the screen command to connect to it. Enter the login credentials (the default login is "root" with no password) and you should now be connected to the Intel Edison.
Configuring the Intel Edison
With the Intel Edison connected, you can proceed to configure the device. This involves setting a password, configuring Wi-Fi, and giving your Intel Edison an identifying name. The configuration process will Prompt you for the necessary information and guide you through the setup. Once the configuration is complete, you will be provided with an IP address for your Intel Edison. Make sure to write this down as it will be useful for future SSH connections.
Transferring files to the Intel Edison
To transfer files to your Intel Edison, you can use a file transfer program like Cyberduck. Use the IP address, username, and password that you configured earlier to connect to the device. Once connected, you can simply drag and drop the Python script or any other files you want to transfer. The files will be Instantly available on the Intel Edison.
Running Python programs on the Intel Edison
After transferring your Python script to the Intel Edison, you can now run it. Open the Terminal window and navigate to the directory where the script is located. Use the "python" command followed by the name of your program to execute it. The output should be displayed in the Terminal window, indicating a successful execution.
Cloning a library from GitHub
If you need additional libraries for your project, you can easily clone them from GitHub. Start by installing Git on your Intel Edison using the "opkg install git" command. Once Git is installed, you can clone a library by using the "git clone" command followed by the URL of the library's GitHub repository. This will create a local copy of the library on your Intel Edison.
Installing additional libraries
In addition to cloning libraries from GitHub, you may need to install additional libraries on your Intel Edison. One common library for scientific computing in Python is NumPy. To install NumPy, use the Package manager on the Intel Edison to download and install the library. Keep in mind that the installation process may take some time to complete.
Testing the Intel Edison
After setting up the Intel Edison and installing any necessary libraries, it's time to test the device. One way to test the Intel Edison is to run a program that utilizes the sensors on the device, such as the gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer. These sensors can provide data on angular velocity and orientation. By running a program that utilizes these sensors, you can verify that the Intel Edison is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Setting up an Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process. In this tutorial, we've covered the essential steps, from downloading and installing drivers to configuring the device and running programs. By following this tutorial, you should now have a fully functional Intel Edison that you can use for your projects.
Highlights
- Setting up an Intel Edison on a Macintosh computer is a straightforward process.
- Downloading and installing FTDI drivers is an essential step in the setup process.
- Updating the firmware ensures that your Intel Edison is running the latest version of the Yocto project distribution.
- Connecting to the Intel Edison via the Terminal allows you to access and configure the device.
- Transferring files to the Intel Edison is made easy with file transfer programs like Cyberduck.
- Running Python programs on the Intel Edison is as simple as executing the Python command in the Terminal.
- Cloning libraries from GitHub expands the capabilities of your Intel Edison.
- Installing additional libraries, such as NumPy, is necessary for specific programming needs.
- Testing the Intel Edison by utilizing its sensors can verify the device's functionality.
FAQ
Q: Can I set up an Intel Edison on a Windows computer instead of a Macintosh?
A: Yes, the setup process for an Intel Edison on a Windows computer is similar, but there may be slight differences in the installation steps.
Q: Can I use a different file transfer program instead of Cyberduck?
A: Yes, there are various file transfer programs available for transferring files to the Intel Edison. Cyberduck is just one example.
Q: Do I need to update the firmware every time a new version is released?
A: It is recommended to update the firmware whenever a new version is released to ensure that your Intel Edison has the latest features and bug fixes.
Q: How can I troubleshoot if I encounter any issues during the setup process?
A: If you encounter any issues during the setup process, it is recommended to consult the official documentation or seek help from the Intel Edison community.
Q: Can I use languages other than Python to program the Intel Edison?
A: Yes, the Intel Edison supports various programming languages. Python is just one option, but you can also use C++, Java, and others.
Q: Are there any limitations to the libraries that can be cloned from GitHub?
A: The libraries you can clone from GitHub may vary depending on their compatibility with the Intel Edison and the specific functionality you require.
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