Getting Started
There are many ways to use DUELink, with its long list of supported coding languages and supported hardware options. This page will focus on the bare minimum to get you started with any DUELink module!
MicroBlocks Getting started
This page focuses on the DUELink firmware. Users (especially Educators) interested in block-coding can skip this page and start with MicroBlocks.
Education/Maker focused products ship preloaded with MicroBlocks firmware. You can always load the firmware you need.
Online Demo
The fastest way to try DUELink is though this Online Demo, which uses JavaScript through a web browser to run some of the DUELink Standard Library commands.
All DUELink modules support the USB Interface. While a few boards have a USB connector built-in, most will have an Uplink connector allowing for all USB/I2C/UART interfaces. USB Hook can be used to bring out the USB connection.
Here is a Microcomputer module example, which has a USB connector built-in, vs an LED module that is connected to USB through a USB Hook module.
Start by plugging in your device to a USB port, open the demo site and connect the device.
The first tab is for controlling the STAT LED. This is an LED that is found on all DUELink modules. Change the parameters and observe the STAT LED on the board.
If you are using a board with A or LDR buttons, you can also try Digital read on these buttons. These buttons are connected to pin 20. You will need to set Pull to Down. You can now hold the button up or down while clicking Read.
By the way, when connected, the demo site shows the device ID (module type) and its firmware version.
Firmware Update
The DUELink Console is a useful online platform to handle many important tasks, such as firmware update and scripting. It is fully covered in details here.
When you receive a new module, it is important that your board is using latest firmware. We will use the Console to check the firmware version and update if necessary.
Plug in your device and "connect" it.
The console will show the current version loaded on the module and also the latest available version.
The Release Notes lists the changes.
To update the firmware, open DUELink console https://console.duelink.com/ and click Firmware.
Follow the instructions and load the latest firmware. Full details are found on the loader page.
Demo Scripts
The console includes a few simple scripts. Give some a try for an easy start with zero setup! These examples utilize the Internal Engine's built-in scripting language.
These are generic scripts. See the individual modules' pages for specific standalone scripts examples.
This example script controls the status LED (STAT LED). This LED is found on every single DUELink module.
# Blinks Status LED High for 200ms, Low for 200ms, repeat 50 times
StatLed(200,200,50)
Record and run your script then observe the LED. Try changing the numbers to change the LED behavior.
See the Console page for full details.
Code Samples
Now, you are ready to use one of the languages, such as Python or JavaScript. These are just some of the available Coding Language options. There are standalone options as well. Use these pages to help you setup your system properly.
Once you are setup with one of the coding language options and can control the status LED, go to your module's product page for code samples to get you started.
Welcome to the world of DUELink circuits coding! We are waiting for you on our DUELink Forum!