Troubleshooting & FAQ

If something doesn't work, start here. Most problems are solved by the cable, the browser or one click in Eduingo AI Lab. When AI Lab shows an error message, you'll find it below in bold.

How to upload a program with AI Lab

1. Open Eduingo AI Lab in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer and sign in.
2. Build your own program, or open a ready-made one from Program → Example projects…
3. In Kit → Edit the module setup…, check that the setup matches the modules you really have on your Mainboard.
4. Connect the Eduingo Mainboard to the computer with a USB-C cable.
5. Click Upload in the top right corner and pick the board's port in the browser window.
6. Wait for Done! The program is running on the kit. The program stays on the board after you unplug it and starts every time the board is switched on.

If the program has an error, AI Lab won't upload it and shows you what is wrong. The Fix with AI button helps you fix it. When the program uses the internet, AI Lab asks for the WiFi name and password before uploading. They are stored only on the board and in your browser.

You can stop the program from Kit → Stop the program on the board.

The board won't connect

The computer doesn't see the board at all

• Use a USB-C cable that carries data. Many charger cables only supply power.
• Plug the board straight into the computer, not through a USB hub or adapter, and try another port.
• Install the driver for the CP210x USB-UART bridge. The Mainboard talks to the computer through a CP2102 chip. Unplug the board and plug it back in after installing.
• On Linux your user needs access to serial ports (usually the dialout group). Log out and back in after adding yourself to the group.

The Upload button doesn't work or the port window is empty

• Uploading only works in Chrome or Edge on a computer. In Firefox, Safari, on an iPhone or iPad only the simulation works.
• You didn't pick a kit. The port window closed without a choice. Click Upload again and pick the board's port, usually named after the CP210x bridge.
• To upload to a different board, use Kit → Choose a different kit.

Another program is using the board

Another program is using the kit right now. Only one program can be connected to the port at a time. Close Thonny, Arduino IDE, a serial monitor or a second AI Lab tab and try again.

There's no MicroPython on the board

AI Lab uploads programs to MicroPython, which has to be on the board. When it says There's no MicroPython on the board yet, install it from Kit → Install MicroPython (USB). You only need to do this once. Installing erases everything that was on the board and asks you for a board name for Bluetooth.

You also need to install MicroPython again after uploading a program from Arduino IDE or PlatformIO, or when AI Lab says The program is running, but only until you unplug the board.

Installing MicroPython fails

• Unplug the cable, wait a moment, plug it back in and try the installation again.
• Close every other program that might be using the port.
• Try another cable and another port.
• Turn on Kit → Detailed log while uploading. You'll see at which step the installation got stuck.
• The message The board has a …, but the Eduingo Mainboard has an ESP32-S3 means a board other than the Eduingo Mainboard is connected.

Connecting over Bluetooth

• Switch to Bluetooth in Kit → Connection. It only works in Chrome or Edge.
• The board shows up under the name you entered when installing MicroPython. If you can't see it, install MicroPython again over USB.
• If the connection fails, move the board closer to the computer, or plug it in with a cable and switch back to USB cable.

The LED doesn't light up

The Mainboard LED

• The Mainboard has a colour RGB LED (WS2812 type) on pin IO33, not a plain LED. In AI Lab you control it with the Mainboard LED module, which has to be in the setup. Try the Blinking the Mainboard LED example from the first program.
• Check the colour and brightness. Black or 0 % brightness means the LED is off.
• Make sure the program is really running. After uploading, AI Lab shows Done! The program is running on the kit. If it says The board has a different version of the program, click Upload.

An LED on a module

• Check that the module sits correctly on the Mainboard and the magnets hold it flat.
• The setup in AI Lab has to match reality: the same modules in the same order (Kit → Edit the module setup…). Otherwise the program sends the signal to a different pin.
• Two modules using the same pin can interfere with each other. Each module's page in Modules lists the pins it uses.

It works in the simulation but not on the board

The simulation only runs in the browser. The program gets onto the board once you click Upload and wait for the message that it's running. Upload it again after every change.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install anything?

No. AI Lab runs in the browser. Only if the computer doesn't see the board, install the CP210x driver.

Does it work on a phone or tablet?

You can build programs there and run them in the simulation. Uploading to the board only works in Chrome or Edge on a computer.

Does the program stay on the board after unplugging?

Yes. It starts again by itself when the board is switched on. You can stop it from Kit → Stop the program on the board.

Can I also program the board in Arduino IDE?

Yes, the Mainboard supports Arduino IDE, PlatformIO and MicroPython. Uploading from Arduino IDE overwrites MicroPython, though. When you want to go back to AI Lab, install MicroPython again.

How do I restart the board?

Press the RESET button on the Mainboard, or unplug the board and plug it back in. The program starts from the beginning.

Can I upload without a cable?

Yes, over Bluetooth. But the first MicroPython installation has to be done with a USB-C cable.