New user - help getting started

[Fifer]

I need to replace my Ninja Block as I fear the cloud service will disappear soon, so after a period of research, I got Domoticz running on a Raspberry Pi I had kicking around and ordered an Arduino/RFlink/Antenna/Enclosure kit from Nodo shop.

Having soldered the kit, plugged into the Arduino and assembled into the case, I decided to flash the latest firmware. Downloaded, upzipped to my Google cloud drive and tried to run RFLinkLoader, but on COM1 and COM3 (only two options), got "Programming Failed" error. Tried on several USB ports - same error. Realised I should have installed Arduino drivers, so did so, rebooted computer and tried again but same result.

Tried plugging Arduino/RFlink into RPi USB port then in Domoticz, installed the RFLink via Setup, Hardware, add (now have two RFLink USB, one on /dev/ttyAMA0 and one on /dev/ttyACM00. Get green power light on Arduino and occassional TX and AREF LED flashes along with an unidentified solid amber LED on the RFLink, but doesn't seem to pick up any RF signals I initiate.

I know I've either missed a fundamental step, misunderstood what I'm meant to be doing or have done something dumb - but I'm stuck. Any suggestions?

(Posted in the right forum now - inadvertantly posted in the RFXcom forum first. Great start for a first post! - It's been a long day ...)

[domogijs]

Did you try load other sketches on the arduino?

[Fifer]

No, sorry but never having used an arduino before, I don't know how to do that. Guess I need to read up on arduino...

[domogijs]

Mmm should not be necessary. But it rules out that there is something wrong with the arduino.

[Fifer]

I've read that the occassional flashing of the TX and AREF LEDs is driven by a factory loaded sketch to show that the arduino functions?

[Stuntteam]

Unplug the Arduino from your computer.
Run RFLink Loader and check what com ports are available.. (the pull down under serial port)
Connect the Arduino to your computer's USB, press the "scan available ports" button and check again what com ports are available
There should be one new port.. this is the one you need
Select the latest firmware file (name = rflink.cpp.hex current version = r42)
press the upload button

when you get one or more errors, you can enable the "application debug screen" at the bottom of the RFLink Loader.
This will give a bit more info.. then send a mail to [email protected] for direct help with setting up the RFLink and fixing the errors..

[Fifer]

Thanks, will try that tonight.