Although the LeoStick doesn't require actual drivers, Windows does require
an information file to be loaded so that it knows to treat it as
a Serial Port device. Note that Linux and Mac OS X do not require
anything extra to be done: they will install
automatically on the first connection.
This Windows driver file is named "LeoStick_Bootloader_Driver_v1.inf" and can be downloaded below.
Installing this inf file is a once only requirement, Windows will retain
it for future use.
Installation steps:
- Download the "LeoStick_Bootloader_Driver_v1.inf" file to your computer and note
where it's located, we will show Windows where this is shortly.
Firefox (and maybe other) downloaders please note: Sometimes Firefox inadvertently puts an extra .txt extension on the end of the filename and Windows won't pick it up correctly as a .inf driver file extension.
The same file in zip format can be downloaded from here and unzipped locally if you have any issues with the browser renaming the file.
- Plug the board into your computer's USB port. You will see a message
that the driver installation failed, as Windows doesn't yet know about
the new inf file.
If the wizard window opens, you can Cancel it.
- Next, we're going to open Device Manager.
- Click on the Start Menu, select Run..., type in devmgmt.msc and
press Enter.
The devmgmt.msc above is the quick way, there are other ways to get to Device Manager via the Control Panel > System, or right-click My Computer and select Properties, Hardware, Device Manager and so on.
- Look at the "Other Devices" entry. The LeoStick will be listed there as "Freetronics LeoStick Loader" with a mark against it until we show Windows the inf driver file from
above.
- Right-click the "Freetronics LeoStick Loader" in Device Manager, and choose "Update
Driver..."
- Next, choose "Browse my computer for Driver Software".
- Lastly, in the Browse window, navigate to the folder where your "LeoStick_Bootloader_Driver_v1.inf" file is located.
- Follow the remaining prompts and Windows will install this inf file. It will not be required again as Windows remembers its application.
To enable or install the board profile in the Arduino 1.0 IDE, please see the rest of the getting started guide here.
Once this is done you can select the board in the IDE as Tools > Board > Freetronics LeoStick or Tools > Board > Arduino Leonardo, and select the Tools > Serial Port that it appears at.
This completes the installation of the LeoStick bootloader! Just one more step below...
The bootloader is now ready to load its first sketch and will be active on the LeoStick for a few seconds after reset in case you ever need it.
Next up, when you upload a sketch for the first time to the board, expect Windows to ask for new drivers one last time!
It's because the sketch sends in its own USB handler which will talk to Windows most times from then on.
With the same steps from getting into Device Manager above, point Windows to the "Arduino Leonardo.inf" from in the drivers folder of your Arduino 1.0 IDE installation. You are now done installing drivers, there's no need to redo these steps.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy your board and many projects! :)
