🛠 Advanced setup of the UNO Q SBC bundle
Objectives
This tutorial guides advanced users through the physical assembly and initial software configuration of the Arduino UNO Q SBC Controller bundle. The goal is to transform the UNO Q 4GB board into a custom tactile control interface, replacing classic input peripherals for critical applications like Home Assistant or edge AI.
Required Equipment
- Arduino UNO Q SBC Controller Bundle (includes UNO Q 4GB board and Modulino nodes: buttons, joystick, rotary knob, pixels).
- 8-in-1 USB-C Hub (recommended for HDMI, Ethernet, extra USB).
- 45W USB-C Power Supply (essential for stability).
- 24-pin USB-C cable.
- Workstation with Arduino App Lab installed.
- 3D-printable case (optional for ergonomics).
Steps
Connect the Modulino nodes (buttons, joystick, etc.) to the dedicated ports on the UNO Q board. Check connector orientation to avoid short circuits. Modularity allows ordering choice, but note positions for software configuration.
- Physical Assembly of Modulinos
Plug the 8-in-1 USB-C Hub into the main port of the UNO Q. Connect your HDMI screen and backup mouse/keyboard to the hub. This ensures access to the Linux system if tactile configuration fails.
- Display Peripherals Connection
Use the 45W USB-C power supply. Insufficient power can cause instability with USB peripherals. Connect the 24-pin cable for data communication if required by your setup. Press the board's power button.
- Power and Boot
Open Arduino App Lab on your PC. Detect the UNO Q board. In the interface, map each Modulino node (e.g., Button 1 = 'Input'). Configure mappings for target apps (retro games, AI). Save configuration to the board.
- Configuration via Arduino App Lab
Verification
After Linux boot completes, test inputs. The joystick should move the cursor or UI element. Buttons must trigger actions defined in App Lab. Pixels should light up to confirm visual feedback. If inputs do not respond, check physical connections and mappings in App Lab.
Further Reading
Explore dynamic remapping via the Modulino ecosystem to adapt the interface to different projects without hardware changes. Integrate UNO Q into a Home Assistant flow for tactile control of smart home devices.