Quick Start

Goal

This guide takes you through the smallest complete loop: create a project, add a Sense component, add logic, add an Act component, assign hardware ports, verify code, and upload.

Before You Start

• Install Aether Workshop on macOS.
• Prepare an Arduino-compatible board such as Aether Hub, Arduino Uno, Mega 2560, ESP-32, or ESP8266.
• Connect the board by USB and keep sensors/actuators available.
• If this is your first upload, open Install and Configure and install Arduino CLI from Settings.

Create a Project

1. Open Aether Workshop.
2. In Home, choose New Project.
3. Save the project when prompted. Aether Workshop stores projects as .aew packages.
4. Enter the Project tab.

Build the Graph

1. Start from the Start node on the canvas.
2. Press Cmd+/ to open Quick Search, or drag from a node connection point to open the Node Picker.
3. Add a Sense component such as Light or Click.
4. Add a logic node such as if, else if, else, switch, case, default, delay, or function.
5. Add an Act component such as RGB LED, Servo, Motor, Buzzer, LED Ring, or Serial Output.
6. Connect the nodes in the order you want the generated Arduino program to run.

Assign Hardware

1. Select each Sense or Act node.
2. Choose a hardware port in the node or the top toolbar.
3. Use automatic Aether Hub ports when possible.
4. Turn on manual pin mode only when your wiring does not match the standard port map.

See Hardware and Ports for the full mapping.

Verify and Upload

1. Open Setting > Hardware and confirm the Arduino CLI status.
2. Choose the target board.
3. In the Project toolbar, select the serial port.
4. Use Code Preview to inspect the generated sketch.
5. Click Verify to compile without uploading.
6. Click Upload to compile and upload to the connected board.

What Success Looks Like

• The sketch compiles without missing dependency errors.
• The upload command targets the selected board and port.
• The Arduino serial output starts at 9600 baud and prints a ready message.
• Act components respond according to the graph.

Common First-Run Problems

Arduino CLI is missing. Install it from Setting > Hardware. The app downloads the official macOS Arduino CLI binary into Application Support.

No serial port appears. Reconnect the board, check the USB cable, and prefer /dev/cu.* ports on macOS.

A component reports missing hardware config. Select the node and assign a port or manual pins.

A library is missing. Open Setting > Dependence. Aether Workshop can manage common Arduino libraries and custom source libraries.

Related Pages

• Install and Configure
• Project Canvas
• Hardware and Ports
• Code, Verify, Upload
• Troubleshooting