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Setting Up CloudX

In this tutorial, we will be learning on how to download and install necessary software required to write and do your first project with the CloudX Microcontroller, i will also be writing simple hello world project to test the complete setup.

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CategoryProgrammers & ICSP
IncludesProteus
Reading time~4 min
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  1. Step 1: What You Will Need:
  2. Step 2: ​Software Required
  3. Step 3: ​CloudX Software Editor
  4. Step 4: ​CloudX Software Driver
  5. Step 5: Steps to Install
  6. Step 6: MPLABX IDE Installation
  7. Step 7: ​MPLAB® XC8 Compiler Installation
  8. Step 8: ​CloudX Library
  9. Quick Solutions to Questions related to CloudX Starter Kit Setup:
  10. Related projects

Summary of Setting Up CloudX

This tutorial guides users on setting up the CloudX Microcontroller environment, including software downloads, driver installation, and configuring a "Hello World" project. It details the necessary tools for Windows systems to write code, compile programs using MPLAB XC8, and utilize pre-written libraries for simplified development.

Parts used in the CloudX Starter Kit Setup:

  • A Computer (Windows XP, 7, 8, or 10)
  • A CloudX compatible microcontroller
  • A CloudX SoftCard
  • CloudX Software Editor
  • CloudX Software Driver
  • MPLABX IDE
  • MPLAB® XC8 Compiler
  • Proteus Simulation software
  • CloudX Libraries v1.01
Setting Up CloudX

So, you've just bought, or are considering buying, an CloudX Starter kit. Your mind is probably full of questions about how and what you can get started right away maximizing your experience. Nothing is stopping you from coding the next big thing. To help you on get started without anyone's help or guide, this article will cover required software downloads, driver installation and device configuration. This should be enough to get you running and exploring!

Step 1: What You Will Need:

What You Will Need

Step 2: ​Software Required

The only operating system that cloudX software supported at the time of writing this article is Windows, Click on the software list below to download

Step 3: ​CloudX Software Editor

CloudX Software Editor

The CloudX Software Editor is a programming environment just like Notepad++ that allows you to write your codes and highlights recognized CloudX C syntax, pre-processor libraries with auto-complete feature. With the CloudX software editor, programming errors is reduced to less than 3% so it makes it more fun for hobbyists to write codes without any bug. Click to download the CloudX Editor Software and install the setup on your computer. To learn more on the CloudX editor click here

Step 4: ​CloudX Software Driver

The CloudX Softcard Software Driver is based on the cheap CH340 IC. It functions as a USB - Serial board which allows you to communicate the CloudX Controller with your Computer. The CloudX driver uses CH340G and be downloaded here.

Step 5: Steps to Install

Steps to Install
  1. Download the driver.zip
  2. Unzip the file
  3. Run the installer which you unzipped
  4. Open the CH341SER folder
  5. Run the SETUP.EXE
  6. Just click on the install button.
  7. In the CloudX Editor Software, when the Softcard is connected you will see a Selected COM Port dropdown in the Tools > CodeLoader , the COM number for your device may vary depending on your system.

For more tutorial on how to setup the driver click here

Step 6: MPLABX IDE Installation

MPLABX IDE Installation

The CloudX Microcontroller is based on the Microchip Technology PIC16F877A processor, here we won't be saying much about the installation process but incase you are having challenge installing the software then visit mplabx ide installation tutorial website or use our chat box at the right-corner below to ask then ask for support.

Step 7: ​MPLAB® XC8 Compiler Installation

Since the XC8 Compiler is also a third party software, we won't be talking about the installation process here but if you encounter any challenge then visit XC8 installation page on microchip website or or use our chat box at the right-corner below to ask then ask for support.

Step 8: ​CloudX Library

CloudX Library

These are pre-written code that helps to simplify users code to few lines, for example, if i want to display a simple "Hello World" on an LCD display, i don't need to start writing all the LCD instructions and commands which may take hundreds lines of code but with cloudX LCD library you can't only write the complete project with less than five lines. All you need to know to Where and How to use each library.

After downloading the library in zip file all you need to do is to unzip it and copy the folder "CloudX" and paste to 64 - bits Windows
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\xc8\v1.45\include

32 - bits Windows
C:\Program Files\Microchip\xc8\v1.45\include

The v1.45 is based on your xc8 Compiler version.

Source: Setting Up CloudX

  • What operating systems are supported for the CloudX setup?
    The CloudX software supports Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
  • How do I install the CloudX Softcard driver?
    Download the driver.zip file, unzip it, navigate to the CH341SER folder, run SETUP.EXE, and click the install button.
  • Can I use Proteus Simulation software for this project?
    Yes, Proteus Simulation software is optional but can be found as a free version on the internet.
  • Where should I paste the CloudX library folder after unzipping?
    Paste the CloudX folder into C:Program Files (x86)Microchipxc8v1.45include for 64-bit Windows or C:Program FilesMicrochipxc8v1.45include for 32-bit Windows.
  • Does the CloudX Software Editor reduce programming errors?
    Yes, the editor reduces programming errors to less than 3% by highlighting syntax and providing auto-complete features.
  • Which processor does the CloudX Microcontroller use?
    The CloudX Microcontroller is based on the Microchip Technology PIC16F877A processor.
  • How does the CloudX Library simplify coding?
    The library allows users to complete projects with fewer lines of code, such as writing a Hello World LCD display in under five lines.
  • What function does the CloudX Softcard perform?
    The Softcard functions as a USB-Serial board allowing communication between the CloudX Controller and the computer.
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Muhammad Bilal

Muhammad Bilal

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