Troubleshooting and FAQ's about the LittleArm
A LittleBot is Not Connecting to App
Ensure that your LittleArm is paired with your smart device. Here is a video to assist. If the error persists ensure that the the LittleArm is not connected to a computer through USB. The Littlearm does not support bluetooth and USB simultaneously.
LittleBot App Freezes
Scaling the STL Files
Some of the STL files may appear smaller in particular programs when preparing for 3D printing. The typical solution is to set the program to millimeters and then scale the file 10x. For reference the base of the LittleArm should be 3 inches wide. All LittleBot parts are designed to fit on an 8x8 inch printer
My antivirus blocks the windows program.
Several antivirus programs may tag the LittleArm_GUI.exe file from the downloads page as malware. If this occures on your personal computer you can generally tell the antivirus to allow the program. If on a school or business computer it may be necessary to have your IT department change the permissions so that the software will run
The Windows Software is Freezing.
Missing Serial Module
If you are attempting to run the Python base code you may run into the following error.
LittleArm_GUI.py", line 7, in
import serial
ImportError: No module named serial
This error indicates that you do not have the PySerial module installed. This module is required to allow Python to use your serial USB ports and connect with the LittleArm. Here is the PySerial homepage with resources about installing the module.
Unable to Upload to the Arduino Nano.
Ensure that your LittleArm is paired with your smart device. Here is a video to assist. If the error persists ensure that the the LittleArm is not connected to a computer through USB. The Littlearm does not support bluetooth and USB simultaneously.
LittleBot App Freezes
- Make certain that you have paired the device to the bluetooth device. Follow this video for instructions
- Make certain that you have uploaded the correct Arduino Sketch/Firmware to the LittleBot. All Arduino sketches can be found on the Downloads page. for assistance uploading arduino code visit the Tutorials Page.
- Be sure that you are not attempting to use the app while the Arduino is connected via USB to the computer. USB and Bluetooth interfere with each other.
- Make certain that the bluetooth module is connected correctly. Reference the labels on the bluetooth module and the Meped board for help, you check the wiring directions in your LittleBot's tutorial.
Scaling the STL Files
Some of the STL files may appear smaller in particular programs when preparing for 3D printing. The typical solution is to set the program to millimeters and then scale the file 10x. For reference the base of the LittleArm should be 3 inches wide. All LittleBot parts are designed to fit on an 8x8 inch printer
My antivirus blocks the windows program.
Several antivirus programs may tag the LittleArm_GUI.exe file from the downloads page as malware. If this occures on your personal computer you can generally tell the antivirus to allow the program. If on a school or business computer it may be necessary to have your IT department change the permissions so that the software will run
The Windows Software is Freezing.
- Make certain that you have uploaded the correct Arduino Sketch/Firmware to the LittleBot. All Arduino sketches can be found on the Downloads page. for assistance uploading arduino code visit the Tutorials Page.
- Remove the bluetooth module from the Meped board. Bluetooth and USB interfere with each other which can cause the apps to freeze.
Missing Serial Module
If you are attempting to run the Python base code you may run into the following error.
LittleArm_GUI.py", line 7, in
import serial
ImportError: No module named serial
This error indicates that you do not have the PySerial module installed. This module is required to allow Python to use your serial USB ports and connect with the LittleArm. Here is the PySerial homepage with resources about installing the module.
Unable to Upload to the Arduino Nano.
- Likely due to a driver problem. Some Arduino IDE versions and windows computers are not able to communicate with the Arduino Nano correctly. To rectify this, follow this tutorial for downloading the driver to your computer.
- Remove the bluetooth module from the Meped Board. If it is connected it will prevent the upload of the sketches.