The First Linux-Based Arduino: Arduino UNO Q Unboxing & Quick Start Guide
The Arduino UNO Q is unlike any Arduino board that came before it. It is a complete Linux Single Board Computer (SBC) with an onboard microcontroller compatible with the Arduino IDE.
It is the premier prototyping tool for your next robotics or IoT project. Here is why:
- All-in-One Toolkit: The Arduino UNO Q combines a powerful Qualcomm QRB2210 Microprocessor (MPU) with a real-time STM32U585 Microcontroller (MCU). Whatever you are building, this is your new go-to tool!
- Fast-Track AI: Unlock AI vision and audio solutions that can react to their environment.
- Developer Ecosystem Support: Includes libraries, sketches, and projects developed by millions of users for the UNO ecosystem.
- Hardware Compatibility: Works with a wide range of Arduino hardware, from classic UNO shields to new carriers, plus Qwiic connectors for Modulino® nodes and third-party modules.
- Simplified Software Experience: Beyond the Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud, jumpstart development with a vast array of pre-built examples and AI models via the Arduino App Lab.
- Seamless Unified Development: Through Arduino App Lab, you can build classic Arduino sketches, program in Python using the pre-installed Linux Debian OS, or mix both from a single interface—effortlessly.
You might already know the specs of this board:
| Microprocessor (MPU) | Qualcomm QRB2210 |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller (MCU) | Real-time, low-power STM32U585 |
| RAM | 2GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | Built-in 16GB eMMC (No SD card needed) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi® 5 (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| High-Speed Interfaces | Powering advanced peripherals: Vision, Audio, Display |
| Classic UNO Header | Install shields to expand functionality |
| LED Matrix | 8 x 13 LED Matrix for visuals and feedback |
| USB-C Port | Supports Power Delivery, Video Out, or connecting Keyboard/Mouse/Mic/Cam via hub |
| Qwiic Connector | Easy expansion with Modulino nodes - No soldering required |
You might be wondering how to get started with the UNO Q. To help you out, we will walk through the out-of-the-box experience and show you just how easy it is by running one of the included example projects.
Hardware Setup
While the board can be connected to a PC, for this demo, we will use it in Standalone Mode. If you want to follow along, you will need:
- Arduino UNO Q
- Arduino Temperature Module (Modulino)
- USB-C Hub/Dock
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Power Supply
Plug your USB-C hub into the UNO Q's USB-C port. Connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the hub, and connect the Temperature Module to the UNO Q via the Qwiic port.
Once all connections are made, connect power to the USB-C hub to power up the board. After powering on, you should see the board start to boot up.
First Boot & Configuration
After the board finishes booting, you will see the initial login screen.
You will need to set a password for your device and confirm it to log in.
Once logged in, you will see the Arduino App Lab. During initial setup, you need to name your board to distinguish it from other boards on the local network (especially in a classroom setting). You can enter a custom name or choose a random system-generated one.
Next, you will need to select a Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Enter the network password and select "OK" to connect.
Once the connection is established, the UNO Q will check for App Lab updates...
If an update is available, it will prompt you to install it.
After the update is installed, you need to restart App Lab. Simply click the "X" in the top right corner of the window to close the application.
On the desktop, click the "App Lab" icon on the bottom toolbar to relaunch the application.
After the update, the application may ask you to name the board again and set the Linux account password. It is recommended to re-enter the Linux password created during the first boot to avoid any issues.
App Lab Project Example
With updates complete, you can now start browsing App Lab example projects.
In this demo, we will launch the "Home Climate Monitor & Storage" example.
This example uses the Microcontroller (MCU) to read and interpret sensor data from the Thermo Modulino via the Qwiic connector. The sensor data is then transmitted to the Linux Single Board Computer (SBC), stored in an InfluxDB database, and displayed via a local webpage. You can browse all files related to this example in the file tree on the left side of the screen.
If you want to build a project based on one of the examples, or just test some modifications, click the down arrow to copy the project to the "My Apps" directory, where you can modify and save files.
To build and run this example, click the Play Button in the top right corner.
While the project is building, the window will switch to the console view.
If everything builds correctly, the text will turn green and a message will appear indicating the project has started.
Now that the project is running, open the web browser from the desktop toolbar.
In the browser address bar, enter localhost:7000 to view the sensor data. Here, you can see real-time and historical data from the sensor.
To stop the project, return to the App Lab window and click the Stop button in the top right corner.
Exploring the Arduino UNO Q OS
Below are a few screenshots showing the pre-installed software and the options available under the "Applications" button in the top left corner of the desktop.
Conclusion
The Arduino UNO Q is a powerful hybrid development board combining an SBC and MCU. With upcoming carrier boards to expand peripheral support, it maintains the familiar Arduino form factor while running Zephyr OS on the MCU and a full Linux OS on the MPU.
This dual architecture supports Python scripting and a wide range of applications, making it a formidable tool for advanced project development.
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