If you are an electronics enthusiast, you have probably already worked with Arduino, one of the most accessible and popular platforms for programming and hardware projects. However, it is not uncommon to encounter problems during program loading, driver installation, or basic board operation. In this article, we are going to guide you through several solutions for common problems that may arise when using Arduino.
These types of issues can often be resolved with simple steps, but sometimes they may require more patience. Below, I've compiled some of the most common situations, as well as specific fixes to help you overcome these obstacles and continue with your projects.
Problems uploading the program to Arduino
One of the most common problems is when you try to upload a sketch (program) to the board and it just doesn't work. If you are using an Arduino Nano board, the problem may be due to a USB driver that is not compatibleIn particular, the CH340 driver is often problematic if you have the wrong version on your computer, or if Windows has updated it. To make sure the COM port is correct, go to the “Get Board Info” option in the IDE, which will allow you to check if the board is being detected correctly.
If this process results in errors, such as the red letter message being displayed during the upload attempt, you may need to Manually install an older version of the driverYou can do this by accessing the Windows Device Manager, going to COM Ports (LPT), uninstalling the current driver and then installing the working version, such as the 2014 version.
This problem can recur if Windows updates drivers automatically, so it is always advisable to connect your Arduino Nano to the same USB port. This will prevent the operating system from changing the driver during a system update.
Problem with incorrect COM port
In the case of plates such as the Arduino UNO, one of the most persistent errors is the one that occurs when you try to upload a sketch and the COM port is incorrect. This error can generate messages in the IDE indicating that the programmer is not responding. If you see errors like avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding, is an indication that there is no synchronization between your computer and the Arduino.
First, make sure that in the Arduino IDE you have correctly selected the option Arduino/Genuino UNO in the board selection menu, as well as the COM port your board is connected to. To identify the correct port, open your computer's Device Manager and check which port is being used by the board.
Uploading code to a Chinese clone of Arduino UNO
If you are using an Arduino clone, such as those commonly sold on platforms like Aliexpress, you may face additional problems due to unofficial drivers. In some cases, clones of Arduino UNO (which usually use the CH340 chip) require the installation of a specific driver in order to correctly upload the code.
If you have installed the correct versions of the drivers and configured the port and board properly, but you are still seeing errors like avrdude: stk500_getsync(), you could try an advanced solution: burning the bootloader again using an original Arduino. This is done by connecting the original Arduino to the clone and using the latter as an ISP (In-System Programmer), which can be a lifesaver if nothing else works.
Additional considerations
Remember to keep in mind that some problems may be related to the version of the Arduino IDE you are using. Make sure you always have the correct version for your operating system and motherboard, as older versions may not be compatible with current drivers. Also, some errors arise due to the alternating use of different USB ports on the same computer. To reduce these types of errors, it is recommended to always use the same USB port to connect the motherboard.
In the end, if you encounter a problem that seems unrelated to any of these symptoms, or if after doing all of the above you are still having difficulties, it is best to search forums such as the Arduino forum or StackOverflow forum, where other users may have found solutions that may not be officially documented.
With this guide, you'll be better prepared to deal with the most common problems that can arise when working with Arduino. Having control over the drivers, confirming the correct port, and knowing how to identify the type of error are key to being able to solve these problems and move forward with your projects without unnecessary interruptions.