Setting Up Your Board

Connect and configure your Arduino or ESP32 board so it can talk to Bottango.

By Kevin McAleer,    2 Minutes

Page last updated May 03, 2025


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To make Bottango control servos or other actuators, you need to connect a compatible microcontroller board and install the Bottango firmware.


βœ… Supported Boards

Bottango currently supports:

  • Arduino Uno
  • Arduino Nano (ATmega328 version)
  • ESP32 (Dev Module or equivalent)

These boards connect to your computer via USB and communicate directly with the Bottango app.


πŸ”Œ Step 1: Connect Your Board

Use a USB cable to connect your microcontroller to your computer.

Make sure:

  • The board is powered via USB
  • You’re using a data-capable USB cable (some charging cables won’t work)

βš™οΈ Step 2: Upload the Bottango Firmware

Bottango needs to upload a small firmware sketch to your board. This allows the app to control it in real-time.

Automatically via Bottango:

  1. Open Bottango.
  2. Go to Devices > Add Device.
  3. Select your board type from the list.
  4. Click Install Firmware.
  5. Bottango will detect the correct COM port and upload the firmware automatically.

πŸ’‘ If the board isn’t found, check your cable and USB port, then restart Bottango.

Manually (Advanced Option):

If automatic setup fails, you can upload the firmware using the Arduino IDE:

  1. Download the Bottango firmware from the official GitHub repo.
  2. Open it in the Arduino IDE.
  3. Select the correct board and port under Tools.
  4. Upload the sketch.

🟒 Step 3: Verify Connection

Once the firmware is installed:

  • The board should appear in Bottango’s device list
  • A green indicator shows it’s connected and ready
  • You can now assign servos and create motions!

πŸ§ͺ Troubleshooting

  • Board not detected? Try a different USB cable or port.
  • Upload fails? Make sure no other software is using the COM port (e.g. Arduino IDE).
  • ESP32 issues? Hold the BOOT button when clicking β€œUpload” if needed.

Next up: Wiring and Connecting Servos


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