mBlock Help

Connect Arduino to mBlock

Step-by-step guide with screenshots to connect your Arduino Nano to mBlock. Includes troubleshooting.

Before You Start

Checklist:

  • mBlock is installed and working.
  • USB cable (data cable, not a cheap charge-only cable).
  • Ask your teacher which USB Chip you have: CH340 or FT232R
  • Ask your teacher which Arduino Nano firmware you have: Arduino Nano or Arduino Nano (old).

Step 1: Install Arduino Drivers

To use your Arduino Nano, you need drivers for the USB chip. Most computers have them, but install if needed.

For CH340 Chip (most common):

CH340 Driver Download

For FT232R Chip:

FT232R Driver Download

Checklist:

  • Download the driver for your Arduino's USB chip.
  • Unzip if needed, run the installer.

Troubleshooting:

  • If Arduino doesn't show up in mBlock, try a different USB port.
  • Try restarting your computer after installing.
  • Check Device Manager (Windows) for "USB Serial Port" or "Unknown Device"

Step 2: Open mBlock and Add Device

  1. 1. Open mBlock.
  2. 2. Click the Devices tab.
  3. 3. Remove any devices you don't need (e.g., CyberPi).
  4. 4. Click + Add → Device Library.
  5. 5. Search for "nano" and add both Arduino Nano and Arduino Nano (old).
Add Device Screenshot

Step 3: Connect Arduino

  1. 1. Plug in your Arduino Nano with the USB cable.
  2. 2. In mBlock, click the device dropdown and choose the correct Nano type (ask teacher).
  3. 3. Choose the serial port that appears (COMx on Windows, /dev/tty.* on Mac).
  4. 4. If you are unsure which port try unplugging the cable and see which port disappears.
  5. 5. Click Connect.
Connect Device Screenshot

Step 4: Test it!

Upload a simple program to test:

  1. 1. Drag a "when green flag clicked" block.
  2. 2. Add a "digital write pin 13 to high" block.
  3. 3. Click the green flag — the LED on pin 13 should light up!
Test LED Screenshot

Troubleshooting

If it doesn't connect:

  • No serial port appears: Install the driver (see above). Restart computer.
  • "Access denied": Close mBlock and re-open as Administrator (Windows).
  • Wrong port: Try different USB ports or cables.
  • Still not working: Ask teacher which Nano type to use (Nano vs Nano old).
  • Mac issues: May need to allow in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

If you see "Unknown Device" in Device Manager (Windows), you need the driver. Email stem@dashx.net if stuck!