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Update library & firmware

This part of the guide will walk you through setting up your ThermoFlex™ Node and running your first program without screaming into the void.

Set up your ThermoFlex™ Node.

1. Before We Begin: System Requirements

Let’s make sure your computer isn’t stuck in the Stone Age:

  • Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux (Ubuntu recommended)

  • Python: Version 3.8 or later (we recommend 3.13 for best results)

  • Permissions: Admin privileges for driver installation

  • USB Port: Yes, you need one. Preferably not already used for your desk fan.

2. Plug In Your Node

Use the included USB-C cable to plug the ThermoFlex™ Node into your computer. It’ll light up. If it doesn’t, check the cable or try a different port.

GIF goes here: (Insert gif of LED pattern when it powers up successfully, a pleasant little dance to say "I'm alive!")

3. USB Driver Installation (Windows)

If your computer didn’t pop up a cheerful "device connected" notification, you may need to install the driver.

Step-by-step:

  1. Hit Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Look under Ports (COM & LPT) You should see something like USB Serial Device (COMx).

  3. If it’s missing or has a yellow ⚠️, check out this general USB driver troubleshooting guide from SparkFun for help identifying and installing the right driver for your system.

  4. Unplug and replug the Node. You should now see it listed properly.

Photo goes here: (Insert screenshot of correct COM port listing in Device Manager)

4. Install Python (Stable Method)

Let’s get Python talking to your Node. If you already have it installed, you can skip this part and jump ahead like a seasoned time traveler.

  1. Download Python from python.org (3.13+ recommended).

  2. During install, make sure to check Add Python to PATH. That’s not a suggestion.

  3. Open a terminal or command prompt and run:

python --version

You should see something like:

Python 3.13.3

5. Install the ThermoFlex™ Python API

Once Python is in place, install our API like so:

python -m pip install thermoflex

Want to live dangerously? You can also clone it from GitHub and install it manually:

6. Prep Your Environment

You’ve got two main ways to write and run your first script, choose your own adventure:

Option 1: Use an Editor or IDE (Recommended)

  • Simple route: Use Notepad or Notepad++

  • Better route: Install VS Code and open a folder like a pro

Steps:

  1. Open your editor and create a new file

  2. Name it first_program.py

  3. Copy and paste the sample code from Step 8

  4. Save the file

To run it:

  • Open Command Prompt (or Terminal, or PowerShell)

  • Navigate to the folder where your script is saved:

cd C:\Users\YourName\Documents\ThermoFlex

> ⚠️ **Don’t just copy and paste this!** Replace `YourName` with your actual Windows username or navigate to wherever you saved the file. If you right-click your file, you can copy the path.

  • Run the program:

python first_program.py

Option 2: Use the Python Interpreter (Quick & Dirty)

If you're just testing or playing around:

  1. Open Command Prompt or Terminal

  2. Type python and hit Enter to start the interpreter

  3. Manually type or paste each line of the script

Note: This method doesn't save your code. Great for fast experiments, not great for anything you'll want to keep.

GIF goes here: (Insert a quick clip of running the script and LEDs reacting)

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