Not working or can’t find what you’re looking for?
Below is a list of the most common questions we receive from customers about The Amazing Annoyatron.
Where do I go to get started?
Our Annoyatron Quickstart page has all the details on setting up the product, including how to download and install the required software. These steps are easy to do but are very important. Make sure that you follow each step carefully, as the inventions in the kit won’t work properly if, for example, the software is not configured correctly.
Once you’ve followed all the steps, you can then move onto building the first invention – an annoying ticking sound.
Where can I find instructions for the inventions?
You can find all of the projects included with The Amazing Annoyatron on our Annoyatron Projects page. This list will change from time to time as we add new projects and update old ones. You can visit a project’s page for more instructions on how to build it by clicking on the associated picture or title.
I’ve plugged the board into my computer using the USB cable, but it does nothing
In order for The Amazing Annoyatron to work, you need to go through our simple quickstart guide and then build your first invention. Out of the box, the board doesn’t have any code loaded onto it or any parts connected to it, meaning that it shouldn’t actually do anything yet.
Do I need a computer to use the kit, or can I just use my smartphone or tablet?
Unfortunately, you can’t use the kit with your smartphone or tablet as the programmable computer board needs to be plugged into a USB port to work. The software that is used to control this board also only runs on Windows or Mac computers. This means that you’ll need to use a laptop or desktop computer to build the included inventions.
Port option greyed out or disabled in Tools menu
Selecting the correct board from the tools menu is an important step that needs to be completed before you can upload your code. If this option is greyed out, there are a few things that you can do to resolve this issue.
1. Make sure that the board is working and corrected properly
The ‘Port’ option can be greyed out if no devices are connected to the computer. It’s a good idea to check the Brain Board is properly connected to the computer. Ensure that the blue USB cable has been inserted fully both into the board and the USB port of your computer.
If the board is working, you will see lights on the board activate when it is activated to power. If these lights do not turn on and you are sure that the board is fully connected, try another computer or device that supplies a low-power USB port.
2. Connect the Brain Board to another port on your computer
The port you are using on the computer could be having troubles. Try connecting the board to another USB port.
After these steps, check to see if the ‘Port’ menu has re-enabled
You can check to see if these steps have worked by going to the menu at the top of your window and selecting Tools > Port > Arduino/Genuino Uno.
Error: “Programmer is not responding” / “Not in sync”
When you try to upload code to the Brain Board, you may get an error that looks something like this:
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00This error means that the Arduino software is having issues communicating with the Brain Board.
1. Try connecting the Brain Board to another USB port on your computer.
Once you connect the board to a different port, you’ll need to let the software know so that it doesn’t get confused. In the Arduino software, go to the menu at the top of the window and select Tools > Port > Arduino/Genuino Uno.
2. Make sure that the correct board type is selected
If you accidentally changed the board type, this could also cause issues when trying to upload code. Go to the menu at the top of the window and select Tools > Board > Arduino/Genuino Uno.
Once you have completed these steps, try uploading the code again by clicking on the button with the right-facing arrow at the top-left of your window.