To get started with ev3dev, you'll need to download the appropriate system image and then flash it onto a microSD card. This card will then be inserted into your LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 brick to boot the new operating system.
What is ev3dev?
ev3dev is a Debian-based operating system that runs on your LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 brick. It allows you to program your EV3 using popular programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, providing a more flexible and powerful development environment compared to the standard firmware.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following essential items:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Brick: The hardware platform for ev3dev.
- Computer: A desktop or laptop running Windows, macOS, or Linux to prepare the microSD card.
- MicroSD Card: A high-quality microSD card (Class 10 or higher is recommended) with at least 4GB of storage capacity. An 8GB or 16GB card is often a good balance for future needs.
- MicroSD Card Reader: To connect the microSD card to your computer.
- Internet Connection: To download Etcher and the ev3dev image.
Step-by-Step ev3dev Installation Guide
Follow these steps carefully to download and install ev3dev on your EV3 brick:
1. Download and Install Etcher
Etcher is a free, open-source utility that makes flashing operating system images to SD cards and USB drives simple and safe.
- Action: Go to the official Etcher website and download the version compatible with your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Installation: Install Etcher by following the on-screen prompts.
2. Download the ev3dev Image
You'll need the specific ev3dev image designed for the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3.
- Action: Navigate to the official ev3dev downloads page.
- Selection: Look for the section pertaining to LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3.
- Important: Follow the link on that page for the ev3dev-stretch snapshot images. This will ensure you download the latest stable image for your EV3. The file will typically be a
.img.xzarchive.
3. Flash the Image to Your MicroSD Card
With Etcher installed and the ev3dev image downloaded, you can now write the operating system onto your microSD card.
- Insert Card: Insert your microSD card into your computer's card reader.
- Run Etcher: Open the Etcher application.
- Select Image: Click "Flash from file" and browse to the
.img.xzfile you downloaded in the previous step. Etcher will automatically decompress it. - Select Target: Ensure that Etcher has correctly identified your microSD card. Double-check this step carefully to avoid accidentally flashing to an incorrect drive, which could lead to data loss.
- Flash!: Click the "Flash!" button to start the process. Etcher will write the image to the card and then validate it. This process can take several minutes.
4. Boot Your EV3 with ev3dev
Once Etcher has successfully completed the flashing process, your microSD card is ready.
- Remove Card: Eject the microSD card safely from your computer.
- Insert into EV3: Locate the microSD card slot on your LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 brick (usually on the side). Carefully insert the prepared microSD card into this slot.
- Power On: Turn on your EV3 brick. It should now boot into the ev3dev operating system. The initial boot may take a bit longer as ev3dev sets itself up.
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed ev3dev on your LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. You can now explore its features and begin programming your robot with enhanced capabilities.
