# Getting Started with FLORA

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/539/medium800/flora_659_orig.jpg?1396784171)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/025/470/medium800thumb/flora_FLORA_GIF.jpg?1448318143)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiBbRU5rwQc

FLORA is Adafruit's wearable electronics platform. We designed it from the ground up to provide the best experience for Adafruit's community of makers, hackers, crafters, artists, designers and engineers. It's built around the Atmega32u4 chip, which has built-in USB support. No pesky special cables or extra parts for programming, just plug it in and get started making the wearables project of your dreams! Works on Windows and Mac.

**New! As of May 12th, 2015, we're now selling the Flora v2! The Flora v2 now comes with a micro-USB port instead of a mini-USB port and a programmable NeoPixel installed** (it's connected to Digital 8, ready for your blinky commands)  
  
The FLORA is extremely beginner-friendly-- it is difficult to destroy the FLORA by connecting a battery backwards due to polarized connector and protection diodes. The onboard regulator means that even connecting a 9V battery will not result in damage or tears.   
  
This guide is the first step in using FLORA, plugging it in and programming it to blink its onboard LED! After that you can move on to our[Flora RGB Smart Pixels tutorial](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels) and/or [Flora GPS tutorial](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-wearable-gps "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-wearable-gps").

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/395/medium800/flora_eagle.jpg?1396796115)

Adafruit created the FLORA from scratch after many months of research and we really think we came up with something that will empower some amazing wearable projects.  
  
The FLORA is small (1.75" diameter). We wanted the smallest possible board for our wearable platform. It's based on our experiences shipping our own, shipping, customer-tested [Atmega32u4](https://www.adafruit.com/products/296)[Breakout Board](https://www.adafruit.com/products/296) with 32K flash, 2.5k RAM running at 16MHz.  
  
FLORA has a small but easy to use onboard reset button to reboot the system. The power supply is designed to be flexible and easy to use. There is an onboard polarized 2 JST battery connector with protection schottky diode for use with external battery packs from 3.5v to 9v DC in (It can run on 3V but 3.5V-5V or higher is ideal). Can be used with LiIon/LiPoly, LiFe, alkaline or rechargeable NiMh/NiCad batteries of any size. 

Warning: If you plan to use rechargeable batteries, do consider getting a charging solution separate from the Flora.

The FLORA does **not** have a LiPo charger included by design. This allows safe use with multiple battery types and reduces risk of fire as it is not recommended to charge these batteries on fabric.

### Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger

[Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304)
Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides)
![Top view of Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger - v1 above a 2-pin JST cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1304-06.jpg)

FLORA has built-in USB support. Built in USB means you plug it in to program it, it just shows up. No additional purchases are needed! Works with Mac, Windows, Linux, any USB cable works great. Currently the PCB comes with a mini B connector but future versions may change to microUSB.   
The FLORA has USB HID support, so it can act like a mouse or keyboard, etc.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/396/medium800/flora_pt_486.jpg?1396796122)

# Getting Started with FLORA

## FLORA pinout diagram

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/845/medium800/flora_pinout.png?1396787706)

For handy reference, we've created this pinout diagram illustrating all the alternate functions for each of the pins on the Flora.  
  
The most commonly confused part of the Flora is the **VBATT** pad and how power management is handled in the Flora. We designed the flora to be mainly powered via the JST connector. You can power it with a battery pack or lipo battery. That input is polarity protected and also controlled via the on/off switch. The battery output **after** the switch is **VBATT**. You shouldn't use **VBATT** as an input as you might damage your battery if you also plug in the USB connector to a computer! The ideal use of **VBATT** is when you want to power something like NeoPixels or a servo, something that requires more than the 150mA available from the onboard regulator.

## What about SPI?

The Flora also supports hardware SPI.  The SPI pins are on the 2x3 header near the center of the Flora.  A small white dot indicates pin 1.  The SPI header pinout is shown here:

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/976/medium800/flora_ICSP_pinout.png?1438695286)

## Some Technical Specs:

- **Battery input (JST)**: 3.5-16V ([the regulator is MIC5225-3.3](http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/mic5225.pdf)) with reverse polarity protection, 2A max rated connector. We recommend no more than 6VDC so that the 3.3V regulator does not overheat
- **USB input** : 4.5V-5.5V with 500mA fuse
- **3.3V output pad** : we recommend no more than 100mA, as the regulator can supply 150mA and the Flora Mainboard uses 20mA. but you can probably draw up to 250mA in spikes
- **Clock speed:** 8MHz
- **Chipset:** ATmega32u4
- **VBAT output pad:** the higher of the VBAT JST input voltage and USB voltage (two schottkey diode connection)
- **Current Draw:** 8mA quiescent, another 2mA when the pin #D7 LED is on.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/010/968/medium800/florasch.png?1379080949)

# Getting Started with FLORA

## Windows Driver Installation

Info: 

Info: 

Before you plug in your board, you'll need to possibly install a driver!  
  
Click below to download our Driver Installer.

[Download Latest Adafruit Windows Driver Installer](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Windows_Drivers/releases/latest/adafruit_drivers_*.exe)
Download and run the installer.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/031/264/medium800/flora_1download.png?1457993219)

Run the installer! Since we bundle the SiLabs and FTDI drivers as well, you'll need to click through the license

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/031/265/medium800/flora_2lic.png?1457993232)

Select which drivers you want to install, we suggest selecting all of them so you don't have to do this again!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/662/medium800/flora_driver-installer-v2000.png?1505789091)

As of version 2.5.0.0, the Adafruit drivers package is no longer signed, and some of the drivers it contains are also no longer signed. You'll need to click the second item in this dialog box when it appears:

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/013/medium800/adafruit_flora_unsigned.png?1605201538)

On Windows 7, by default, we install a single driver for most of Adafruit's boards, including the **Feather 32u4, the Feather M0, Feather M0, Express, Circuit Playground, Circuit Playground Express, Gemma M0, Trinket M0, Metro M0 Express**. On Windows 10 and 11 that driver is not necessary (it's built in to Windows) and it will not be listed.

The  **Trinket / Pro Trinket / Gemma / USBtinyISP** drivers are also installed by default.

You can also, optionally, install the **Arduino Gemma** (different than the Adafruit Gemma!), **Huzzah and Metro 328** drivers.

Click **Install** to do the installin'.

Info: 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/031/267/medium800/flora_4complete.png?1457993406)

# Manual Driver Installation

If windows needs the driver files (inf/cat) for some reason you can get all the drivers by downloading the source code zip file from this link:

[Latest Adafruit Windows Drivers release](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Windows_Drivers/releases/latest)
And point windows to the **Drivers** folder when it asks for the driver location

# Getting Started with FLORA

## Download software

To install the software for programming Flora just follow the steps in the steps in the **[Adafruit Arduino IDE setup guide](../../../../adafruit-arduino-ide-setup/arduino-1-dot-6-x-ide)** to easily install support for Flora into your Arduino IDE 1.6 or higher

When you're finished installing the IDE come back to this page to continue the Flora guide.

### Adafruit Arduino IDE Setup - Arduino 1.6.x IDE

[Adafruit Arduino IDE Setup](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-ide-setup)
[Arduino 1.6.x IDE](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-ide-setup/arduino-1-dot-6-x-ide)
Danger: 

# Getting Started with FLORA

## Blink onboard LED

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/537/medium800/flora_659USB_orig.jpg?1396784206)

Next it's time to load up a program on your FLORA. There is an LED on board, so let's blink it! Plug in the USB cable and paste the following code into the Adafruit Flora IDE:

```
// Pin D7 has an LED connected on FLORA.
// give it a name:
int led = 7;

// the setup routine runs once when you press reset:
void setup() {                
  // initialize the digital pin as an output.
  pinMode(led, OUTPUT);     
}

// the loop routine runs over and over again forever:
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(led, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);               // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(led, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);               // wait for a second
}
```

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/540/medium800/flora_Screen_Shot_2012-11-08_at_12.47.41_PM.png?1396784161)

From the Tools menu, under "Board," choose "Adafruit Flora"

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/541/medium800/flora_Screen_Shot_2012-11-08_at_12.47.51_PM.png?1396784242)

Also in the Tools menu, under "Serial Port," choose the one that contains the phrase "usbmodem" if you have a Mac.  
   
If you're using a Windows computer, it will be named **COM** something, but not COM1 or COM2 (so it will be whatever comes after those two if they exist, such as COM3 or COM4).

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/542/medium800/flora_uploadcode.jpg?1396784249)

Press the Upload button to transmit the program to the FLORA. It looks like an arrow pointing to the right.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/538/medium800/flora_LED-blinks.jpg?1396784218)

That's it! The on board LED marked "D7" should blink on and off repeatedly, and you've successfully programmed your FLORA!

# Getting Started with FLORA

## Blink onboard NeoPixel

If you have a Flora v2, your Flora comes with an onboard NeoPixel! This lets you have a nice glowy LED using only one pin (Digital 8)

# Install the NeoPixel Library

If you are running Arduino IDE 1.6.1 or higher, you can install the library using the built in library manager, search for and install **Adafruit\_NeoPixel**

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/025/471/medium800/flora_includelib.png?1431531449)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/025/472/medium800/flora_neopix.png?1431531546)

Install and close out the Library manager.

[If you're not able to use the library manager or have an older IDE, you can always 'manually' install the library!](../../../../adafruit-neopixel-uberguide)

# Demo Code

Upload the following sketch, note that we consider the 'strip' to be 1 pixel long, and connected to **Digital 8**

```
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define PIN 8

Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(1, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup() {
  strip.begin();
  strip.setBrightness(50);
  strip.show(); // Initialize all pixels to 'off'
}

void loop() {
  // Some example procedures showing how to display to the pixels:
  colorWipe(strip.Color(255, 0, 0), 500); // Red
  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 255, 0), 500); // Green
  colorWipe(strip.Color(0, 0, 255), 500); // Blue
  rainbowCycle(20);
}

// Fill the dots one after the other with a color
void colorWipe(uint32_t c, uint8_t wait) {
  for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) {
      strip.setPixelColor(i, c);
      strip.show();
      delay(wait);
  }
}

// Slightly different, this makes the rainbow equally distributed throughout
void rainbowCycle(uint8_t wait) {
  uint16_t i, j;

  for(j=0; j<256*5; j++) { // 5 cycles of all colors on wheel
    for(i=0; i< strip.numPixels(); i++) {
      strip.setPixelColor(i, Wheel(((i * 256 / strip.numPixels()) + j) & 255));
    }
    strip.show();
    delay(wait);
  }
}

// Input a value 0 to 255 to get a color value.
// The colours are a transition r - g - b - back to r.
uint32_t Wheel(byte WheelPos) {
  WheelPos = 255 - WheelPos;
  if(WheelPos < 85) {
   return strip.Color(255 - WheelPos * 3, 0, WheelPos * 3);
  } else if(WheelPos < 170) {
    WheelPos -= 85;
   return strip.Color(0, WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3);
  } else {
   WheelPos -= 170;
   return strip.Color(WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3, 0);
  }
}
```

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/025/473/medium800thumb/flora_659-06.gif.pagespeed.ce.4pa4OesOoa.jpg?1448318156)

# Getting Started with FLORA

## Power your FLORA

The Flora runs at 3.3V with an onboard regulator to keep the voltage steady. You'll need to power the board with a 3.6V or greater battery. For that reason, we find 3 x AA or AAA or a lithium-polymer battery to be ideal. You can only power FLORA through its onboard JST port.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/536/medium800/flora_6593xAAA.jpg?1396784193)

After loading your program onto the FLORA, you'll want to unplug the USB cable and go portable with battery power! USB will always power the board, but battery power (through the JST connector) can be turned on and off with Flora's onboard switch (near the "ON" text on the board). We recommend our [3xAAA holder](http://www.adafruit.com/products/727) for beginners, which conveniently plugs into FLORAs JST port.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/535/medium800/flora_659lipoly_orig.jpg?1396784181)

More advanced users may wish to use a rechargeable [lithium polymer battery](http://www.adafruit.com/products/258 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/258") for their smaller size and longer duration. These batteries pose added risk if abused, shorted, bent, crushed, or punctured. FLORA does not have onboard charging, so you would also need a separate [LiPoly charger](http://www.adafruit.com/products/259 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/259").

# The VBATT Pad
  
The most commonly confused part of the Flora is the **VBATT** pad and how power management is handled in the Flora. We designed the flora to be mainly powered via the JST connector. You can power it with a battery pack or lipo battery. That input is polarity protected and also controlled via the on/off switch. The battery output **after** the switch is **VBATT**. You shouldn't use **VBATT** as an input as you might damage your battery if you also plug in the USB connector to a computer! The ideal use of **VBATT** is when you want to power something like NeoPixels or a servo, something that requires more than the 150mA available from the onboard regulator.# Getting Started with FLORA

## FLORA projects

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgF_Cb8p_C0

[Flora Pixel Brooch](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-pixel-brooch)  
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/200/medium800/flora_DSC_0243.jpg?1396793570)

[Flora TV-B-Gone](learn.adafruit.com/flora-tv-b-gone/)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n9nRSYNg38

[GPS Jacket](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-gps-jacket)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcbnPQBJxVs

[Capacitive Touch with Conductive Fabric](http://learn.adafruit.com/capacitive-touch-with-conductive-fabric-and-flora)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_RT7hYFLB4

[Wearable Piezo Tones](http://learn.adafruit.com/wearable-piezo-tones-with-flora)  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FbK4wA7hjc

[LED Ampli-Tie](http://learn.adafruit.com/led-ampli-tie/)  
http://youtu.be/qr3Ke57s3gU

[Plush Game Controller](http://learn.adafruit.com/plush-game-controller)  
# Getting Started with FLORA

## FLORA techniques

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDwmnfpjlno

[Flora snaps](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-snaps/)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT5ygUt8Cbk

[Conductive thread](http://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread)  
http://youtu.be/XcbnPQBJxVs

[Capacitive Touch with Conductive Fabric & Flora](http://learn.adafruit.com/capacitive-touch-with-conductive-fabric-and-flora "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/capacitive-touch-with-conductive-fabric-and-flora")# Getting Started with FLORA

## FLORA modules

http://youtu.be/qGjOoSYfbkM

[FLORA Accelerometer + Compass](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-accelerometer)  
http://youtu.be/I-bhAN6wqXk

[FLORA Luminosity Sensor](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-lux-sensor)  
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/129/medium800/flora_hooking-up-gps.jpg?1396861077)

[FLORA GPS](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-wearable-gps)  
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/008/130/medium800/flora_1060_orig.jpg?1396861085)

[Flora RGB Smart NeoPixels](http://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels/)# Getting Started with FLORA

## Downloads

# Files

- [EagleCAD PCB files on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-Flora-Mainboard)
- [Fritzing object in Adafruit Fritzing library](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library)

# Schematic & Fabrication Print
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/036/397/medium800/flora_schem.png?1476288747)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/036/398/medium800/flora_fabprint.png?1476288757)


## Featured Products

### FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible

[FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/659)
FLORA is Adafruit's fully-featured wearable electronics platform. It's a round, sewable, Arduino-compatible microcontroller designed to empower amazing wearables projects.FLORA comes with Adafruit's support, [tutorials and...](http://learn.adafruit.com/category/flora)

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/659)
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### 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST

[3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727)
This battery holder connects 3 AAA batteries together in series for powering all kinds of projects. We spec'd these out because the box is slim, and 3 AAA's add up to about 3.3-4.5V, a very similar range to Lithium Ion/polymer (Li-Ion) batteries and have an on-off switch. That makes...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/727/guides)
### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
### Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA Book Pack

[Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA Book Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2404)
Pickup a copy of [Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1839) and then hit the ground running with everything that you need to become an [Adafruit FLORA](https://www.adafruit.com/products/659) supreme being!

This pack is...

No Longer Stocked
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2404/guides)
### Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA

[Getting Started with Adafruit FLORA](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1839)
 **Making Wearables with an Arduino-Compatible Electronics Platform**  
  
This book introduces readers to building wearable electronics projects using Adafruit's tiny FLORA board: at 4.4 grams, and only 1.75 inches in diameter, and featuring Arduino compatibility, it's the...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1839)
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### FLORA Budget Pack

[FLORA Budget Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1405)
Get started with the fabulous Adafruit Flora platform with this lovely budget kit, just enough to get you started with this fun wearable computer. Included are enough parts to make your first wearable electronic project. There's a Flora motherboard, four ultra-bright chainable RGB pixels,...

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### FLORA GPS Starter Pack

[FLORA GPS Starter Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1090)
Get started with the fabulous Adafruit Flora platform with this lovely starter kit. Included are plenty of parts to make a few different fun projects! There's a Flora motherboard, a GPS module that can also perform location datalogging, eight ultra-bright chainable RGB pixels, a battery...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1090)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1090/guides)
### FLORA Sensor Pack

[FLORA Sensor Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1458)
Sense the world around you! The FLORA Sensor Pack includes many types of sensors for your wearable enjoyment. Sense motion, direction, color, light levels, touch, and connections with FLORA sensor breakouts and conductive materials, and a few NeoPixels for experimenting with displaying your...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1458)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1458/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Flora Bluefruit LE](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-flora-bluefruit-le.md)
- [Datalogging Hat with FLORA BLE](https://learn.adafruit.com/datalogging-hat-with-flora-ble.md)
- [Sunscreen Reminder Hat](https://learn.adafruit.com/sunscreen-reminder-hat.md)
- [Sparkle Skirt](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-skirt.md)
- [FLORA and GEMMA ICSP](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-and-gemma-isp.md)
- [Flora Wearable GPS](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-wearable-gps.md)
- [FLORA & Codebender](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-and-codebender.md)
- [Adafruit Arduino IDE Setup](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-ide-setup.md)
- [VU Meter Baseball Hat](https://learn.adafruit.com/vu-meter-baseball-hat.md)
- [EEG Costume Cap](https://learn.adafruit.com/eeg-costume-cap.md)
- [FLORA + FONA](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-plus-fona.md)
- [Pac Man Pixel Suspenders](https://learn.adafruit.com/pac-man-pixel-suspenders.md)
- [LED Ampli-Tie](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-ampli-tie.md)
- [Let’s Put LEDs in Things!](https://learn.adafruit.com/lets-put-leds-in-things.md)
- [Adafruit ANO Rotary Encoder to I2C Adapter](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ano-rotary-navigation-encoder-to-i2c-stemma-qt-adapter.md)