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Compiling & Uploading

This guide walks you through the process of compiling and uploading ProtoTracer using PlatformIO.


  1. Visual Studio Code: Download
  2. PlatformIO IDE: Install from the VS Code Extensions Marketplace
  3. Clone the Repository:
    Terminal window
    git clone https://github.com/coelacant1/ProtoTracer.git

The project supports multiple Teensy 4.0 and Teensy 4.1 configurations:

EnvironmentDescription
teensy40hub75HUB75 LED panels
teensy40ws35WS35 LED boards
teensy40betaBeta Protogen configuration
teensy40verifyrenderRender verification
teensy40verifyhardwareHardware verification
EnvironmentDescription
teensy41hub75HUB75 LED panels
teensy41ws35WS35 LED boards
teensy41betaBeta Protogen configuration
teensy41verifyrenderRender verification
teensy41verifyhardwareHardware verification

Launch Visual Studio Code and use File > Open Workspace to open the workspace file in the root directory of the project.

In the platformio.ini file, each environment corresponds to a specific Teensy and Protogen configuration.

Click on the PlatformIO logo on the left of VS Code, or run:

Terminal window
pio run -e <environment_name>

Replace <environment_name> with your target (e.g., teensy40hub75).

3. Modify UserConfiguration.h (if necessary)

Section titled “3. Modify UserConfiguration.h (if necessary)”

Located in the Examples directory, this file allows you to customize settings such as:

  • LED count and type
  • Sensor enable/disable
  • Animation preferences

Click the PlatformIO Build button or use:

Terminal window
pio run

Connect your Teensy board via USB, then click PlatformIO Upload or use:

Terminal window
pio run -t upload -e <environment_name>

Open the serial monitor to view debugging information:

Terminal window
pio device monitor

The following libraries are automatically managed by PlatformIO:

  • ProtoTracer
  • SPI
  • Wire
  • EEPROM
  • Adafruit Unified Sensor
  • OctoWS2811
  • Adafruit BNO055
  • SerialTransfer
  • Adafruit APDS9960 Library
  • SmartMatrix
  • Adafruit BusIO
  • Teensy_ADC
  • Adafruit SSD1306
  • Adafruit seesaw Library
  • Adafruit MMC56x3

PlatformIO will attempt to download libraries automatically. Ensure you’re connected to the internet during the first build.

  • Verify the correct Teensy board is selected
  • Check that the board is properly connected
  • Try pressing the reset button on the Teensy

Ensure the correct COM port is selected in PlatformIO settings.


  • By default, the output directory is structured under .pio/
  • To add custom functionality, modify the configuration in platformio.ini and project files

For further assistance: