How do i install protoblox?

Installing the ProtoBlox package is easy and always will be.  Just follow these steps:

First of all, if you haven't already installed the Arduino libraries, you can get them from here.  Then install the WinAVR (avr-gcc) compiler from here.

1.  Buy the licenses for the blox you need from the 'Download' page.
2.  Download the latest ProtoBlox package from here
3.  Send us an email at sales@protoblox.net with your MATLAB license number and volume serial number (you can get these from the installer in Step 5 if you don't know them).  We'll get back to you straight away with your license number.
4.  Unzip the installation archive in a suitable directory, we recommend "C:/MATLAB/ProtoBlox_Arduino"
5.  Run the setup script "PBInstall.p" from your 'MATLAB Command Window'.  Click install and follow the prompts.  Done!  You should now find 'ProtoBlox - Arduino Library' in your Simulink library.

what systems does protoblox work on?

ProtoBlox blocksets are under continual test as we use them for our company's own control systems.  To date, all available blox have been tested on:

Operating System: Windows XP (32-bit), Windows 7 (32, 64-bit)
Matlab and Simulink: 2009a, 2009b, 2010a, 2010b, 2011a, 2011b, 2012a, 2012b, 2013a

Want more compatiblity?  Let us know by voting for what you need here.

What's with the beta testing?

ProtoBlox is freshly launched so as good as we'd like to think it is, even the most brilliant and OCD of coders get things wrong from time to time.  Beta testing allows us to get solid user feedback on how the product works and, to show our gratitude, comes at a reduced cost.  And of course a beta testing license is still good after we've finished testing, just cheaper.

how do i create my first project?

We've tried to keep this as simple as possible so you don't have to worry about the boring details and get on with the good stuff.  There's only a couple of things you need to do: 
1. Drop the 'ProtoBlox' configuration block into your model and check it's parameters are OK for your project [SCREENSHOT].
2. Set an appropriate 'Fixed Step Size' in 'Configuration Parameters > Solver' [SCREENSHOT].  We recommend 0.02 secs.

Now you can piece together you model.  When you're ready, hit 'Build' in the configuration block and your model will be compiled and uploaded to your connected Arduino board.

How do work out what com port my hardware is on?

It's simple enough. Just plug in your board after you've installed the Arduino support package and go to:
Control Panel > Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) and you'll see your board listed there along with the COM port.  Baud rates are typically 115.2kbps.

what if i don't like protoblox?

Easy.  If you don't like it just email us at sales@protoblox.net and ask for your refund.  We won't ask questions and 100% of your purchase will be back with you in 24 hours.  We'd love some feedback but that's entirely up to you.

Why would i buy protoblox?

It's quick and easy prototyping and code generation on your favourite hardware platforms.  Plus you only buy what you need to support your project.  Even better still is our polling system.  It's not just for show, click on what you need and soon enough you'll see it in our library.  Cast your vote here!

ProtoBlox is just getting started now but watch this space because the blox will just keep coming.  

What do you do with the information i send you?

Not much really.  It's only used to set up your account and we need nothing more than your email address (for PayPal and to contact you if need be) and your system info to make sure the package works properly.

what if something goes wrong with the blox?

We'll fix it.  If there's an issue with using our blox as they were intended then we'll get right onto it.  Fixing these problems doesn't just benefit you, it helps the whole community of ProtoBlox users.

What we can't do is provide a warranty or assume liability control systems which use ProtoBlox components.  It's just too messy and difficult and we're software guys, not legal guys.

The official line is as follows:

Unless otherwise stated, the software will be provided "as-is," without any express or implied warranty. In no event shall Pro-Cal Powertrain Ltd be held liable for any damages arising from the use of the software.

The software on this site is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE SOFTWARE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE SOFTWARE TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.