> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://monasheng.gitbook.io/zerotohero/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://monasheng.gitbook.io/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/module-capstone-project/boot-up-tasks.md).

# Boot-up Tasks

As the [Provided Hardware](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/module-capstone-project/provided-hardware.md)is communal, your first steps toward completing the capstone project focus on booting-up your Arduino Mega and validating that it is fully-functional and undamaged.

Complete the boot-up tasks below, in order, before moving onto the [Sensor Tasks](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/module-capstone-project/sensor-tasks.md).

## Task 1 - Visual Inspection

* [x] Take inventory of the hardware kit contents against the [Provided Hardware](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/module-capstone-project/provided-hardware.md#bill-of-materials).
* [x] Unpack and visually inspect your Arduino Mega and Arduino Zero to Hero Demo Board for damage.

{% hint style="success" %}
:v: **Don't Stress!** If you observe any physical signs of damage (e.g. burn marks, chipped edges, worn ports, etc.), or note missing components, contact a demonstrator who will inspect further and replace if necessary.
{% endhint %}

## Task 2 - Board Power and Operation

The Arduino will have been provided to you with pre-loaded *starter code,* which blinks its onboard LED in a regular pattern called a *heartbeat*.

* [x] Using the provided USB cable, connect your Arduino Mega to a computer and verify that:
  * [x] the onboard power LED turns `ON`, and,
  * [x] the onboard programmable LED flashes `ON` and `OFF` in a regular pattern.

{% hint style="info" %}
:man\_mage: **Important:** if you have flashed code to your Arduino before getting to the capstone project, it obviously won't have the starter code loaded anymore. 

That being said, if you've managed to do so, your board is clearly working fine - you can skip forward to [#task-4-writing-and-flashing-code](#task-4-writing-and-flashing-code "mention").
{% endhint %}

## Task 3 - Establish Serial Communications

The pre-loaded *starter code* also writes to the serial monitor on a regular interval.

* [x] Open the Arduino IDE on your computer.
* [x] By selecting your `PORT` correctly, and using a Baud Rate of `9600`,  establish serial communications with your Arduino Mega.
* [x] Verify that it reports the phrase `"Changing LED State..."`  via Serial at a regular interval.

## Task 4 - Writing and Flashing Code

* [x] Write your own sketch to blink the [Built-in LED (Pin 13)](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/core-skills/input-output-pins/digital-pins/digitalwrite/built-in-led-pin-13.md), at a rate of $$4;\text{Hz}$$.
  * [x] Use [Timers](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/core-skills/timers.md), rather than the `delay()` function.
* [x] Have your code report via the [Serial Monitor](/zerotohero/arduino-zero-to-hero/core-skills/serial-monitor.md) whenever it changes the LED state.
* [x] Ensure that your code compiles without errors using the `Verify` (tick) button in the IDE.
* [x] Flash your code to the board using the `Load` (right arrow) button in the IDE.
* [x] `File -> Save As...`  your sketch for later use.