How to Use Adafruit Flora v3: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit Flora v3 is a compact, user-friendly wearable electronic platform designed to enrich the world of e-textiles and wearable technology. It is built around the ATmega32u4 microcontroller, which is the same chip used in the popular Arduino Leonardo, making it fully compatible with Arduino software. The Flora is specifically engineered for sewing into clothing and fabric with conductive thread, and it can also be used with traditional electronic wires, sensors, and actuators for versatile project applications.

• Wearable devices
• Interactive fashion
• Smart accessories
• Educational projects
• Prototyping e-textiles
• DIY electronics

• Microcontroller: ATmega32u4
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 3.5V to 16V (via JST battery connector)
• Input Voltage (limits): 3.3V to 5V (via USB)
• Digital I/O Pins: 9 (including 4 PWM channels)
• Analog Input Pins: 4
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega32u4) of which 4 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2.5 KB (ATmega32u4)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega32u4)
• Clock Speed: 8 MHz

1. Powering the Flora: Connect a 3.5V to 16V battery to the JST connector or power the Flora via the USB port.
2. Programming: Use the Arduino IDE to write and upload sketches to the Flora. Select "Adafruit Flora" from the Tools > Board menu.
3. Connecting Sensors/Actuators: Use conductive thread or solder to attach components to the Flora's sewable pads.
4. Integration with Fabric: Sew the Flora onto your fabric using conductive thread, ensuring no short circuits between the pads.

• Always disconnect the battery before sewing or soldering to the Flora.
• Avoid overlapping conductive threads to prevent short circuits.
• Use a multimeter to check for shorts before powering your project.
• Keep the Flora and connected components away from water and moisture.
• When washing wearable projects, remove the battery and ensure the Flora is adequately protected.

• Flora not recognized by computer: Ensure the micro-USB cable is data-capable and the Flora is properly connected.
• Short circuits or erratic behavior: Check for overlapping conductive threads or solder bridges between pads.
• Inconsistent power: Verify the battery is charged and the JST connection is secure.

• Use a fresh, quality micro-USB cable for programming and ensure drivers are installed.
• Conduct a visual inspection and use a multimeter to check for shorts.
• If using conductive thread, ensure knots are secure and connections are not loose.

Q: Can I power the Flora with a USB cable? A: Yes, the Flora can be powered via USB when connected to a computer or USB power source.

Q: Is the Flora washable? A: The Flora itself is not washable, but it can be made washable by using waterproof coatings and enclosures for the electronics.

Q: How do I connect the Flora to a computer? A: Connect the Flora to a computer using a micro-USB cable capable of data transfer.

Q: What programming language is used for the Flora? A: The Flora is programmed using Arduino C/C++, which is supported by the Arduino IDE.

Here is a simple example of how to blink an LED connected to pin D9 on the Flora:

// Define the LED pin
const int ledPin = 9;

void setup() {
  // Set the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  // Wait for one second
  delay(1000);
  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  // Wait for one second
  delay(1000);
}

Remember to select "Adafruit Flora" from the Tools > Board menu in the Arduino IDE before uploading this sketch.