[Firmata-devel] Firmata bug fix release: v 2.3.6

[Jeff H. <sou...@gm...>]

There was a inadvertent change in Firmata 2.3.5 that may have affected
client libraries that send a response immediately after the first firmware
version command is received. The blinkVersion method was called after
printFirmware. In Firmata 2.3.6 the blinkVersion method is in the correct
location (after Serial.begin, before printVersion and printFirmware).

You can get the latest version from the usual places:
github - https://github.com/firmata/arduino
firmata.org - http://firmata.org/wiki/Download

Also a general note for anyone working on a new Firmata client library. The
blinkVersion method takes about 2 seconds to execute. While the uart can
process serial input during this period, it is best to wait for the print
firmware command to be sent (it's sent automatically on startup, after the
blinkVersion sequence finishes). Print version is sent first (0xF9) (for
legacy reasons) then print firmware (0x79) is sent. Upon receiving the end
of the print firmware command (END_SYSEX) it's safe to send commands to the
arduino board. You could try to send them earlier but you will not get a
response until after the blink version sequence is complete.

Also be aware that when you connect to an Arduino with auto reset support
(serial DTR connected to Arduino Reset) a hard reset will occur when you
make a serial connection from a client. So this is another reason you may
need to wait for the initial firmware version command after making a serial
connection with a board.

I'll write up a guide for firmata client developers in the near future and
post it on firmata.org and in the firmata github wiki.

-jeff