MarcDuino v2.0

MarcDuino v2 is the uber MarcDuino version. It is the only MarcDuino that has a built-in power supply with brownout protection and socket for the XBee radios. It is also the MarcDuino that introduced the upgraded v2 firmware with I2C support. It was designed for automated manufacturing with surface mount components, so you can't built it yourself. A manufacturing run was done in 2015. All v2's have been sold now. There is no current plan to do another run, as the v1.5 has replaced it as the goldilocks "middle" between v1 and v2, which you can build yourself or buy pre-assembled, but runs the v2 firmware.


The (now closed) MarcDuino v2 run info is here:

BC-Approved-MarcDuino-v2-0-Boards

The v2 support thread is here:

Support Thread for MarcDuino v2


v2 Overview

The v2 features some practical improvements over the v1, such as an integrated power supply with brown-out protection, I2C functionality, integrated socket for WiFly or XBee, a few extra aux ports for future proofing, and all the ports are nicely labeled and broken out for easier connection.

Connecting the v2 MarcDuino

Instructions for wiring the v2 (and also a demo) are found in this video:

Servos connect using the same numbering sequence as the app:

Setting up the Michael Wheeler Magic Panel

It's not shown in my video how to do it - because I don't have a mcwhlr magic panel, I made my own...

But it works the same way as the v1, instructions here:

Connecting the Mcwhlr Magic Panel

The "SVO10" header on the v1 corresponds to the "Magic Panel" header on the Slave v2. Note that there are two different versions of the panel, the early and the later one, and the S wire connects to a different pin depending on the version. I recall it's safe to try both and see which one works if you are unsure.

Firmware Setup

The MarcDuino v2's are provided with the firmware already uploaded, so by default you don't need to upload any firmware. Should you need to reload the firmware or change it to a version other than the factory default, the v2 .hex firmware images are on the firmware upload page. The firmware upload procedure is the same as the MarcDuino v1, except that you shouldn't have to worry about uploading the fuses since they have already been set at the factory. The main cases where you'll need to upload firmware are:

- If you use CF-III sound instead of MP3Trigger

- If your dome servos are inverted

The WiFly radios come already programmed in the kit, there should be nothing to do either. But should you want to reprogram them to your liking (for changing the SSID or password in particular), they are set exactly the same way as on MarcDuino's v1.Follow the WiFi radio instructions .

The MP3Trigger board needs to be loaded with a flashcard with all the sounds. Follow the simple setup instructions and get the flashcard image over here.


The Teeces lights need to be loaded with a special sketch to work with the MarcDuino. It is available over here.


The CuriousMarc Hololights need no software whatsoever.


The REON holos need the correct firmware. Newer REON (2015) ship with the right sketch. For older ones, the sketch that you need for your older REON to work with the MarcDuino v2 I2C is at the bottom of this page.


MarcDuino v2 Firmware Variants

Default configs as shipped, for reference:

- MarcDuinoV2_Master_v1.8.hex: v2 Master board firmware, as shipped, supports MP3Trigger sound

- MarcDuinoV2_Slave_v1.8.hex: v2 Slave board firmware, as shipped


Alternate versions for CF-III sound and reverse servos:

- MarcDuinoV2_Master_v1.8_CFIII.hex: v2 Master board firmware, CF-III sound

- MarcDuinoV2_Master_v1.8_Reverse_Servos.hex: v2 Master board firmware, reversed servo direction, MP3Trigger sound


They can be obtained on the firmware upload page.

MarcDuino v2 Firmware Source

For the serious programmer, the source code (beware, it's real C, more powerful but much more difficult than the simplified Arduino language!) is provided so you can modify or expand it to your liking. If you add functionality, please let me know so I can potentially include it in future releases. Compiling procedures are the same as for the v1. Make sure to customize the compiling options in Main.h before compiling (settings as downloaded will compile the as-shipped version). See this page for downloading the source code.