Getting started with the FRDM-K64F

I was lucky enough to win a FRDM-K64F platform in the recently concluded #MountainMondays.

The board is mbed enabled. Which translates to access to a free (on line) compiler and lots of great libraries.

Below is a short tutorial on getting started with the FRDM-K64F.
To use the on line compiler, first you have to sign up (which is free). Once you have your login credentials, you can start exploring this wonderful platform.
Click on login (at the top right hand of the page):

Once you have logged in successfully, click on "compiler".

A new page would open in a new tab with the on line compiler interface. In this page, you can manage your projects, import programs, compile your projects among other things. Now, you need to add the FRDM-K64F platform to your "device list" in order to develop code for your platform. To do that, on the top right hand of the page, you should see an image similar to the screenshot below

Click on it. Next, click on "Add Platform".

In the page that appears next, scroll down to select the "FRDM-K64F"

Click on the image and select "Add to your mbed compiler"

Now back in the compiler page, create a new project:

Select FRDM-K64F from the drop down menu and click on OK:

By default, a gpio blinking template code is inserted into your project. Click on the "compile" button to compile the code and download the output binary image.

Save the downloaded image.

Now is the time to connect your mbed enabled Freedom board to your PC/MAC. Connect the USB cable to the USB connector labelled "SDA USB".

This would cause the FRDM-K64F appear as a mass storage device on your PC/MAC with label as "mbed". Copy the downloaded ".bin" file to the "mbed" volume. Press reset.

You should now be able to see the red LED blinking on your FRDM-K64F platform.