FAQ

This page covers first-time questions such as “Which leaf do I have?” as well as checks when something does not work. Start with the item that matches your question. You can also use the question template for questions about your code or development tools.

Identifying leaves

• How do I identify the leaf I have?
• Does the letter at the end of the model number matter?
• What if I cannot find or read the model number?

Power and assembly

• Power will not turn on

Computer connections and uploads

• Serial port is missing
• Upload fails

Display and wireless connections

• No text appears on the LCD
• BLE will not connect or no device is found

How do I identify the leaf I have?

Look for the model number (part number) printed on the board. Start with the back. Many leaves have a code such as AZ01C or AI04A printed on the back. The position varies by leaf, so check the front too if you cannot find it.

1. Look for text on the board itself. Black components may also have text on them, but those markings identify the components. The leaf’s model number is printed directly on the board.
2. Read the complete model number. For example, if it says AZ01C, include the final C when you write it down.
3. Open the matching documentation from the leaf catalog. Compare the model number, front and back photos, and features such as the USB connector or display with the leaf you have.

Example: the back of the USB-C leaf. AZ01C is its model number. Select the photo to enlarge it.

Example marking on the board	What the leaf does	Documentation
AZ01C	Connects to a computer via USB-C	AZ01C USB-C
AI04A	Displays text and numbers	AI04 LCD
AP01A	Runs a program	AP01 AVR MCU

Before separating stacked leaves to check the markings, unplug the USB cable and disconnect batteries and any other power sources.

Does the letter at the end of the model number matter?

Yes. Include the complete printed model number when asking for help or checking instructions.

A page title may use a shorter name such as AP01 or AI04, while the board is marked AP01A, AP01B or AI04A. Different suffixes may indicate differences in board specifications or operating procedures. For example, AZ01 USB and AZ01C USB-C have different USB connectors and reset procedures when uploading to AP01.

After opening the documentation, check that the instructions apply to the model you have.

What if I cannot find or read the model number?

Try taking photos of both sides of the board with your smartphone and zooming in. If the markings are hidden in a stack, you can also compare the leaves listed on your kit’s product page with the photos in the leaf catalog.

If you are still unsure, use Contacts to ask for help. Include any text you can read, photos of both sides, and the kit name if you know it. Disconnect power first if you need to separate the leaves to take photos.

If it doesn’t turn on…

If Leafony won’t turn on, check the following:

• Is there enough remaining battery power?
• Is the button battery inserted in the correct direction?
• Is the power switch turned on?
• Are the connectors clean? If they are dirty, wipe them lightly with a paper wiper moistened with anhydrous ethanol. If the problem persists, replace the connectors. See Installing and removing connectors for details.
• Are the screws tight enough? If they are loose, tighten them alternately.
  

If you can’t find the serial port…

If you cannot find a Leafony serial port, check the following:

• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. A two-wire power-only USB cable cannot carry data.
• Check that the driver required by your USB leaf is installed. See these resources for FTDI USB serial converter drivers:
  • VCP Drivers
  • Installation Guides
  • Manually installing an FTDI USB serial driver on Windows (Japanese)

Upload fails

Read the complete IDE error message, then open the instructions for your microcontroller and USB leaf.

• AP01 / AP01B (AVR MCU) + AZ01C (USB-C): Follow the AZ01C upload instructions to check the board and port settings and the manual reset procedure.
• AP01B + AI04A (LCD) + AZ01C: See checks for avrdude: not in sync and similar upload errors. The guide also covers a reset switch hidden beneath the LCD. Some procedures for this configuration have not yet been verified on hardware; read the verification status at the start of the guide.
• Other configurations: Use development environment setup to select the instructions for AP01 (AVR), AP02 (ESP32) or AP03 (STM32) and your development tools.

No text appears on the LCD

If uploading has completed on AP01B + AI04A + AZ01C, follow the checks for missing LCD text. They cover the specified library, LCD power and initialization, and I2C addresses. Check the USB leaf’s LED and the text on the LCD separately.

For AI04 with another microcontroller or configuration, see the AI04 LCD documentation and select the LCD example for your processor in the example catalog.

BLE will not connect or no device is found

Use the guide that matches your kit and the program currently installed on it to check supported devices, browsers and connection methods.

• The preinstalled AVR MCU demo in Basic Kit or Basic Kit 2: Follow the Basic Kit getting started guide for your Android device, computer, iPhone or iPad.
• The preinstalled STM32 MCU demo in Basic Kit 2: See the Basic Kit 2 getting started guide for beacon reception, connections and browser requirements.
• After uploading an example or your own program: Open the relevant article in the example catalog and check that program’s instructions, including its device name and receiving application. Its behavior may differ from the preinstalled demos above.

Still need help?

If you are stuck on your code or development tools, try posting a question in English on Stack Overflow. Include the checks you performed and their results. Even if you do not know the cause, describing what you did and what happened is a useful starting point.

Use the question template and posting steps to get started. For questions about purchases or faults, see Contacts.