I’ll probably write another article about the Choosatron, but for now, I’ll just explain how to get it working on Linux since the setup instructions on the website are only for Windows and Mac. You need to follow the previous instructions (non OS-specific) on the Choosatron website before these.

Linux setup

1. If your Spark Core and Choosatron are assembled, take it apart. It’s going to be easier. You want your Spark Core separate from the main PCB, or at minimum access to the two buttons on the Spark.
2. Install DFU-Util with this command: sudo apt-get install dfu-util
3. Navigate to where you downloaded and unzipped the firmware and flash files (here is the download link again: cdam-v100-firm&flash.zip).
4. Enter DFU mode by holding down both buttons and release the Reset button (the one on the left if the USB socket is facing you). Wait until the yellow flashing. (details instructions on entering and verifying DFU mode here)
5. Run the following command to flash the firmware:

   sudo dfu-util -d 1d50:607f -a 0 -s 0x08005000:leave -D choosatron-core-v100.bin

6. It should take about a minute or less. If it takes you out of DFU mode, get back into DFU mode (see step 3). If dfu-util complain about an invalid dfuse address, you need a more recent version of dfu-util (on Ubuntu, you can install this package: dfu-util 0.8).
7. In DFU mode once again, run the following command to flash a set of 10 stories to play. (WARNING: This one takes 3-5 minutes, be patient.)

   sudo dfu-util -d 1d50:607f -a 1 -s 0x80000 -v -D choosatron-flash-09-kids.bin

8. Wait until it’s finished. You may remove power (unplug from USB), or hit reset.
9. Put the Spark back into the main PCB if you took it out. Put it together in it’s case (or whatever form you want) and power it off (if not already). Then plug the main power in and wait. A short while later you will get a short print out that says “Press any button to start!”
10. Congratulations, it’s set up!