USB Ninja Configuration Problems
USB Ninja Installation Problems
Introduction
The USB Ninja is a versatile tool designed for various payload-based applications. However, its setup process can be challenging due to missing resources and outdated links. This article highlights common installation problems, examines existing setup guides, and provides potential workarounds for configuring the USB Ninja Cable successfully.
Existing Setup Guides
First Steps
Both guides require the installation of the Arduino IDE as well as the USBninja_BOOT_driver file, followed by the instruction to paste the USBNinja Boards Manager URL into the Arduino IDE Settings. By pasting this URL the IDE can install the Board Packages for USBNinja in order to start configuration.
Provided Resources
As seen in the Github guide below, the links to the necessary drivers and software are provided. Note that the Boards Manager URL is the URL for the USBNinja website, which should store all the resources needed to set up the cable.
In the ELVIS guide the same resources are being offered, whereas in this guide, the link to the driver downloads a .zip file instead of the .exe file.
After the USBninja_BOOT_driver.exe installation.
Observed Issues
Problem with URL for Board Packages
Now as seen in both the Github and ELVIS Guide, a URL is required to be pasted in the Arduino IDE settings to install USBNinja Board Packages. Taking a closer look at the links, we can see that the ELVIS lab does not directly refer to the USBNinja website, but provides a URL via the Internet Archive.
Using http://usbninja.com/arduino/package_USBNinja_index.json just leads to a site with a 404 error.
Using this link in the Arduino IDE just leads to an error.
In the link provided in the ELVIS Guide and another link I found on Github the file package_USBNinja_index.json can be found.
Investigation of the JSON File
Upon inspecting the file package_USBNinja_index.json (available from alternative sources like the Internet Archive or Github), it references additional URLs required to access the boards. However:
Many pages in https://usbninja.com/ cannot be found. In the screenshot an attempt to access https://usbninja.com/arduino/USBNinja-avr-1.0.1.zip was made. The main consequence of the files not being accessible/found is that the boards needed for the Arduino IDE cannot be installed, which means that the USB Ninja Cable cannot be configured with any payload.
Workarounds
Retrieve Board Files
The only known workaround is to:
Obtain the Board Packages from someone who has already successfully installed them.
Use the USB Ninja Professional variant, which requires only a driver download and can be configured via a GUI.
Consequences
The inability to install the USBNinja Board Packages means:
Payloads cannot be uploaded to the USB Ninja Cable.
Configuration via the Arduino IDE is impossible without the required board files.
Recommendations
Obtain Existing Files: Seek out someone with a functional setup to copy the necessary board files.
Switch to Professional Version: Consider using the USB Ninja Professional model for easier setup and configuration.
Monitor Resources: Check periodically if the required files become available on the USBNinja website or other trusted sources.