having trouble detecting the port when programming the arduino nano? the answer may lie on the FTDI chip which was replaced by CH340G USB interface chip. if you are someone who have a cheaper arduino nano, (welcome aboard!) this is just one common problem that we, thrifty makers, encounter. hope this instructable helps!

Step 1: THE ARDUINO NANO

The arduino uses FDTI chip to create serial port connection between the computer and the chip so you can program the Altmel chip inside the arduino board. (well, too much chip on that!)

*get more info on the FTDI chip on oscarliang.com*

Step 2: CHECKING THE FDTI

The reason why you're here is because you also have trouble looking for the com port in which your arduino nano can be connected so that you can upload your codes.

The first step is checking whether your nano has the FTDI chip or not.

you're asking: how is this possible, i thought all arduino nano has the FTDI chip installed in it for the users to be able to upload programs?

well, the answer is: not all mcu have the said chip. especially if your nano is (1)a clone, (2)shipped from China, or (3)cheaper than it supposed to be.

*I'm not saying that when your nano falls on one of these categories they do not contain the FTDI chip. Its just my observation on my nano because it is also a clone.*

going back, if you are not sure whether it is a clone or not, better check the back of your nano and inspect the chip. if it is an FDTI chip, you'll definitely see the "FDTI" engraved. if not, you'll be seeing something like the picture I uploaded with this step. if you zoom it in, you'll see something like "CH340G".

Step 3: DOWNLOAD THE DRIVER

the second thing you might wanna do is go to this site :

http://www.wch.cn/download/CH341SER_EXE.html

and download the driver. don't worry if you can't read the words because its Chinese. just click the download button and extract the .zip and install.

now I do not guarantee the effectiveness of this file. but as for me who is using a 64-bit windows 10 laptop, this resolved my problem.

After downloading make sure you restart your arduino IDE before uploading any code to the nano. and voila! you just got your arduino nano configured!