Software Install (Version 3)

Before you install anything: CUDA prerequisites (NVIDIA GPU)

Before installing python310.exe, make sure the following are installed on your PC:

1) NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit

Install CUDA Toolkit first (Windows x64):

2) Matching cuDNN

Install the matching cuDNN for Windows x64:

What the installer does for you

• Installs all required Python modules for Nova Desktop 3
• Installs/sets up Ollama and downloads the two Nova models automatically
• Runs the network setup automatically
• Offers Desktop and Start Menu shortcuts
• Offers to install Microsoft Visual C++ x64 (recommended)

1) Install (in this order)

Download these three files to your PC (Downloads folder is fine):

• python310.exe
• OllamaSetup.exe
• NovaDesktop3Setup.exe

1. Run python310.exe
2. Run OllamaSetup.exe
3. Run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe

If it asks about installing VC++ Runtime (x64), tick the box only if you don’t already have it.

If SmartScreen appears

1. Click More info
2. Click Run anyway

2) Upload code to the ESP32 servo driver boards

1. Install the latest Arduino IDE.
2. Install SCServo by FT&WS.
3. Plug in one ESP32 board with USB.
4. Set Board: Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino → ESP32 Dev Module
5. Set Port: Tools → Port → COM... for your board
6. Upload the correct script:
   ArmsFeedback_wifi.ino → arm board
   TorsoNeckFeedback_wifi.ino → torso/neck board
7. When uploading: once the Arduino output says Connecting... and the dots start to appear, hold down the BOOT button. Keep holding until 4 new dots have appeared, then let go. The upload should continue normally.
8. Repeat for the second board.

3) First-run checklist (so it “just works”)

Audio (Mic + Speakers)

• Plug in your mic and speakers/headphones
• Windows Settings → System → Sound: pick the correct Input device
• If Whisper cuts out early: increase mic gain and speak closer to the mic

Camera (USB)

• Plug in the USB camera before launching
• Close other apps that might be using the camera (Discord/Teams/browser tabs)
• If you get a black screen: try a different USB port + reboot

Servo boards

• Make sure both ESP32 boards are powered
• Make sure the correct firmware is uploaded to each board

Optional: quick sanity checks

You don’t need these to install — they’re just useful if you’re troubleshooting.

Check Ollama + models

Print audio devices (mic debugging)

Run Nova (manual launch option)

If you ever want to run the launcher manually (without shortcuts), run it from the installed folder.

If your installer used a different install location, just open that folder and run nova_app_launcher.py from there.

Nova App Launcher screenshots

Click the big image or any thumbnail to expand (3 screenshots). (Add images here if you want.)

Trouble?

Windows SmartScreen / “protected your PC”

• Click More info → Run anyway

Antivirus deleted/quarantined the installer

• Temporarily allow/restore it in your antivirus
• Re-download the installer(s) and run them again

App won’t start / DLL missing / crashes instantly

• Re-run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe and make sure VC++ x64 is ticked ✅
• Then reboot Windows and try again

Ollama errors / models missing

• Make sure you’re online and retry
• Check models exist with: ollama list
• If needed, re-run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe (it will re-check Ollama + models)

ESP32 boards not responding

• Make sure the correct script was uploaded to each board
• Check that SCServo by FT&WS is installed in Arduino IDE
• Make sure both boards are powered on

Camera not detected / black feed

• Close other apps using the camera (Discord/Teams/browser tabs)
• Try another USB port
• Reboot

Microphone not detected / no input

• Windows Settings → Sound → Input: choose the correct mic
• Windows Privacy settings: allow microphone access
• Reboot (audio drivers can be fussy)