Linux/MSP430G2553: I can't connect to my MSP430. How can I connect to it?

Great!  

There are actually 2 slightly different versions of the G2 Launchpad.   The MSP-EXP430G2 and the MSP-EXP430G2ET with Energy Trace.  The back of the launchpad should be clearly labeled with the exact board you are using.  

Next, I would take a look at the G2 Launchpads User Guide.  It can be found at the top of the launchpad pages linked above.   The Users guide will introduce you to the board features, walk you through the Out-of-box demo, and then walk you through setting up your software IDE.  I would recommend using TI's Code Composer Studio (CCS).  Once you have CCS installed, you will be able to write and flash software on the G2 Launchpad for your application.  

To measure the heart rate, you're going to need to develop software to interface to a heart rate sensor.  I'm not sure what that interface will be, but we have many software examples for the communication peripherals available.

I also want to let you know that there are many Launchpad Booster packs available at   These Booster packs enable you to easily add additional devices and sensors on top of the launchpad.  Although, I'm not aware of a heart rate sensing booster pack.

Let me know if you have any trouble following the Launchpad User's Guide.

Thanks,

JD  

Right, my issue is that my laptop sees the MSP430 board, but I can't connect to it and upload code composer executables onto it.  I get the error message "USB Fet not found."  Does the MSP-EXP430G2 board work with the MacOS operating system?  It does not have Energy Trace.