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Installing CircuitPython

CircuitPython is a variant of MicroPython developed by Adafruit. It is a simplified version of Python, specifically for microcontrollers. CircuitPython is a great way to quickly and easily get started with programming microcontrollers. In this tutorial, we will show you how to install CircuitPython on your senseBox MCU-S2.

CircuitPython Logo

Installation with the CircuitPython Web-Installer​

To install CircuitPython on your senseBox MCU-S2 using the official CircuitPython Web-Installer, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the CircuitPython Download Page.
  2. Connect your senseBox MCU-S2 to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Hold down the Boot button on the senseBox MCU-S2 and then press the Reset button. Release the Boot button.
  4. Click on the OPEN INSTALLER button and select Full CircuitPython X.X.X Install (X.X.X represents the latest CircuitPython version).
  5. Click Next and connect to your senseBox MCU-S2 in the next menu. Click the Connect button and select ESP32-S2 as the device.
  6. Click Continue and wait for the flash to be erased and the combined.bin file to be flashed. This process may take a few minutes.
  7. Press the Reset button on the senseBox MCU-S2 to start the bootloader. A new drive named senseBox will appear.
  8. Click Select Bootloader Drive and choose the senseBox drive.
  9. CircuitPython will now be loaded onto the MCU. After a few seconds, you should see a new drive named CIRCUITPY.
  10. CircuitPython has been successfully installed. The Web-Installer does not indicate when the process is complete, so you can simply close it.
  11. You can now use CircuitPython on your senseBox MCU-S2.

Installation with the senseBox Flash-Tool​

Alternatively, you can also use the senseBox Flash-Tool. This method is particularly intuitive and easy to use.

  1. Visit the Flash senseBox Website.
  2. In the Upload tab, click Select Sketch and choose CircuitPython.
  3. Connect your senseBox MCU-S2 to your computer using a USB cable.
  4. Activate Dev mode by holding down the BootSwitch button on the senseBox MCU-S2 and then pressing the Reset button once. Release the BootSwitch button.
  5. Click on the Search Board button. A window will open showing connected devices. Your device should have ESP32-S2 in its name. Select it and click Connect.
  6. Click Upload Sketch! to install CircuitPython. This process may take a few minutes.
  7. Press the Reset button on the senseBox MCU-S2.
  8. After a few seconds, you should see a new drive named CIRCUITPY.
  9. CircuitPython has been successfully installed and you can now start programming.

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