Did you know you can use the Circuit Playground Express (CPX) with Code.org CS Discoveries (the Creating Apps with Devices unit)? Well you can now!

All you have to do is install the “Firmata” firmware onto your CPX. Luckily, it’s very straight-forward.

Note that if you download a program while on Adafruit MakeCode and you want to return to Code.org activities, you must download the Firmata firmware again

Step 1. Connect to USB

Plug your Circuit Playground Express into your computer using a known-good USB cable

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync

Step 2. Press RESET to get into bootloader mode

There's a small button in the middle of the board. Try clicking it once, to put it into bootloader mode.

If clicking RESET once doesn't do it, try double-clicking (MakeCode requires single-click, Arduino requires double-click)

If the color LEDs turn all red, check your USB cable, try another cable or another USB port

Step 3. Copy over Firmata firmware

Your computer will now have a CPLAYBOOT disk drive appear.

Click this link to download FIRMATA yyyy-mm-dd.UF2 (the year, month, date may vary) and drag that onto the drive

The CPX will reboot automatically after a few seconds. The CPLAYBOOT disk drive will go away (you may get a warning from the computer that it didn't expect the ejection, ignore it!)

Your CPX is now ready to run Code.org CS Discoveries!