CircuitPython is a derivative of MicroPython designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. ESP32 CircuitPython firmware is uploaded to the board via the USB serial port.
Follow this step-by-step to get CircuitPython running on your board.
Currently we recommend users use an absolute newest version of CircuitPython with the ESP32-C6 Feather. To download this .BIN file, click the button below.
Click the link above to download the latest CircuitPython .bin file.
Save it wherever is convenient for you.
Before connecting to the Web Flasher, you need to put the board into bootloader mode. To do this, hold down the Boot button (highlighted in blue). While continuing to hold down the Boot button, press and release the Reset button (highlighted in green). Then, release the Boot button. Your board is now in bootloader mode.
Connecting to the Web Flasher
To begin, plug your board into your computer via USB, using a known-good data-sync cable, directly, or via an adapter if needed.
You will have to use the Chrome or a Chromium-based browser to install CircuitPython. For example, Edge and Opera are Chromium based.
Safari and Firefox, etc are not supported - they have not implemented Web Serial!
In the Chrome browser visit https://adafruit.github.io/Adafruit_WebSerial_ESPTool/
The main page of the ESP Web Flasher should look something like this.
Note: The site now displays an alert that it is no longer maintained, and suggests using a different option. The ESP Web Flasher has still proven to be more consistent and easier to use, so it is highly suggested that you continue with this version.
You should remove all other USB devices so only the target board is attached. This eliminates confusion over multiple ports!
Press the Connect button in the top right of the web browser. You will get a pop up asking you to select the COM or Serial port. Look for USB Single Serial.
On some systems, such as MacOS, there may be additional system ports that appear in the list (as shown in the image).
The Javascript code will now try to connect to the board. It may timeout for a bit until it succeeds. On success, you will see that it is Connected and will print out a unique MAC address identifying the board along with other information that was detected.
Erasing the Board Contents
If you would like to erase the entire flash area so that you can start with a clean slate, you can use the erase feature. We recommend doing this every time before installing or updating CircuitPython.
To erase the contents, click the Erase button. You will be prompted as to whether you want to continue. Click OK to continue. If you do not wish to continue, click Cancel.
You'll see "Erasing flash memory. Please wait..." This will eventually be followed by "Finished." and the amount of time it took to erase.
Do not disconnect! Immediately continue on to Programming the Board.
You can click on Choose a file... from any of the available buttons. It will only attempt to program buttons with a file and a unique location. Select the .bin file you downloaded at the beginning of this page from the file chooser dialogue.
Verify that the Offset box next to the file location you used is 0x0. The offset defaults to 0x0, so unless you changed it manually, it should be good to go.
Once you choose a file, the button text will change to match your filename. You can then click the Program button to start flashing.
You've now successfully programmed CircuitPython onto your board! As suggested in the output, press reset to run the new firmware.
As the ESP32-C6 does not have native USB, no USB drive will show up on your computer when you reset. With CircuitPython firmware loaded, the REPL can be accessed over a serial/COM port.
Don't worry though! We have the CircuitPython USB Workflow Code Editor so that you can access the board via USB in your Chromium-based browser.
Text editor powered by tinymce.
