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. The Gemma M0 is the first board that comes pre-loaded with CircuitPython. Simply copy and edit files on the CIRCUITPY drive to iterate.
If you've already plugged your board into your computer, you should see a drive called CIRCUITPY. The drive will contain a few files. If you want to make a 'backup' of the current firmware on the device, drag-off and save the CURRENT.UF2 file. Other that that you can ignore the index.htm and info_uf2.txt files. They cannot be deleted and are only for informational purposes.
If you have already plugged in your board, start by ejecting or "safely remove" the CIRCUITPY drive. This is a good practice to get into. Always eject before unplugging or resetting your board!
Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :)
Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file.
Download and save it to your desktop (or wherever is handy).
Plug your Gemma 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.
Double-click the small Reset button opposite the On/Off switch on your board. You will see the Dotstar RGB LED turn green. If it turns red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc. Note: The little LED next to the On/Off switch will be red - this is ok!
If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!
You will see a new disk drive appear called GEMMABOOT.
Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2 file to GEMMABOOT.
The red LED will flash. Then, the GEMMABOOT drive will disappear and a new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will appear.
That's it, you're done! :)
For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out Installing CircuitPython.
Gemma Default Zip Install
Gemma M0 is limited on space. As you begin working on projects, you may run out of space. Operating systems can create hidden files that take up space. To prevent these files from being added to your Gemma, we suggest installing the Gemma Default Zip.
Click the link above to download the default zip.
Download and save it to your desktop, or wherever is handy!
If you haven't already, plug your Gemma into your computer using a known-good USB cable.
Make sure your CIRCUITPY drive appears.
To load the files that will keep the system from adding hidden files to your drive, highlight these three files:
.fseventsd
.metadata_never_index
.Trashes
Drag them to your CIRCUITPY drive. If it asks to replace any, say yes!
If you'd like to reset your Gemma to the same files it shipped with, you can do that with these files. If you changed main.py, and you want to keep your changes, back up main.py first.
Highlight all the files in this folder. Drag them all to your CIRCUITPY drive.
If it asks to replace anything, say yes.
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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