/circuitpython-projects

Primary LanguagePython

Projects in CircuitPython on the Trinket M0.

How to use

Because CircuitPython works by running the main.py file on the chip, files in this repository have their filename repeated as the first line. This simplifies the process of figuring out what was running on a chip from an old/abandoned/temporary project.

View serial output on MacOS: screen /dev/tty.usbmodem14101 (the number will change)

Escape screen: ctrl-a ctrl-d

Board info

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-trinket-m0-circuitpython-arduino/pinouts

# |  [usb]   |
# | Bat  USB |
# | Gnd    0 |
# | 4     ~1 |
# | 3      2 |
# | Rst   3V |
  • Bat: voltage input, regulated down to 3V
  • USB: connected directly to USB port (which is what [usb] refers to)
  • 3V: output from voltage regulator
  • GND: ground
  • Rst: reset
  • 0: GPIO, analog input, PWM output, I2C (SDA)
  • 1: GPIO, analog input, DAC output, capacitive touch
  • 2: GPIO, analog input, PWM output, I2C (SCL), SPI (MISO)
  • 3: GPIO, analog input, PWM output, SPI (SCK), UART (RX), capacitive touch
  • 4: GPIO, analog input, PWM output, UART (TX), SPI (MOSI), capacitive touch

Why

My introduction to microcontroller programming was with a freescale chip, in assembly, using [some program]. I enjoy the hobby, but that workflow was such a hassle, I never did anything else with that chip after finishing the class.

I later got into Arduino, using C, and the Arduino IDE. The improvement in the workflow was significant, but still left something to be desired.

Eventually I tried the trinket M0, huge improvement:

  • "Burning" your program onto a chip is a process. With CircuitPython, all you need to do is save changes in your text editor.
  • The program on the chip is editable.
  • Works with any text editor and terminal program.
  • Python is cleaner than C in terms of code clarity and conciseness, and dealing with dependencies. My projects are simple, there are no drawbacks to using python that affect to me.

Practically, these are great, because:

  • The feedback cycle is much shorter.
  • A microcontroller board can now contain brief documentation on what it contains!

Also, the trinket is tiny, it's small enough to be integrated into practically anything I could want to use it for. 5 pins is enough for a strip of lights and a few different input thingies.