# Board Preparation Before you start using the CircuitPython_Kernel, you'll need a board running CircuitPython. If you're not sure if the board plugged into your computer is running CircuitPython, check your file explorer for a drive named `CIRCUITPY` ## Designed for CircuitPython (SAMD21, SAMD51 and RP2040, NXP iMXRT1062) ### Boards Supported: - [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) - [Feather M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3403) - [Trinket M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3500) - [Metro M0 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3505) - [Gemma M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) - [ItsyBitsy M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3727) - [Metro M4 ]( https://www.adafruit.com/product/3382) - [ItsyBitsy M4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3727) - [Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4864) - [PJRC Teensy 4.1](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4622) ### Installing CircuitPython Firmware - Download the [CircuitPython Firmware (.uf2 file) from the CircuitPython Repo](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython/releases) - Plug in board and double click the **reset** button to enter bootloader mode. - Drag and drop the \*.uf2 CircuitPython file to the USB drive. - If you see the `CIRCUITPY` as the new name of the USB drive, you're ready to go. ## Adafruit Feather Huzzah ESP8266 While they do work with CircuitPython_Kernel, ESP8266-based boards require a different type of installation and configuration from the boards designed for circuitpython. ### Installing CircuitPython Firmware - `python3 -m pip install esptool` - Download the [CircuitPython Firmware (.bin file) from the CircuitPython Repo](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython/releases) - Install the [SiLabs CP210x driver](https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers) - Erase flash `python3 esptool.py --port /path/to/ESP8266 erase_flash` - Load firmware: `esptool.py --port /path/to/ESP8266 --baud 460800 write_flash --flash_size=detect 0 firmware.bin` - Press reset or unplug/plug the board. ### Access the REPL Use `screen` program: screen 115200 ## PJRC Teensy 4.1 The Teensy line of microcontrollers have a different installation to the standard circuitpython installation, requiring a program called Teensy Loader and a hex file. ### Installing CircuitPython Firmware - Download the Teensy Loader Application: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html - Install the loader following the guide for your specific operating system. - Download the [CircuitPython Firmware (.hex file) from the CircuitPython Website](https://circuitpython.org/board/teensy41/) - Once the Teensy Loader is downloaded, press the onboard push button on the Teensy, this places the teensy in the halfkay bootlader mode. - Open the Teensy Loader Application and select the left most button and upload the downloaded .hex file. - Unplug and plug the Teensy back in and you are ready to go. ## ampy - Install ampy `python3 -m pip install adafruit-ampy` - To get options for listing files and moving files: `ampy --help`