# 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 <device> 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