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Circuit Playground Circuit Python

& The Thonny IDE

Jan 12, 2025

Source: <Circuit Playground - Circuit Python & The Thonny IDE - STEAM Clown>

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Teachers: Before You Present

Update your LMS links and any other local Google links (my will always be open to "Anyone With A Link" so you can still always point to my presentations and links… But if you are localizing this curriculum, you might want to also update any external links. EX: Canvas Announcements, Canvas Links, or Delete the bullets linking to Canvas links (Typically Labs)
Circuit Playground Hardware - If students are equipped Chromebooks, the best way to edit code is using an online editor such as this one: https://urfdvw.github.io/CircuitPython-online-IDE/

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Licensing & Attribution

My Open Source Philosophy - I have come to realize that I’m really not competing with other teachers. Maybe I have some local competition, �but in reality, if a student is not coming to my class or my school, then I’m not competing with other teachers in any way… If you work more than a �District away, then we really are not competitors. Let's Share... Collaborate... Help each other... I, and you, may have sweat blood and tears developing a lesson plan, a lab, or presentation… There is an ENORMOUS unpaid value there… I get that… I don’t begrudge teachers who are trying to sell their collateral… I’m just saying that is not what I’m going to do. This is my plan… I’m going to share virtually everything I develop. Join Me!!! See More

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode

GNU Public License & EUPL (European Union Public Licence)

Any included or linked Programming Code Is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 & and / or licensed under EUPL 1.2 or later

See the Appendix for Additional Licensing & Attribution Information

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Please maintain this slide with any modifications you make:

This content is licensed as Open Source / Creative Commons: A Specific use license has been provided to Entities & Organizations listed in the Appendix

Much of the content in these slides is a Re-Telling of material provided by many open source and creative commons internet resources. There are so many Awesome sites, that are open source sites for teaching STEAM Curriculum. I have modified them some, to work better for my Mechatronics Engineering class. I have even used AI and ChatGPT, and Other open-source technical sites.

Other Contributors: My teacher friends, with additional content.

Dec 15, 2024

See Sourced Sites In The Appendix

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Sponsorship Page

I would like to thank <Your Company or Organization Here> for their generous support of my classroom and curriculum development. <Your Company or Organization Here> has <Your value proposition, call to action, & related content and message>

How to Provide a Stipend: You can send something to my personal PayPal.Me Account, Venmo Account, or my Patrion Account, even Buy Stuff On My Amazon Classroom Wishlist, donate to my DonorsChoose projects, or contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.org, if you want to contribute another way.

(If you would like to sponsor this presentation, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.org )

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Resources & Materials Needed

PC, Laptop or Other device to access sites & applications specified by your Instructor
Each lesson will have specific items needed to complete the labs and tasks
Circuit Playground CPX Adafruit board
USB cable Micro
Circuit Python installed on CPX

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Objective, Overview, & Introduction

CircuitPython is a streamlined version of Python designed specifically for microcontrollers. It simplifies programming by allowing users to write, edit, and run Python code directly on compatible hardware. CircuitPython is optimized for constrained environments like microcontrollers, focusing on quick prototyping, hardware interaction, and ease of us

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What You Will Know...

Prior Knowledge & Certifications

Some knowledge of Microcontrollers, like the Arduino

What You Will Know & Be Able To Do

Install CircuitPython on microcontroller and verify proper setup.
Write Python scripts to control built-in hardware components such as LEDs, buttons, and sensors.
Integrate code using CircuitPython libraries.
Debug and troubleshoot errors in their code effectively using serial output and error messages.

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How You Will Be Measured

You will show the ability to explain the key lesson concepts
Answer a few Quiz questions
Demonstrate your understanding of the coding concepts through programming labs

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Essential Questions

"Why is CircuitPython a powerful tool for learning how to interact with hardware and sensors?"
"How does using CircuitPython prepare us for future careers in engineering, technology, and innovation?"

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Essential Questions

"Why is CircuitPython a powerful tool for learning how to interact with hardware and sensors?"

This question encourages students to reflect on how CircuitPython’s simplicity and accessibility make it an effective bridge between coding and physical hardware, opening up possibilities for creating functional, interactive devices.

"How does using CircuitPython prepare us for future careers in engineering, technology, and innovation?"

This question prompts students to think about how CircuitPython's real-world applications in IoT, automation, and robotics develop foundational skills needed for advanced STEM careers.

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New Words or Concepts...

CircuitPython Runtime
Bootloader Mode
Code.py
Serial Console
Adafruit Circuit Python Library Bundle
Built-in Sensors

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New Words or Concepts...

CircuitPython Runtime - The environment that runs on microcontrollers, enabling Python scripts to execute and manage hardware interactions.
Code.py - The default Python script file name that CircuitPython automatically runs when the microcontroller powers on or resets.
Adafruit Library Bundle - A collection of precompiled libraries and modules for CircuitPython, designed to support a wide range of hardware components and simplify project development. Individual files containing Python code, either built into CircuitPython or imported from the Adafruit library bundle, that provide additional functionality (e.g., handling hardware like sensors or displays).
Serial Console - A tool used for debugging and interacting with a microcontroller, providing real-time feedback and a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) for testing code.
Bootloader Mode - A special mode on a microcontroller that allows firmware updates, including installing or updating CircuitPython.
Pin Mapping - The configuration of the microcontroller's physical pins, specifying their functions (e.g., digital I/O, analog input, or power).
Built-in Sensors - Hardware components integrated into CircuitPython-compatible boards (e.g., accelerometers, temperature sensors) that can be accessed and controlled directly through Python scripts.

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👉 Open A Python IDE:

Browser: You can use a web based Browser IDE like:

Replit.com, PythonTutor, or Python Shell for Regular Python Code
CircuitPython-online-IDE for Embedded Python Code

Installed Python IDLE or Thonny: If you installed a Python IDE, open an IDE Editor window

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print("Hisssssssssss")

Try This 👉

Replit - PythonTutor - Shell

Replit.com

Bookmark This 👉

Try This 👉

CircuitPython-online-IDE

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Introduction to Circuit Python on �- Circuit Playground Express (aka CPX)�- Circuit Playground Blue (aka CPB)

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CPB is a Programmable Microcontroller

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Circuit Playground Blue (CPB) is an excellent platform for students for learn electronics and programming.

Unlike other microcontrollers where you have to purchase additional electronic components, CPB has numerous built-in components that you can incorporate into your code from the day 1.

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Some Of The Great Goodies Baked In To Each Circuit Playground Bluefruit:

1 x nRF52840 Cortex M4 processor with Bluetooth Low Energy support
10 x mini NeoPixels, each one can display any color
1 x Motion sensor (LIS3DH triple-axis accelerometer with tap detection, free-fall detection)
1 x Temperature sensor (thermistor)
1 x Light sensor (phototransistor). Can also act as a color sensor and pulse sensor.
1 x Sound sensor (MEMS microphone)
1 x Mini speaker with class D amplifier (7.5mm magnetic speaker/buzzer)
2 x Push buttons, labeled A and B
1 x Slide switch
8 x alligator-clip friendly input/output pins
Includes I2C, UART, 6 pins that can do analog inputs, multiple PWM outputs
Green "ON" LED so you know its powered
Red "#13" LED for basic blinking
Reset button
2 MB of SPI Flash storage, used primarily with CircuitPython to store code and libraries.
MicroUSB port for programming and debugging
USB port can act like serial port, keyboard, mouse, joystick or MIDI!

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Click

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Additional Resources

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What is CircuitPython?

https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython

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CircuitPython is based on Python

Python is the fastest growing programming language. It's used everywhere. It supports modules and packages which means it's easy to reuse your code for other projects. It has a built in interpreter which means there are no extra steps, like compiling, to get your code to work. And of course, Python is Open Source Software which means it's free for anyone to use, modify or improve upon.

CircuitPython adds hardware (Microcontroller) support to all of these amazing features. If you already have Python knowledge, you can easily apply that to using CircuitPython. If you have no previous experience, it's really simple to get started!

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How do I connect Hardware Pins?�How do i Blink and LED?�How do I read an UltraSonic Sensor?�How do I turn a Motor or Servo?

Circuit Python has the Libraries and functions to do that.

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CircuitPython is a programming language designed for programming microcontrollers, which are small, low-cost computers embedded into various devices. It is a variant or subset of the Python programming language adapted to run on microcontrollers and small single-board computers. CircuitPython aims to make it easy for beginners and non-programmers to get started with hardware projects. Here are some key differences between CircuitPython and regular Python:

Hardware Interaction: CircuitPython is designed to work seamlessly with hardware components such as sensors, LEDs, motors, and other electronic devices. It includes libraries and modules specifically tailored for interacting with the input and output pins of microcontrollers.
Memory and Resource Constraints: Microcontrollers often have limited resources compared to regular computers. CircuitPython is optimized for these resource-constrained environments, and it has a smaller memory footprint compared to a full-fledged Python installation.
Ease of Use: CircuitPython is designed to be beginner-friendly and user-friendly. It often comes with built-in libraries and modules that simplify common hardware-related tasks. The goal is to make it accessible for those who may be new to both programming and electronics.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: While regular Python is a versatile language that can run on a variety of platforms, CircuitPython is specifically tailored for microcontrollers. It may not be as versatile as regular Python for general-purpose computing tasks but excels in the context of hardware and embedded systems.
Development Environment: CircuitPython often integrates with specific development boards and platforms, and it may have its own development environment or tools tailored for working with microcontrollers.

It's important to note that CircuitPython and regular Python are not mutually exclusive. They serve different purposes, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements of a project. Regular Python is better suited for general-purpose programming on desktops and servers, while CircuitPython is ideal for programming microcontrollers in embedded systems and electronics projects.

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Circuit Python

Circuit Python is a subset of Python 3 programming language designed to use Python code on low-cost microcontroller such Circuit Playground Express (CPX) or Circuit Playground Blue (CPB) to control input/output devices.
Circuit Python is NOT pre-installed on CPX/CPB so users must install it on CPX and CPB.

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Download & install

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Plug CPX/CPB to your Computer

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ProTip: After you plug the USB cable into your CPX/CPB, Never Unplug It!!!!

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Check!

Check to see if your CPX/CPB is already setup with CircuitPython.
Plug in your CPX/CPB to your computer's USB port. Open your File Explorer/Finder to read the name of the CPX/CPB mounted as a USB drive.�

�

If the USB drive name is CIRCUITPY, you're good… Maybe… Check the version of Circuit Python…

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Reset Button

You may need to press the reset button twice, fast… This should have the Circuit Playground show up as a drive

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Check - Boot_out.txt

Open the boot_out.txt file

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Check - Boot_out.txt

Adafruit CircuitPython 8.2.9 on 2023-12-06 or better
for 2024-2025, the latest was CircuitPython 9.2.1
If the USB drive name is CPLAYBOOT, you must install Circuit Python. Please continue.

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Check

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Can't See CPLAYBOOT or CIRCUITPY

You may need to press the reset button twice, fast… This should have the Circuit Playground show up as a drive

Press Reset Button fast twice

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CPLAYBTBOOT

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You may need to press the reset button twice, fast… This should have the Circuit Playground show up as a drive

Reset Button

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Download Circuit Python

On your browser, go to http://circuitpython.org/downloads
if you have a:

Circuit Playground Express
Circuit Playground Bluefruit

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Click

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Download Circuit Python

Click on �DOWNLOAD .UF2 NOW
Save the UF2 on your desktop for each access.

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Download The Latest Bluefruit .uf2 File

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Look in Downloads

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Connect CPX/CPB to Your PC/Mac

Use the supplied USB cable to connect your CPX/CPB to your computer.
On your CPX/CPB, press the reset button twice. This should turn all LEDs to solid green.

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Press the reset button twice.

2) Verify that all LEDs are changed to solid green.

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Flash Your CPX

Your computer's File Explorer/Finder will show the new USB drive named CPLAYBOOT.
Drag and drop the downloaded UF2 file to this drive.
This will automatically reset your CPX/CPB and remount it to your computer

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Click on the new USB drive called CPLAYBOOT

Drag and drop the downloaded UF2 file here.

3) Wait until your CPX reboots

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Confirm!

Your computer's File Explorer/Finder will now show the new USB drive named CIRCUITPY. This means your CPX/CPB is now running Circuit Python.
That's it. Your CPX/CPB is now running Circuit Python!

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New CIRCUITPY USB drive

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CIRCUITPY - WooHooo

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Reset Button

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CIRCUITPY Show Up As A Drive

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code.py is the File to Edit Your Python In

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code.py

What Are We Going To Edit It With? IDE?

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Circuit Python Online IDE

https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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https://urfdvw.github.io/CircuitPython-online-IDE/

Bookmark it!

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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Your CPX always runs the Python code file called code.py. Let's open it on your editor.

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Open "code.py"

Your CPX/CPB always runs the Python code file called code.py - Let's open it in your editor.

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Python Editor

Your CPX/CPB always run the Python code file called code.py. Let's open it on your editor.

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Click on code.py

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Python Editor

Let's change "world" to your name and run it.

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1. Enter your name here

3. See your new output here

2. Click on > (run) button.

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Syntax Error

Your code must follow the Python syntax rules. For example, the print statement must have your text message in between (" and ").
What if you didn't follow the rule?

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Missing " on the left side

Your IDE will say you have SyntaxError

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Syntax Error

Also, your CPX/CPB LED's will blink RED when it encounters an error.

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Flashes twice every 5 seconds

Flashing green means your code ended without error

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Terminal print("Hi") Error

Problem: Windows may assign a conflicting COM port.

Unable to connect to COM5: could not open port 'COM5': OSError(22, 'The semaphore timeout period has expired.', None, 121)

Possible Solution:

Open Device Manager (press Win + X and select it).
Expand Ports (COM & LPT) and locate the Circuit Playground Bluefruit (likely labeled as USB Serial Device or similar).
Right-click the device and select Properties > Port Settings > Advanced.
Change the COM port to a number below 10 (e.g., COM3) and click OK.
Reconnect the board in Thonny using the new COM port.

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Your First Circuit Python Code

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Blink

# Save on CPX/CPB as code.py

# Blinks the top right RED LED

import board

import digitalio

import time

led = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.LED)

led.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT

while True:

led.value = True

time.sleep(0.1)

led.value = False

time.sleep(0.1)

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CPX Blink.py on GitHub

Click

Paste it into your "code.py" file

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Circuit Python Online IDE

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CPX Blink.py on GitHub

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Click to "Save & Run"

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Is It Blinking?

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Control C�Control D

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STOP & RELOAD

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To reload code.py and run whatever is in there, do CTRL-D

Most likely, you'll be writing code that runs forever (meaning in infinite loop). To stop your code from running forever, you can do CTRL-C

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LAB #1 Blink

Blink Faster / Slower

What Pin is the LED Blinking on?

led = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.LED)
Can you make it reference the Pin 13 Directly? Rather than the "BuiltIn" value of "LED"
How do you reference the I/O Pins?
Can you "blink" on the Digital Pin 10?

Is it working? How do you know?

Can you "blink" on the Analog Pin 3?

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lib?

https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython

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You Need Some Libraries…

Go and download the latest CPX Library for your device. We are using the Circuit Python 9.x.x, with the UF2, so use the Bundle Version 9.x

�

Download and unzip the library to your computer (create a /circuitpython directory in your documents directory, and unzip into a /allCPX-Lib directory.
Look at these 2 links to understand what libraries to copy to your CPX/CPB device:

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You Don't Need Everything…

Pro Tip: Only load the libraries you are actually using. Why?

Copy the following folders and files from the bundle lib folder to the lib folder on your CIRCUITPY drive:

adafruit_ble
adafruit_bluefruit_connect
adafruit_bus_device
adafruit_circuitplayground
adafruit_gizmo
adafruit_hid
adafruit_lis3dh.mpy
adafruit_thermistor.mpy
neopixel.mpy

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Thonny?

https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython

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Thonny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://thonny.org/

We are using the latest �version 4.1.7

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1) Click on the Windows Version

2) Installer with 64-bit � Python 4.1.7

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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1) Tools → Options

Adafrute Thonny Instructions

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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2) Interpreter

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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3) Select The Circuit Python Interpreter

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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4) Select The Circuit Python Interpreter

CircuitPython (generic)

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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5) Select Port - Try To Detect Automatically Probably will work, but if not select the appropriate USB port

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Let's Setup Thonny To Point To the CPX/CPB and CircuitPython

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6) Leave These All checked

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Let's Edit Your First Circuit Playground Python File

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1) File → Open or New

2) Select code.py

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Circuit Playground CPX/CPB - Blink

Simple Blink program that blinks the top right RED LED

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import board

import digitalio

import time

led = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.LED)

led.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT

while True:

led.value = True

time.sleep(0.1)

led.value = False

time.sleep(0.1)

Github - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jimTheSTEAMClown/Circuit-Python/main/CPX-Blink.py

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Circuit Playground CPX/CPB - Blink

Simple Blink program that blinks the top right RED LED

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#import time

from time import sleep

from adafruit_circuitplayground import cp

print("Hello <Your Name>")

while True:

cp.red_led = True

sleep(0.5)

cp.red_led = False

sleep(0.5)

Alternate Code, using different Library options

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LAB #2 Blink

Check that you still have your code.py
Can you still change the "Blinking"

Can you add a print('Hello Python World') to your code?

print this just one time

Can you add a print() that will print the status of your LED?

print this every time your LED turns on/off

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Summary

WooHoo, You have setup and blinked and LED

Dig Deeper:

Explore the CPX/CPB Pins & Features

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Let's Check Your Understanding

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Thank You…

Questions?

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Jim Burnham (AKA STEAM Clown)

Mechatronics Engineering Instructor at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE)
Engineering Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Workshop & Conference Presenter

Top Clown at TopClown@STEAMClown.org
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-burnham-2243018/
Line - jim.the.steam.clown
Youtube - @jimthesteamclown
Google Number - ‪+1 (669) 252-0925‬ <-- TXT - Tell me who you are... "Hi, this is <your name>, and I want to tell you...."

Mechatronics Engineering Open-Source Google Site (AKA - Fire Breathing Robots)
Want to Support a Teacher? - Here Is How Can You Help

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Reference Slides

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Links for Students

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Appendix

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Education Standards

California 2013 CTE Standards

C3.5 - Engineering and Architecture Pathway

Demonstrate the ability to write code for sensors and actuators to perform tasks.
Application: Students program sensors and NeoPixels in CircuitPython, learning practical engineering concepts.

D2.4 - Information and Communication Technologies Pathway

Use programming languages to analyze and solve problems in a variety of disciplines.
Application: Students use CircuitPython to develop real-world applications like data logging or automation.

D3.3 - Manufacturing and Product Development Pathway

Evaluate and refine prototypes to meet functional requirements.
Application: Students troubleshoot and optimize CircuitPython-based hardware prototypes.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-ETS1-3: Engineering Design

Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs.
Application: Students create and refine CircuitPython projects such as environmental monitors or interactive devices.

MS-PS4-3: Waves and Applications in Technologies

Apply scientific principles to design a device that converts one form of energy into another.
Application: Students use CircuitPython to program motion sensors or LEDs, converting data into visual feedback.

HS-PS3-5: Energy and Systems

Develop and use models of energy transfer within systems.
Application: Students design projects where hardware components powered by CircuitPython demonstrate energy transformations, like lighting an LED based on sensor data.

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Appendix : Primary Sources & Attribution for Material Used

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Additional Attribution & Sources:

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Python 4 Everyone - Dr. Chuck Severance - From PY4E
Textbook Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart

STEAM Clown™ - License & Attribution Creative Commons License CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 - Much of this interpretation is primarily the Intellectual Property of Jim Burnham, TopClown, at STEAMClown.org, I may have used other sources, and in that Re-Telling, I have made my best attempt to properly attribute, or reference any of these sources or works. They are probably listed below. I’m a Super Huge proponent of Open Source - Find out more...

Please maintain this slide with any modifications you make:

This content is licensed as Open Source / Creative Commons: A Specific use license has been provided to the Silicon Valley education Foundation & Silicon Valley CTE

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Image Reference & Sources

https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Yoda

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What To Fix, Add, Or Change

Presentation Planning:

add /make a separate thonny presentation for local python

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