How to Install MicroPython on ESP32 | Easy ESP32 MicroPython Setup Tutorial

  How to Install MicroPython on ESP32 | Easy ESP32 MicroPython Setup Tutorial

If you're looking to get started with programming the ESP32 using MicroPython, this step-by-step guide is for you. MicroPython is a lightweight implementation of Python designed to run on microcontrollers, and it provides a simple, powerful way to program embedded devices like the ESP32. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the entire process of setting up MicroPython on your ESP32 board, from installation to the first test script.

What You Will Need:

• ESP32 Development Board (any ESP32 variant like ESP32 DevKitC, ESP32-WROOM, etc.)
• USB Cable to connect the ESP32 to your computer
• Windows/Mac/Linux Computer
• Internet Connection

Step 1: Install Python and PIP

Before you start, you need to have Python and PIP (Python’s package installer) installed on your computer. MicroPython requires these tools for managing packages and flashing the firmware onto the ESP32.

1. Download and Install Python:

   • Go to the official Python website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
   • Download and install the latest version of Python. Make sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

2. Verify Installation: Open a terminal or command prompt and type:

   python --version

   If Python is installed correctly, you should see the version number displayed.

3. Install PIP: PIP usually comes with Python, but if it's not installed, run the following command in the terminal:

   
   python -m ensurepip --upgrade
   

Step 2: Install esptool for Flashing the ESP32

To flash the MicroPython firmware onto the ESP32, you'll need to install a tool called esptool, which allows you to communicate with the ESP32 and flash it with the firmware.

1. Install esptool using PIP:

   pip install esptool

2. Verify esptool Installation: After installation, you can verify that esptool is installed correctly by typing:

   esptool.py --help

Step 3: Download the MicroPython Firmware

1. Go to the MicroPython official website: https://micropython.org/download/.
2. Select ESP32 as the target platform.
3. Download the latest MicroPython firmware for ESP32 (it will be a .bin file).

Step 4: Put Your ESP32 into Flash Mode

Before you can flash MicroPython onto the ESP32, you need to put it into bootloader mode.

1. Disconnect the ESP32 from your computer.
2. Press and hold the BOOT button (some boards have a dedicated button, while others might use the EN button).
3. While holding the BOOT button, connect the ESP32 to your computer via USB.
4. Once connected, release the BOOT button. The ESP32 should now be in flash mode.

Step 5: Flash MicroPython Firmware onto the ESP32

Now that the ESP32 is in flash mode, you're ready to flash it with the MicroPython firmware.

1. Open a terminal or command prompt and use esptool to flash the firmware. The command format is:

   esptool.py --port COMx write_flash 0x1000 esp32-xxxx.bin

   Replace COMx with the actual port where the ESP32 is connected. For example, on Windows, it might be COM3, and on macOS/Linux, it could be /dev/ttyUSB0.

   Example command:

   
   esptool.py --port COM3 write_flash 0x1000 esp32-20220117-v1.19.1.bin
   

2. After running the command, wait for the flashing process to complete. It may take a minute or two. Once finished, you should see a message indicating that the flash was successful.

Step 6: Install a Serial Terminal to Interact with MicroPython

To interact with MicroPython running on the ESP32, you'll need a serial terminal like PuTTY (for Windows), screen (for Linux), or minicom (for macOS/Linux).

For Windows:

1. Download and install PuTTY from https://www.putty.org/.
2. Open PuTTY and set the Connection type to Serial.
3. Enter the COM port (e.g., COM3) and set the Baud rate to 115200.
4. Click Open to connect to the ESP32.

For macOS/Linux:

1. Open a terminal and use the screen command to connect:

   
   
   
   
   screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200
   

   Replace /dev/ttyUSB0 with your actual port.

Step 7: Test MicroPython on ESP32

Once you're connected to the ESP32, you should see the MicroPython REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) prompt.

1. Try typing the following command to test:

   print("Hello, ESP32!")

   If everything is set up correctly, the ESP32 will print:

   Hello, ESP32!

Step 8: First MicroPython Script

You can write your first MicroPython script for the ESP32 to blink the onboard LED.

1. Open a text editor and create a file called main.py.

2. Add the following code to blink the LED:

   from machine import Pin
   import time
   
   led = Pin(2, Pin.OUT)  # Onboard LED on most ESP32 boards
   
   while True:
       led.value(not led.value())  # Toggle LED state
       time.sleep(1)
   

3. Upload the script to your ESP32 using ampy (a tool for transferring files over the serial port). Install it via PIP:

   pip install adafruit-ampy

4. Use ampy to upload main.py to the ESP32:

   ampy --port /dev/ttyUSB0 put main.py

5. Once uploaded, the onboard LED should start blinking every second.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed MicroPython on your ESP32 and run your first program. With MicroPython, you can easily develop embedded applications using the Python programming language, which is more accessible and flexible than traditional C/C++ programming. Now you're ready to explore various sensors, actuators, and other projects using the power of MicroPython and the ESP32.

Happy coding!