Getting Started with ESP32 and MicroPython

MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3 that is optimized to run on microcontrollers like the ESP32. This guide will take you through setting up MicroPython on the ESP32, installing the required software, flashing the firmware, and exploring some useful functions.

1. Required Hardware

• ESP32 board
  

• USB to micro-USB cable (or Type-C depending on the board)

• Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)

• Internet connection

2. Required Software & Dependencies

Before setting up MicroPython on ESP32, install the following software:

a) Python 3.x

MicroPython requires Python on your system. Install it from  and ensure you add it to the system PATH.

To verify installation, open a terminal and run:

b) esptool.py

esptool.py is a Python tool used for flashing MicroPython firmware onto the ESP32. Install it using:

c) rshell, ampy, or Thonny IDE

For interacting with MicroPython on ESP32, install one of these tools:

• rshell: A command-line shell for MicroPython

• ampy: A simple tool for file operations

• Thonny IDE: A user-friendly MicroPython IDE

To install rshell and ampy:

Thonny IDE can be downloaded from 

3. Download and Flash MicroPython Firmware

a) Download the Firmware

Get the latest MicroPython firmware from the Download the .bin file.

b) Put ESP32 in Flash Mode

1. Connect the ESP32 to your computer via USB.

2. Open a terminal and check the connected COM ports:

    3. Hold the BOOT button while plugging in the ESP32 (if needed).

c) Erase Flash Memory

Before flashing, erase the existing firmware:

d) Flash MicroPython Firmware

Replace firmware.bin with the actual file name:

For Windows, use the correct COM port (e.g., COM3).

4. Accessing the MicroPython REPL

After flashing, open the MicroPython REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) to interact with the ESP32:

a) Using picocom (Linux/macOS)

d) Using Thonny IDE

1. Open Thonny IDE.

2. Go to Tools > Options > Interpreter.

3. Select MicroPython (ESP32).

4. Choose the correct COM port and connect.

5. Writing and Running MicroPython Code

a) Blinking an LED

Create a file main.py and upload it:

d) Running Code at Boot

To automatically execute a script at boot, save it as boot.py.

7. Troubleshooting

• ESP32 not detected? Ensure you have the correct drivers installed for your OS.

• Can’t access REPL? Close other applications using the serial port.

• Wi-Fi not connecting? Double-check the SSID and password.

• Corrupt filesystem? Run:

        

    

8. Conclusion

Using MicroPython on ESP32 makes development quick and flexible, especially for IoT applications. With easy-to-use libraries and an interactive REPL, you can rapidly prototype and deploy projects. Happy coding!