How to install MicroPython on STM32F4 WeAct blackpill board?

It's not really clear how to install MicroPython on WeAct boards. This might help

Answer

First I got troubles when connecting board to usb-C PC port (burn the board !), so now I use USB-A port (which is only 5V).

That's not really clear when you buy the board on internet, but microPython firmware is not installed by default on WeAct boards.

Steps :

1. clone micropython repository : git clone https://github.com/micropython/micropython

2. go to boards subfolder : cd micropython/ports/stm32/boards/

3. clone WeAct board definition : git clone https://github.com/mcauser/WEACT_F411CEU6.git

4. cd ..

5. install gcc-arm : apt install gcc-arm-none-eabi

6. make submodules

7. make BOARD=WEACT_F411CEU6 : this should produce build-WEACT_F411CEU6/firmware.dfu file

8. add udev rule :

   1. sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/99-weact.rules

   2. set this content : SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0483", ATTRS{idProduct}=="df11", GROUP="plugdev", MODE="660"

9. plug the board in and perform :

   1. press and hold BOOT0 button

   2. press and hold NRST button

   3. wait 0.5s

   4. release NRST button

   5. release BOOT0 button

10. dfu-util -l should list the board

11. flash micropython firmware via DFU : sudo make BOARD=WEACT_F411CEU6 deploy

12. unconnect/reconnect usb cable => it should work

.

How to verify that it works ?

1. There should be a new ttyACM0 device (ls /dev/ttyA*)

2. there should be a mounted device with some files like main.py and boot.py

3. when connecting to ttyACM0, you should have REPL python interface

.

How to program ?

You can use for example Thonny IDE :

https://github.com/thonny/thonny/wiki/MicroPython

(do not know if it's the better option as I just starting now)

.

What's blinky program ?

from pyb import LED
import time

led = LED(1)

while True:
    led.on()
    time.sleep(0.25)
    led.off()
    time.sleep(0.5)

.

Hope it will help !