Easy entry to microcontroller programming
Python
As mentioned, the core of the Nibble is the ESP8266, on which you also can install MicroPython [10]. Thonny [11] would be a suitable IDE. Detailed instructions on how to install MicroPython can be found on the project page [12]. You will want to use the G2 image [13] for the ESP8266.
However, MicroPython has no manufacturer support, which means no installation documentation. Even online, you can hardly find any support on this topic. I failed to find a working driver for the display even after a thorough search, and querying the push buttons also turned out to be difficult. As a look at the schematic of the Nibble shows, these are queried with an additional I2C port expander, so I would advise against trying to use MicroPython on the Nibble.
Conclusions
The Nibble kit really contains everything you need to build it. The core ESP8266 component makes the Nibble extremely flexible and also helps to integrate other projects, such as controlling a robot or developing a multiuser game. The Arduino IDE offers access to a large number of libraries, so the Nibble could also be integrated into a smart home. Thanks to the detailed documentation, nothing stands in the way of self-study.
One small downer, however, is that the Nibble cannot be powered over USB, although the batteries are easy to replace. I definitely enjoyed the kit and plan to include the Nibble in some future projects.
Infos
- CircuitMess: https://circuitmess.com
- Nibble kit assembly instructions: https://learn.circuitmess.com/resources/guides/en/nibble-build-guide
- "Sniffing WiFi with an ESP8266 microcontroller" by Martin Mohr, Linux Magazine, issue 250, September 2021, pg. 62, https://www.linux-magazine.com/Issues/2021/250/ESP8266-for-WiFi-Sniffing/
- Order the Nibble kit: https://www.generationrobots.com/en/403786-nibble-educational-diy-retro-game-console-kit-with-tools.html
- Nibble homepage: https://circuitmess.com/products/nibble-diy-game-console
- Download CircuitBlocks: https://circuitmess.com/pages/circuitblocks
- CircuitBlocks tutorial (download): https://api.circuitmess.com/user-8/1627479759411-nibble-coding---first-steps-pdf.pdf
- Sample programs on GitHub: https://github.com/CircuitMess?q=nibble
- Nibble circuit diagram (download): https://api.circuitmess.com/user-3/1604071016365-circutmess_nibble_schematic.pdf
- MicroPython: https://micropython.org/
- Thonny: https://thonny.org
- Install MicroPython: https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/esp8266/tutorial/intro.html
- MicroPython image: https://micropython.org/resources/firmware/esp8266-20220117-v1.18.bin
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Rhino Linux Announces Latest "Quick Update"
If you prefer your Linux distribution to be of the rolling type, Rhino Linux delivers a beautiful and reliable experience.
-
Plasma Desktop Will Soon Ask for Donations
The next iteration of Plasma has reached the soft feature freeze for the 6.2 version and includes a feature that could be divisive.
-
Linux Market Share Hits New High
For the first time, the Linux market share has reached a new high for desktops, and the trend looks like it will continue.
-
LibreOffice 24.8 Delivers New Features
LibreOffice is often considered the de facto standard office suite for the Linux operating system.
-
Deepin 23 Offers Wayland Support and New AI Tool
Deepin has been considered one of the most beautiful desktop operating systems for a long time and the arrival of version 23 has bolstered that reputation.
-
CachyOS Adds Support for System76's COSMIC Desktop
The August 2024 release of CachyOS includes support for the COSMIC desktop as well as some important bits for video.
-
Linux Foundation Adopts OMI to Foster Ethical LLMs
The Open Model Initiative hopes to create community LLMs that rival proprietary models but avoid restrictive licensing that limits usage.
-
Ubuntu 24.10 to Include the Latest Linux Kernel
Ubuntu users have grown accustomed to their favorite distribution shipping with a kernel that's not quite as up-to-date as other distros but that changes with 24.10.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1.4 Release Includes Improvements and Bug Fixes
The latest release from the KDE team improves the KWin window and composite managers and plenty of fixes.
-
Manjaro Team Tests Immutable Version of its Arch-Based Distribution
If you're a fan of immutable operating systems, you'll be thrilled to know that the Manjaro team is working on an immutable spin that is now available for testing.