CSCI 235 — Circuit Playground Express

How to get one

I don’t think I’m allow to put a link to a place to buy one. Build a circuit a bit like the following. So you may have to do a web search. Be sure to get a Data/Sync Micro USB cable.

Getting set up — a quick check

This should work on your Mac or Windows computer also; but the Windows computer will require the installation of a driver.

• Plug in the Circuit Playground Express
• You should see an drive named CPLAYBOOT mounted as /media/${USER}/CPLAYBOOT where ${USER} is your login id
• If not, press the RESET button on the Circuit Playground Express. You may have to press more than once.
• Look at the files in CPLAYBOOT
• Open this Magic link in an new window and then Press EDIT
• Move your mouse over the image of the Circuit Playground Express to tilt it
• Press on the circles and slices in the rings to change colors
• Read the Downloading and Flashing explaination from Adafruit. In my exterience, sixth-graders do this better than college professors. It does require practice.
• Download your program to the Circuit Playground Express.
  • Be sure to press the RESET button on the circuit.
  • Be sure to press the Download button in the web browser.

For whatever it’s worth, I do a Save Link as to the CPLAYBOOT drive.

What is this thing

The hardware

Take a look at the Guided Tour. There are a lot of fancy stuff for $25.

If you wonder about uf2, you can check out this detailed description from Microsoft.

The software

There are four ways to program.

• Code.org — the language for CS Discoveries (grades 6 to 10), which uses Firmata
• Makecode — based on Static TypeScript
• CircuitPython
• Arduino

What to do

• Use some of the unusual built-in sensors. Look under the INPUT blocks. You’ll find ways to measure sound, light, acceleration, roll, pitch, temperature, etc.
• Make music! You even get a keyboard to help you out. There is also an example at one of my saved programs.
• Send messages to each other using the NETWORK blocks.
• Do something exciting with the NeoPixels.
• Make a magic wand.
• Make a timer for long-winded professors.