MicroPython Tutorial 18: No Pico? No Problem! Flash MicroPython to ESP32 & ESP8266 ⚡
*Don't have a Raspberry Pi Pico? You can still follow along with our entire MicroPython series!* 🚀 Welcome to Episode 18 of our Raspberry Pi Pico Tutorial Series!
While this series focuses on the Raspberry Pi Pico, MicroPython runs on a wide range of microcontrollers. In this video, we'll demonstrate how to flash MicroPython firmware onto alternative boards like the *ESP32* and **ESP8266**—which are often smaller, cheaper, and feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth!
We’ll walk step-by-step through installing `esptool`, detecting your connected board, picking the right firmware, erasing the existing flash memory, and writing fresh MicroPython firmware. We’ll test our setup with a classic LED blink script, and show how the exact same commands work whether you are on *macOS* or **Windows**!
🎯 What We Cover in This Video:
*Why Use ESP32 / ESP8266?* How alternative boards fit into this MicroPython series.
*Installing Tools:* Setting up Python and `esptool` via the terminal/command prompt.
*Chip Identification:* Identifying your serial port and board configuration.
*Downloading Firmware:* Finding the correct stable release on the official MicroPython website.
*Flashing the Chip:* Erasing flash memory and flashing new firmware step-by-step.
*The Blink Test:* Running our first MicroPython script on the ESP32.
*Cross-Platform Setup:* Demonstrating the identical workflow on Windows.
🔔 *Subscribe for more hands-on microcontroller tutorials:* ( / @designwithpython )
📑 *Catch up on the full Raspberry Pi Pico Series:* ( • Raspberry Pi Pico Tutorial - 1. Learn Mic... )
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🛠️ Hardware & Software Links
*Microcontrollers:* ESP32 Development Board / ESP8266 (NodeMCU / D1 Mini)
*Firmware Downloads:* [MicroPython Official Downloads](https://micropython.org/download/)
*Esptool Repository:* [esptool on GitHub](https://github.com/espressif/esptool)
*Our Public GitHub Pico Series Repository:* (https://github.com/jitsengupta/PicoLi...)
💡 Pro-Tip: If your board fails to enter flashing mode during the `esptool` write step, try holding down the physical `BOOT` or `IO0` button on your ESP board when connecting!
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💬 Join the Conversation
Are you using a Raspberry Pi Pico or an ESP32 for this series? Drop a comment below with your favorite board! 👇
#MicroPython #ESP32 #ESP8266 #RaspberryPiPico #esptool #EmbeddedPython #DIYElectronics #MakerMovement #Microcontroller #InternetOfThings