In this Section
PyCubed is programed/operated using a version of Python designed for microcontrollers called CircuitPython. Advantages to using CircuitPython include:
The CircuitPython architecture is an open-source effort led by Adafruit and targeted towards beginner programmers. Although it's easy to get started, CircuitPython is capable of enough depth to allow command and control of the spacecraft. Visit https://circuitpython.org/ to read more.
When working with embedded hardware like PyCubed, it's helpful to group programming into two categories.
When getting started, the user will work entirely with software. If there comes a point where the user wants to implement a new microcontroller capability, he or she will need to learn more about the PyCubed firmware.
Firmware and software are located in separate repositories within the PyCubed GitHub. Visit their respective pages below:
PyCubed software block diagram illustrating a portion of the CircuitPython runtime
See Hands-On Quick Start for getting started with software.
After finishing the quick start, there are lots of tutorials and examples to help you craft your mission software.
Software Repo 👇
https://github.com/pycubed/software
There are three cases when someone might want to alter the PyCubed firmware:
Firmware Repo 👇
https://github.com/pycubed/firmware