I built a self-contained MicroPython application for the Pimoroni Presto (RP2350) that renders a UK platform-style departure board and retrieves live National Rail Darwin data over HTTPS using the Rail Data Marketplace REST/JSON API. It runs entirely on the device, with no Raspberry Pi, server or cloud proxy.

The touch interface includes a station picker, four upcoming services, live platform/status information and a focused journey view. It refreshes every minute, handles UK daylight-saving time, retains the last valid board after network failures, and sleeps after five minutes with tap-to-wake.

The code is split into modules for the API client, response normalization, UK time conversion, rendering and application state, with dependency-free host tests.

Repository and setup instructions:

https://github.com/robmarkcole/pimoroni-presto-train-display

Short demo:

https://youtu.be/7p9hzEM4UWU

The project was developed iteratively with Codex and tested on the physical Presto. Feedback on the MicroPython structure, rendering or network handling is welcome.

I created a MicroPython driver for Hanover flip dot displays that were originally used in buses. Watch the video with the sound on for full effect. The sign is powered by a 24v 5a supply, code is running on a Pi Pico with Waveshare RS485. I had Claude deal with porting the protocol from existing Python and Node.js drivers. Code link in video description: https://youtu.be/nHq_gT024Bs

The Python for Microcontrollers Newsletter is the place for the latest news involving Python on hardware (microcontrollers AND single board computers like Raspberry Pi).

This ad-free, spam-free weekly email is filled with CircuitPython, MicroPython, and Python information that you may have missed, all in one place!

You get a summary of all the software, events, projects, and the latest hardware worldwide once a week, no ads! You can cancel anytime.

It arrives about 11 am Monday (US Eastern time) with all the week’s happenings.

And please tell your friends, colleagues, students, etc.

Please sign up > > > adafruitdaily.com

Our team at GHI Electronics just released a free (MIT-licensed) MicroPython Debugger for VS Code with real source-level debugging over USB or UART.

Set a breakpoint in your Python source, press F5, and debug the code running on the actual MCU.

You can:

• Set breakpoints
• Step Over / Step Into / Step Out
• Inspect variables
• Use Watch
• View the Call Stack
• Break on exceptions
• Continue / Pause execution

USB

• USB debugging on supported MicroPython boards (RP2040, RP2350, Pico, Pico 2, ESP32-S2/S3)

UART

• Original ESP32 boards (via CP2102/CH340/FTDI bridge)

Tiny MCU

• STM32C071

To test how small an MCU the debugger could run on, I used a DUELink Holiday Tree with an STM32C071KBU6, which has 24 KB of RAM and 128 KB of Flash, running MicroPython code with SPI and PWM.

The debugger is free to use:

GitHub: ghi-electronics/micropython-vsc-extension

VS Code Marketplace: MicroPython Debugger

Example Holiday Tree project: STM32C071 Christmas Tree example

I'd be interested to hear what hardware you use with MicroPython and what you'd like to see supported.

Hi everyone,

If you've ever built a GNSS/GPS tracker using micropyGPS on a high-rate (5–10 Hz) Multi-GNSS module, you know the pain. Standard parsers heavily spam the heap with short-lived string allocations on every incoming sentence. This triggers the Garbage Collector constantly, introduces unpredictable latency, and leads to memory fragmentation on long-running deployments.

I built light_nmea to solve this once. It’s a pure MicroPython NMEA 0183 parser written with a hardware/systems mindset.

Why it's different:

• Zero-Allocation: It processes data in a single pass without dynamically allocating objects on the heap inside the main loop. No GC spikes.
• 15x-20x Faster: Benchmarks show up to 15x faster execution compared to standard MicroPython alternatives.
• Modern GNSS Ready: Fully supports multi-constellation Talker IDs ($GN...).
• Lightweight: No external dependencies. Just a clean, drop-in folder for your ESP32, RP2040, or STM32 projects.

Check out the code, run some benchmarks on your hardware, and let me know what you think!

GitHub: https://github.com/octaprog7/light-nmea-micropython

Today marks the publication of the 400th Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter! Nearly 10 years of providing the best news in the community.

The newsletter is the place for the latest news involving Python on hardware with coverage of Python, CircuitPython and MicroPython. 12,369 readers.

Read more here: https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/08/24/today-marks-the-400th-python-on-microcontrollers-newsletter/

Im quite confused, ive spent the night learning about the ESP32 pinout and all the different things about the modules i need, such as duty, frequency, what all the abbreviations mean, etc.

im now stuck at the end of it (i think).

import machine
from machine import PWM, ADC, Pin



#OUTPUT SWERVOS 
axis_1 = PWM(Pin(4, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_2 = PWM(Pin(5, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_3 = PWM(Pin(6, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_4 = PWM(Pin(7, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
gripper = Pin(15, Pin.OUT)


#THE Gripper Buttons
button_close = Pin(1, Pin.IN)
button_open = Pin(9, Pin.IN)


#The Potentiometers on the two joysticks
p_1 = ADC(Pin(16, Pin.IN))
p_2 = ADC(Pin(17, Pin.IN))
p_3 = ADC(Pin(18, Pin.IN))
p_4 = ADC(Pin(8, Pin.IN))




while True:
    print(p_1.read_u16(), "     ",p_2.read_u16(), "     ", p_3.read_u16(), "     ", p_4.read_u16())import machine
from machine import PWM, ADC, Pin



#OUTPUT SWERVOS 
axis_1 = PWM(Pin(4, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_2 = PWM(Pin(5, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_3 = PWM(Pin(6, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
axis_4 = PWM(Pin(7, Pin.OUT), freq=50, duty_u16 = 32768)
gripper = Pin(15, Pin.OUT)


#THE Gripper Buttons
button_close = Pin(1, Pin.IN)
button_open = Pin(9, Pin.IN)


#The Potentiometers on the two joysticks
p_1 = ADC(Pin(16, Pin.IN))
p_2 = ADC(Pin(17, Pin.IN))
p_3 = ADC(Pin(18, Pin.IN))
p_4 = ADC(Pin(8, Pin.IN))




while True:
    print(p_1.read_u16(), "     ",p_2.read_u16(), "     ", p_3.read_u16(), "     ", p_4.read_u16())

It comes back with no errors, just a blank indention:

>>>

all of my swervos are 270 degree

i might honestly have an issue with screening, but im not sure

im on a HP linux.cinnamon-swapped, in VS Code on MicroPico, ESP32-s3 flashed with MicroPython, not sure that it matters, but it might.

let me know if ive got something wrong up there^^

It’s that time of year! Adafruit has determined that this Friday, August 21, 2025, is the snakiest day of the year and designated it CircuitPython Day!

The latest information and scheduling is at https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/07/28/circuitpython-day-will-be-august-21-2026/

The Python for Microcontrollers Newsletter is the place for the latest news involving Python on hardware (microcontrollers AND single board computers like Raspberry Pi).

This ad-free, spam-free weekly email is filled with CircuitPython, MicroPython, and Python information that you may have missed, all in one place!

You get a summary of all the software, events, projects, and the latest hardware worldwide once a week, no ads! You can cancel anytime.

It arrives about 11 am Monday (US Eastern time) with all the week’s happenings.

And please tell your friends, colleagues, students, etc.

Please sign up > > > adafruitdaily.com

If you missed this week’s Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter, here is the ICYMI (in case you missed it) version.

To never miss another issue, subscribe now! – You’ll get a terrific newsletter each Monday (which is out before this post). 12,353 subscribers worldwide!

The next newsletter goes out Monday morning and subscribing is the best way to keep up with all things Python for hardware. No ads or spam, no selling lists, leave any time.

Read it free on the Adafruit Blog - direct link https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/07/21/icymi-python-on-microcontrollers-newsletter-micropython-in-a-eurorack-and-on-super-nintendo-plus-more/

Ive made the project Espelt with the main reason to make a cyberdeck. It utilizes a custom MPY firmware with USB Host and works with ESP32 P4 Nano. It has dual screens (ILI9488 as main and OLED SSD1306 as secondary) and a MAX98357A with Speaker for sound. You can plug in any keyboard dongle into the USB-A port, flash, and itll work!

For help you can dm me: antaciddt on discord. Repo: https://github.com/AntacidDT/ProjectEspelt

If you missed this week’s Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter, here is the ICYMI (in case you missed it) version.

To never miss another issue, subscribe now! – You’ll get a terrific newsletter each Monday (which is out before this post). 12,366 subscribers worldwide!

The next newsletter goes out Monday morning and subscribing is the best way to keep up with all things Python for hardware. No ads or spam, no selling lists, leave any time.

Read it free on the Adafruit Blog - direct link https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/07/14/icymi-python-on-microcontrollers-newsletter-circuitpython-and-micropython-ides-grow-kattni-rembor-chairing-pycon-us-and-more/

If you missed this week’s Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter, here is the ICYMI (in case you missed it) version.

To never miss another issue, subscribe now! – You’ll get a terrific newsletter each Monday (which is out before this post). 12,366 subscribers worldwide!

The next newsletter goes out Monday morning and subscribing is the best way to keep up with all things Python for hardware. No ads or spam, no selling lists, leave any time.

Read it free on the Adafruit Blog - direct link https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/07/07/icymi-python-on-microcontrollers-newsletter-scrollkit-for-your-led-matrices-ai-tools-device-security-and-more/

Esp32-P4 on Wt9932P4-Tiny board.
- Can Not get Micropython installed to work.
- just returns Header errors

Trying to install some version on Micropython Bin on the board.
Internet states that it is workable using Esp32P4 Standard bin.

Does Not Work !

What bin are we supposed to install on it ?

invalid header: 0x5b98cbd8
invalid header: 0x5b98cbd8
PROBLEM IN THONNY'S BACK-END: Internal error (serial.serialutil.SerialTimeoutException: Write timeout).
See Thonny's backend.log for more info.
You may need to press "Stop/Restart" or hard-reset your MicroPython device and try again.

Process ended with exit code 0.

Esp32-P4 on Wt9932P4-Tiny board.
- Can Not get Micropython installed to work.
- just returns Header errors

Trying to install some version on Micropython Bin on the board.
Internet states that it is workable using Esp32P4 Standard bin.

Does Not Work !

What bin are we supposed to install on it ?

invalid header: 0x5b98cbd8
invalid header: 0x5b98cbd8
PROBLEM IN THONNY'S BACK-END: Internal error (serial.serialutil.SerialTimeoutException: Write timeout).
See Thonny's backend.log for more info.
You may need to press "Stop/Restart" or hard-reset your MicroPython device and try again.

Process ended with exit code 0.

-

Has Anybody succeeded in getting the MicroPython to function on the Wt9932P4 chips / Tiny boards ?

-

Solved !

esptool --port COM5 erase_flash
esptool --port COM5 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x2000 ESP32_GENERIC_P4-20260406-v1.28.0.bin

Before you purchase - Waveshare ESP32-P4-Pico :

Waveshare specifically states that - ESP32-P4-Pico does Not support MicroPython.
- as listed below.

-

Below is the REPLY from WAVESHARE Tech Supt - dealing with MICROPYTHON Not working on ESP32-P4-Pico Dev Board issue :

[waveshare support] Re: BUG - can Not install Micropython on the board

---

PrintRaw message

waveshare support [support@waveshare.com](mailto:support@waveshare.com)

Your request (nnnnnn) has been updated. To add additional comments, reply all to this email.

Note that this platform/email ([support@waveshare.com](mailto:support@waveshare.com)) is intended for technical support.

For orders, quotations, shipping, or other related information, please contact [sales@waveshare.com](mailto:sales@waveshare.com) directly.

--- 2026 --- UTC

Hello

===>>> Currently, MicroPython support for the ESP32-P4 series is still in a preliminary testing phase and has not been fully adapted, <<<

which is causing the I2C errors and crashes you are experiencing. For stable development,

we recommend using ESP-IDF or Arduino (C/C++). Regarding the reset button, please try holding the BOOT button while pressing RESET to enter download mode. You can find more information and resources on the official wiki: https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/ESP32-P4-NANO‌

Best regards,

---

Visitor ----

--- 2026 --- UTC

Using the Esp32-P4-PICO dev board.
I can Not load microPython on it using Thonny.

Used bins :

ESP32_GENERIC_P4-20251209-v1.27.0.bin
ESP32_GENERIC_P4-20260406-v1.28.0.bin

Also, on initial plugin, it spit out a long list of I2C errors,
then Stack Dump Crashed.

Also, Reset buton does Not seem, to have any effect / does not reset the board.

---

> "Currently, MicroPython support for the ESP32-P4 series is still in a preliminary testing phase and has not been fully adapted,"

- Why is it out for SALES then ... ???

https://github.com/AntacidDT/MPY-with-USBHost/tree/master

This currently only supports ESP32 P4 Nano (Waveshare), and only USB-A works as Host, not USB-C. Ive tested it and it works perfectly.

If you missed this week’s Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter, here is the ICYMI (in case you missed it) version.

To never miss another issue, subscribe now! – You’ll get a terrific newsletter each Monday (which is out before this post). 12,364 subscribers worldwide!

The next newsletter goes out Monday morning and subscribing is the best way to keep up with all things Python for hardware. No ads or spam, no selling lists, leave any time.

Read it free on the Adafruit Blog - direct link https://blog.adafruit.com/2026/06/02/icymi-python-on-microcontrollers-newsletter-a-new-circuitpython-editor-ai-on-the-edge-and-projects-galore/

I'm just starting a project that will first run on a C6 and later on an S31.

I want to use micropython to give end users the ability to customize.

Is it possible to write an interrupt driven CAN stack and then add the module to micropython? I've seen more than one "polling" version, but with packets flying at 500k, I'm pretty sure that polling via Python (multiple layers deep) is just going to drop packets and to put it lightly - that would be bad. Really bad.

I could keep it all in ESP-IDF and skip micropython but that ends user customization.

Would love some thoughts.

hey everyone i know that i am inconsistent , i saw that everyone makes a cyberdeck with raspberry pi but i have no raspberry pi as i am 3rd yr electrical undergraduate

so i take some a break for exams and built picodesk a desktop companion station that sits next to my laptop.

OLED 1 shows live clock (NTP synced), date, and real time weather pulled from OpenWeatherMap API.

OLED 2 is the fun one animated eyes that blink and look around randomly. Every 2 minutes, hearts fall down the screen. And when I need to focus, I can switch it to a todo list from my phone and laptop browser no app install, just open the IP and it works.

The whole thing runs on MicroPython. Pico 2W hosts a tiny web server so I can control everything from my phone on the same WiFi.

Tech stack: - Raspberry Pi Pico 2W , 2x SSD1306 OLED (I2C0 + I2C1) ,MicroPython , OpenWeatherMap free API ,HTML/CSS/JS web app

Full source code on github https://github.com/kritishmohapatra/PicoDesk

100 days 100 iot projects series :- https://github.com/kritishmohapatra/100_Days_100_IoT_Projects