Well if you’ve not heard of CircuitPython yet, you’re probably living under a rock, it (IMO) is the easiest way to get you started with DiY electronics projects. Whenever I meet a hardware newbie at events or meet-up asking me about the best/quickest way to start developing hardware projects I used to recommend Arduino which is a fantastic platform to get started with but things have changed now.

Python is already one of the most widely used programming language (interpreted) being taught in schools and universities around the world and Arduino which uses C++(Wiring library) is good choice to start with but does require a system setup which is highly dependent on the operating system, Drivers supports etc and also requires you to cross compile your Arduino source code and upload it to the board.

While on the other hand CircuitPython compatible boards show up as a drive (USB MASS storage, just like a thumb drive) on your PC and you can drag and drop new firmware (.uf2) to update it and just need to edit the file ‘code.py’ which btw stays on board itself (no cross-compilation required) to use it the way you want , making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to get started with DiY Electronics/Hardware project development.

It’s been a few years now when Adafruit decided to fork out of MicroPython project (which they also support in all way possible) and have their own lines of custom supported boards for the CircuitPython project and built a very friendly and helpful community around it . Lately I’ve been speaking in different conferences around the world talking about CircuitPython and seeing people getting amazed on how easy it is to develop using it and am really thankful to amazing community backing this wonderful project.

This year we at India Linux User Group -Delhi (ILUG-D) and Hardware Hacker’s club - Delhi decided to introduce CircuitPython to our local community members of Delhi, India and there was no better day to do this than the official Circuitpython day itself. Though the official day was on 8-8-2019 (being the most snakey day), we celebrated in on 4th Aug since it was a weekend.

We wanted this event to be more of a hands-on experience for the attendees and for the same reason I reached out to Adafruit asking if they can support us with some boards to hack-on, for which they readily agreed, Thanks to Phillip for helping us with the logistics and planning the event.

Now we did had few major glitches :P like the shipment getting stuck in in-bound customs and later being delayed by the logistic partner, DHL . We were really playing on the edge, 3 days prior to the event a couple of guys ( Pri4ate, hellozee, Philomath, Cvam ) went to the Customs office to convince them release the package so we can conduct this educational event which did work and we were expecting the package to be delivered next day, but again for some unknown reason it was delayed to an extent that we actually planned on cancelling the event.

That is when I realise the true power of the community. When I put forward this situation in front of the community members and started thinking about the potential solutions, such as buying the boards locally contributing some amount of share. While some other members kept a check on DHL by calling their helpline number urging to arrange a special delivery or even arranging a pickup. A lot of members also tweeted and when we lost all the hope and were about to cancel the event I received an email from DHL confirming though it’s not usual for them but keeping in view the amount of pressure they are getting from the community, they are arranging a special delivery for us late in the evening and we couldn’t be happier. I drove 50kms to receive the package with few other guys and this was the happiness of not cancelling the event :D

If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together !

I emailed Adafruit as soon as I received the package and post the message on the community that we’re going ahead with the event :D .

That is the beauty of community, everybody working together helping one another solving problems. In the same terms CircuitPython is a great project not just because of it’s simplicity and codebase but because of a supportive , friendly and welcoming community, hence Kattni well coined Code + Community = CircuitPython

Now on the event day everything was well organised, we had food sponsored by Github Education. DunkenMaster helped participants get started with CircuitPlayground express board and we opened the floor announcing a Hackathon with the same board to see what people can make using the board in 2 hours. I must say I was really amazed to see all kind of different projects by attendees using the board and it’s components so well, all thanks to amazing documentation and drivers supports for different on-board peripherals with CPX library abstracting all the complications, making it easier for even the non-programmers (We had few during the event) to hack on the board and make projects.

Few projects that people made were:

1 - IR Tag game - Uses IR LED, IR sensor and 10 neopixel to make first person shooter game, good to be played in group

2- Touch Password - Uses touch pads and HID to inject password on correct touch sequence

3- Touch Piano - Because why not use that cute little speaker ;)

4- Pedometer -Step counter using on-board accelerometer

5- HID attacker - CircuitPython snakes it way to the rubber ducky ::D

6- VU Meter - Putting those LEDs in use with the mic

7- LED rolling - Rolling led effect with board tilt

We had a fun time seeing all the projects in actions had a quick community vote and the winners got to keep the board kit.

I showed my projects - The arc reactor, NeoTrellis synth, Hallowing Eye Candy to the attendees which they really liked. Had planned few other projects using PyPortal, PyGame and PyBadge but unfortunately these boards were out of stock :/ maybe next time :D

Finally cutting the Blinka cake made in the shape of CircuitPlayground express board we concluded a wonderful event. The idea was to make people come together in a community setup to hack on amazing hardware focused project making them realise it’s not as intimidating as it looks and FOSS projects like Circuitpython makes it even more fun and resourceful and I believe we achieved this event and got to see the influence of community as a bonus :D

Here are some of my favourite photos from the event, you can check out the whole album here.

That was the wrap, more coming soon. Maybe something at PyCon India 2019 (Teaser! TEASER!) ;)