How to use OLIMEXINO-STM32 with Espruino IDE

How to use OLIMEXINO-STM32 with Espruino IDE

1. By default OLIMEXINO-STM32 is programmed with Maple bootloader - the first thing to do is to upload the Espruino bootloader. This guide details on how to do it using the built-in STM32 bootloader - in this case you would need serial cable (like USB-SERIAL-CABLE-F). Alternatively, if you have an ARM debugger, you can just flash the binary of the Espruino bootloader to the board.

1.1. Download the Espruino bootloader pack from this link: http://www.espruino.com/Download

1.2. Unzip the archive. You will see a list of *.bin files. The one we need is "espruino_1v77_olimexino_stm32.bin" (in future the number of the version could be different).

1.3. In order to upload this bin file you need "STM32 Flash Loader Demonstrator" and "USB-SERIAL-CABLE-F" (or similar serial cable with RS232 level adapter)

1.3.1. Connect the serial cable to the UEXT lines of the UART interface (pin #3=TX and pin #4=RX). Make sure the OLIMEXINO-STM32 is powered (either via mini USB or external power supply to the power jack).

1.3.2. Download and install the "STM32 Flash Loader Demonstrator" software from ST's official web-site. At the time of writing it can be downloaded from here: https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/flasher-stm32.html

1.3.3. Open STM32 Flash Loader Demo and select the COM port number of your USB-SERIAL-CABLE (you can see it in Windows Device Manager) and configuration:

Baud rate: 19200

Bits: 8

Parity: Even

Echo: Disabled

Timeout: 120

1.3.4. Reset the board while holding the button

1.3.5. Go twice "next" and on the next menu from the radio buttons choose "Download to device" option and select the bootloader (espruino_1v77_olimexino_stm32.bin).

1.3.6. Once bootloader is uploaded you no longer need the USB-SERIAL-CABLE.

2. Install the driver

2.1. Download the driver from this link at the official ST web-site: http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF257938

2.2. Unzip the archive and run VCP_V1.4.0_Setup.exe to install them.

2.3. Upload the driver - In "Device manager" you should see a device called "STM32 Virtual COM Port". Right click -> Update Driver Software... then browse to the folder where you install the drivers from 2.2. point (it should be something like this: C:\Program Files (x86)\STMicroelectronics\Software\Virtual comport driver"

2.4. Now the device should be recognized in Ports (COM & LPT) tab.

3. Install Espruino Web IDE for Google Chrome browser

Visit the following address: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/espruino-web-ide/bleoifhkdalbjfbobjackfdifdneehpo --> "Add to Chrome" --> Add --> Launch App

4. Running software with Espruino IDE

4.1. Plug-in mini USB cable to OLIMEXINO-STM32 board.

4.2. Try to establish connection Espruino IDE. On the top left corner there is a yellow icon. When you click it you will be prompted about the COM port. Select the one of your board.

4.3. Upload the default code in the IDE. If everything is OK the green LED should start blinking.

5. How to run the LED-STRIPE-xx example provided by Milan Gacik?

5.1. Read the pdf provided by Milan Gacik on how it is done https://www.olimex.com/Products/Duino/STM32/OLIMEXINO-STM32/resources/christmas_tree_with_stm32.pdf - the hardware connections between OLIMEXINO-STM32 and LED are also explained.

5.2. Follow the instructions on pages 2 and 3.

Refer to Espruino's web-site for more information on using their bootloader and integrated development environment.