The Adafruit Circuit Playground (CP) is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. Code.org's Creating Apps for Devices (Circuit Playground) curriculum is compatible with the CP Express and the CP Classic, but requires specific Firmata application to install onto the board.
To distinguish between the the different types of Circuit Playgrounds, the type (Express or Classic) is displayed in text on the back of the board. Note that Code.org does not support the CP Bluefruit.
Table of Contents
- Circuit Playground Express: Installation via Drag-and-Drop
- Circuit Playground Classic: Installation via Arduino IDE
Circuit Playground Express: Installation via Drag-and-Drop
To detect whether the CP Express has the required Firmata application installed, go to https://studio.code.org/maker/setup and click on the 'Connect to Board' button.
If 'No compatible devices found' is displayed on the pop-up window, then you will need to update the board with the required Firmata application.
You will need to download the Firmata application (.UF2 file) and follow the instructions on how to click and drag the file to the CP Express CPLAYBOOT drive. The CP Express must be in bootloader mode during this installation process. Detailed instructions are available here.
Circuit Playground Classic: Installation via Arduino IDE
To detect whether the CP Classic has the required Firmata application installed, go to https://studio.code.org/maker/setup and click on the 'Connect to Board' button. Then select the Circuit Playground in the window that pops up and click on 'Connect'.
If the Firmata application is not installed, you will be see an X for the third setup check:
Click on the 'for Circuit Playground Classic boards with these instructions' link for detailed instructions. You will need to install the Arduino IDE in order to update the Firmata application.