Introduction to Python and Microcontrollers

ESP32-S3 WROOM Setup — Windows

1. Install the CH343 USB Driver

The ESP32-S3 WROOM uses the CH343 chip for USB-to-serial communication. You must install its driver before your computer can communicate with the board.

1. Install driverCH343SER.EXE
2. Open the folder and double-click CH343SER.EXE.
3. Click INSTALL and wait for the installation to complete.
4. Close all dialogs.
5. To test
   • Connect the ESP32-S3 WROOM and verify in Device Manager that USB-Enhanced-SERIAL CH343 (COMx) now appears under Ports.

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2. Install Thonny IDE

Thonny is the recommended Python IDE for programming the ESP32-S3 with MicroPython.

1. Download the installer: https://github.com/thonny/thonny/releases/download/v5.0.0/thonny-5.0.0-x64.exe
2. Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
3. Follow the installer — click Next through each step.
4. Optionally change the installation path via Browse.
5. Check Create desktop icon for easy access later.
6. Click Install and wait for completion. Do not click Cancel during installation.
7. Click Finish.

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3. Install Python 3

Python 3 must be installed on your computer before you can burn MicroPython firmware to the board.

• Download and install from: https://www.python.org/downloads/
• Follow the official installer instructions. Make sure to check Add Python to PATH during installation.

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4. Flash MicroPython Firmware

The ESP32-S3 needs MicroPython firmware flashed onto it before you can run Python programs.

The firmware is located in setup/Python_Firmware/ESP32_GENERIC_S3-SPIRAM_OCT-20250809-v1.26.0.bin

Flash the firmware:

1. Connect the ESP32-S3 WROOM to your computer via USB.
   • Use the right hand USB3 connection on the microcontroller
   • If the blue light is blinking when connected press the reset (RST) button
2. Open the folder setup/Python/Python_Firmware in File Explorer.
3. Click on the address bar, type cmd, and press Enter to open a Command Prompt in that folder.
4. Run the following command:

   python windows.py
   

5. Wait for the firmware to finish burning. You will see a completion message when done.

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5. Configure Thonny

1. Open Thonny (use the desktop icon or Start Menu).
2. Go to View → enable Files and Shell.
3. Go to Run → Configure interpreter.
4. Set the interpreter to MicroPython (ESP32).
5. Set the port to USB-Enhanced-SERIAL CH343 (COMx) — the COM number shown in Device Manager.
6. Click OK.

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6. Test the Connection

In the Shell panel at the bottom of Thonny, type:

print('hello world')

Press Enter. If hello world is printed back, the connection is working correctly.

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7. Running Code

Run Online (while connected to PC)

1. In Thonny, click Open… → This computer.
2. Navigate to 01_first_examples/code/HelloWorld.py
3. Click Run current script (green play button).

Note: If you press the reset button on the ESP32-S3 while running online, the code will not restart automatically.

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