Running MU Editor on Windows 11. Installed Python 3.8 as this was stated to be a suitable MU version.
I can write and flash micropython programs on to a microbit (V1 or V2) and they run ok. When I try to then use the REPL for micropython commands it is very fragile. I can, say, run a basic sum ok or print statement but after completion it stops until I restart the REPL window then again the same thing. I tried connecting to micropython REPL using Putty with no success at all. If I run in command window F:>mode it write that the baud rate to be 9600? not 115200 as expected - I have tried both in Putty, no help.
When I connect the same microbit to a Mac using MU Editor all is fine. So it seems it is some windows issue/setting. I have allowed the MU app through the firewall, still no luck.
Now at a point where I at a loss to see what is causing the problem.
It needs to be a straight forward process for my students otherwise “boom”
Thanks for any advice,
Jim
Would it be possible to send through a photo of the REPL in Mu before and after sending a command?
When testing in PuTTY do you first make sure that the COM port is released by Mu?
If you have another micro:bit and computer on hand it might be worth testing if you see the same behaviour (this would rule out the USB-UART drivers).
It might also be worth giving Thonny a go, personally I find Mu to abstract a few features away when testing out new hardware, Mu is definitely the pick for students once we figure this out!
With MU I have tried REPL on windows 11 with both a Microbit V1 and V2 - identical problem. With Mu on a Mac both ok. In Windows it seem to take sometime to recognise the Microbit and show the drive.
When I select/reselect REPL in MU in Windows sometimes no response to typing sometimes a little then nothing occasionally will be able to carry out a print statement then nothing. It seems like something is causing an interupt. I will keep looking to see what programs/services I have maybe causing this - I saw on the Adafruit site that “auto-reload” may cause this:
“Some utility programs, such as backup, anti-virus, or disk-checking apps, will write to the CIRCUITPY as part of their operation. Sometimes they do this very frequently, causing constant restarts”
I tried with a Circuit Playground Express. Again problems recognising the device. When I reset to boot and tried to update the bootloader by dragging the file over it just hangs and difficult to cancel the operation.
“Some utility programs, such as backup, anti-virus, or disk-checking apps, will write to the CIRCUITPY as part of their operation. Sometimes they do this very frequently, causing constant restarts”
I have attached some representative files.
Many thanks for your assistance
Jim
It seems I have found the source of the problem (all fingers crossed) after far too much frustration and Googling.
I stopped and set the WDDriveService (Western Digital) to Manual
WD Drive Manager Properties
Service Name: WDDriveService
Display Name: WD Drive Manager
Decscription: Provides discovery of WD Drives
Path to executable: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Western Digital\WD Drive Manager\WDDriveService.exe”
Started MU Editor up and the REPL working as expected.
Issues associated with Circuit Playground Express and Putty also resolved.
I have now uninstalled WD Utilities. For what I need with my external HD’s its not warrented.
