Setting Up Raspberry Pi OS for MPRemote Visual Studio Code
This page details the steps for setting up a Raspberry Pi board for MicroPython development using Visual Studio Code and the MPRemote VS Code extension. Some knowledge of Raspberry Pi is assumed. The steps are geared toward reusing older generations of donated Raspberry Pi hardware. The procedure is tested on a 32-bit Raspberry Pi 2 with 1G of RAM.
This step will require the following:
- A PC or Mac with a Micro SD card slot (or appropriate adapter.)
- Access to the internet for downloading.
You may skip this step if this isn't the first time you're flashing a Micro SD card with Raspberry Pi OS.
- Visit https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/ to download the version of the tool for your operating system.
- Install the tool by double-clicking the installer file.
- To run the tool, find Raspberry Pi Imager in the list of installed applications for your PC.
If this is your first time using Raspberry Pi Imager, learn more about it by reading and watching the short video on the Raspberry Pi Imager announcement page. Keep in mind there have been improvements made to the tool since the vdeo, so things will look slightly different. This differences will be highlighted in the procedure below.
There are three things you must choose to create a Micro SD card for use with your Raspberry Pi. There is also a fourth grouping of options that will pre-configure the system for you.
- Choose the Raspberry Pi device. Because there are several generations of Raspberry Pi, it's important to get this right.
- Choose an Operating System. In all cases, you will want Raspberry Pi OS. 32-bit or 64-bit depends on the generation of Raspberry Pi hardware.
- Choose the storage device. This is the easiest step. It is the Micro SD card on your system and is often the only device in the list.
- Choose additional configuration options. Press CTRL + SHIFT + X to bring up the super secret options page. Visit each tab and fill in as appropriate.
If a picture is worth one-thousand words, this section is priceless. These screenshots give some examples of what to expect while using the Raspberry Pi Imager. Go ahead and scroll past if this isn't your first time using Raspberry Pi Imager.
Figure 1: Finding the App (Windows OS example)
Figure 2: Raspberry Pi Imager Awaiting Your Choices
Figure 3: Choosing a Device of Raspberry Pi 2
Figure 4: Choosing a 32-bit OS for Raspbery Pi 2
(TODO: Get screenshot.)
Figure 5: Choosing the Micro SD card
Figure 6: The General Tab of Customization (CTRL + SHIFT + X)
Figure 7: The Services Tab for Enabling Secure Shell (SSH) Connections