Get Started With Micropython; About Micropython; Why Use Micropython; Micropython On The Xbee Smart Modem - Digi XBee 3 Cellular LTE-M User Manual

Get started with MicroPython

About MicroPython

MicroPython is an open-source programming language based on Python 3, with much of the same
syntax and functionality, but modified to fit on small devices with limited hardware resources, such as
microcontrollers, or in this case, a cellular modem.

Why use MicroPython

MicroPython enables on-board intelligence for simple sensor or actuator applications using digital and
analog I/O. MicroPython can help manage battery life. Cryptic readings can be transformed into useful
data, excess transmissions can be intelligently filtered out, modern sensors and actuators can be
employed directly, and logic can glue inputs and outputs together in an intelligent way.
For more information about MicroPython, see www.micropython.org.
For more information about Python, see www.python.org.

MicroPython on the XBee Smart Modem

The XBee Smart Modem has MicroPython running on the device itself. You can access a MicroPython
prompt from the XBee Smart Modem when you install it in an appropriate development board (XBDB
or XBIB), and connect it to a computer via a USB cable.
Note MicroPython does not work with SPI.
The examples in this guide assume:
You have XCTU
n
You have a terminal program installed on your computer. We recommend using the
n
MicroPython Terminal in
You have an XBee Smart Modem installed in an appropriate development board, such as an
n
XBIB-CU-TH.
The XBee Smart Modem is connected to the computer via a USB cable and XCTU recognizes it.
n
The board is powered by an appropriate power supply, 12 VDC and at least 1.1 A.
n

Use XCTU to enter the MicroPython environment

To use the XBee Smart Modem in the MicroPython environment:
1. Use XCTU to add the device(s); see
2. The XBee Smart Modem appears as a box in the Radio Modules information panel. Each
module displays identifying information about itself.
3. Click this box to select the device and load its current settings.
4. Set the device's baud rate to 115200 b/s, in the BD field select 115200 [7] or higher and click
the Write button
pasting large amounts of code/text.
5. Put the XBee Smart Modem into MicroPython mode, in the AP field select MicroPython REPL
[4] and click the Write button
Digi XBee® 3 Cellular LTE-M/NB-IoT Global Smart Modem User Guide
on your computer. See Install and upgrade
XCTU. This requires XCTU 6.3.7 or higher.
Install and upgrade XCTU
. We recommend using flow control to avoid data loss, especially when
.
About MicroPython
XCTU.
Use the
and Add a device to XCTU.
38