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  • Author Author: ntewinkel
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Programming the board

ntewinkel

Ok, I'll admit it - just plugging in this board and watching the multi-coloured LEDs light up is fun but doesn't keep me entertained for very long.

 

So the next step is to set up the development environment so I can program it myself.

 

The packaging for the board directed me to http://www.st.com/stm32f4-discovery, which provides all kinds of information related to this board. For example, did you know it comes with an accelerometer as well as a microphone built in?

 

Clicking on the Design Support tab, I noticed that they have a downloadable zip available that contains a set of 22 different examples to run on the board - Perfect!

 

But before I can run any samples, I'll need some development software - it looks like the file UM1467 under "user manuals" is what I need for that.

 

But first, because I'm on a Mac, I need to use VirtualBox (VirtualBox.org) to get a Windows environment, as this STM stuff doesn't run in MacOSX.

Since I haven't used it in a while, I started by updating the VirtualBox software to the latest version, then installing the VirtualBox extensions so I can use USB 2.0, and then I updated my blank Windows XP installation with the latest guest additions and letting Windows Update get all of the latest automatic updates installed.

 

ps, I did have a VM all set up and running dev environments for various other boards, including the STM8, but sadly I've run out of space on my virtual drive there. So I thought it best to start with a new VM dedicated to the STM32F4.

 

And now it's lunch time...

  • in reply to DAB

    Hi DAB,

     

    My plan is to eventually build a webcam using the kit e14 provided - that kit includes the STM32F4 board, a touchscreen, a base board (with ethernet, among other things), and a camera.

     

    My first step is to just work with the main board itself to see how it goes. Right now I'm trying to figure out which dev environment to get image

     

    Cheers,

    -Nico

  • Hi Nico,

     

    Have you defined your project yet?  I am interested in how you apply this board to your application.

     

    The board clearly has some interesting features.  Have you decided which of the onboard capabilities that you plan to use?

     

    I was tempted to get this board, but I just do not have the free time right now, so I will be following you progress as you post.

     

    Have fun,

    DAB