Format Propeller to Python?
AIman
Posts: 531
Does anyone know if you can format a Propeller chip to be programmed in Python?
I would like to swap my current Props to Python.
Comments
Hello Alman,
The P2 can be programmed in Python https://www.parallax.com/propeller-2/get-started/micropython/
Ken Gracey
Unfortunately the Propeller 1 lacks the amount of RAM needed to run MicroPython. As Ken stated, however, the P2 does run MicroPython.
I was hoping to run Python without needing to learn a dialect.
A thought just occurred to me.
Can I run my P1 on Python using a I2C 512k EEprom as RAM?
MicroPython is a Python dialect
It would be far too slow and die too soon.
Chips or boards running MicroPython are far cheaper than their Propeller equivalents. Look at the ESP8266/ESP32 family or laaater at the new Raspi-Pico. Give the PiPico still some time, it seems not to be free from hiccups yet.
On the subject of MicroPython boards, Parallax sells the Micro:bit unit as well as a BOE shield to mount it on a BOE-Bot. The Micro:bit is designed to use MicroPython and should be relatively easy to integrate into most propeller projects. https://www.parallax.com/product/cyberbot-conversion-kit/
Micro:bit is very tight.
You get beefier critters (RAM and speed wise) for less bucks.
But ok, in some contexts the eco system around the Micro:bit might be the biggest decision influence.
Yip yip, 1.14 is the current stable release, but all my µPy-1.14 on ESP8266 critters sleep right now.
So ~36k free on el cheapo ESP8266 (ESP12 variant) and on newer ESP32 modules you can have up to 4MBytes free for µPy.
... the code block above is broken, I hope someone able to fix it will have a look...
The simplest ESP32 chips have ~100k free, the biggest (I know of) 4M free.