Mini Fig Boards

This page can be used to troubleshoot issues with your Minifig board. The boards comes with the UF2 bootloader pre-installed and a version of CircuitPython pre-installed. The boards are supported in Mac and Windows 10/11 without any need for additional drivers. Plug them in, and they appear like a USB drive.

Firmware Updates – CircuitPython and MicroPython

Start with the latest version of CircuitPython firmware for the boards: CircuitPython Downloads The Mini SAM M4 is also supported with Micropython: MINI SAM M4 Downloads. Instructions for installing the firmware can be found on the Adafruit Website. This covers the basics, but be sure and use the specific for the board you are using; ie Fig Pi for the RP2040 based board and Mini SAM M4 for the SAMD51 based board.

Bootloader

The UF2 bootloader should never need updating or replacing, but in some rare case where the board is otherwise stuck, you can download the latest copy here: UF2 Bootloader – Look for Mini SAM M4 Please note – the UF2 bootloader for the Fig Pi is locked to the chip and at this time no update is available.

How to Reset Your Board

If you get stuck and or have corrupted code, follow these steps to rest your board and clear the memory. This will clear all your libraries and code off the board.

  1. Put the board into bootloader mode by double pressing the RESET button on the board. Timing is semi-important, but you’ll know the board is in bootloader mode when it appears on your computer as a drive titled MINISAMBOOT (Mini SAM M4) or RPI-RP2 (Fig Pi).  For the Fig Pi – you can optionally hold the BOOT button while plugging it into your computer.
  2. Once in bootloader mode, download and copy/drag the new firmware onto the MINISAMBOOT drive: Firmware to Reset Mini SAM M4 Memory. OR TBD – RPI-RP2 Reset code.  This will automatically update the firmware to a version that erases the storage files on the board on every reboot. Your board will automatically reboot into normal mode (CIRCUITPY) and it should now be in working order waiting for a code.py file to be uploaded. If left in this state, your code and library files will be erased with each reboot.
  3. Put the board back into bootloader mode by following instructions in Step 1.
  4. Re-load the standard firmware from the CircuitPython Downloads Page for your board.  The board will automatically restart into CIRCUITPY state again – ready for new code.

CircuitPython Basics

Adafruit has a very good write-up on Circuit Python itself. Please read through there for information. https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/overview

Arduino

Only the Mini SAM M4 is supported in Arduino at this time.  For help installing the board definitions, please read Arduino Support.