Experiments on Beaglebone microcomputers

Work-in-progress

PocketBeagle-2 placed upon Techlab cape.

PocketBeagle 2 Python Examples

The examples are based upon the original workshop vsx-examples for PocketBeagle-2 and the Techlab cape, which can be found on Techlab workshop PocketBeagle-2, including examples in another language Rust.

I've modified the Python examples into object oriented code (classes), add exception handling and main execution so the source files can be used in import - see techlabcape.py.

The folder pocketbeagle-2 provides Python examples for PocketBeagle 2 on best effort basis. A TechLab cape is required to run the examples.

• usrled.py: example to control USR LED of the PocketBeagle. Replaced workshop blinky.py.
• rgbled.py: Examples to control the RGB-LED on the TechLab cape.
• buttons.py: Simple example to detect button release (or pressed which does not work yet).
• light_sensor.py: Simple example logging light sensor data.
• seven_segment.py: Simple example to demonstrate 2 seven segments on TechLab Cape.
• buzzer.py: Simple example to play Harry Potter melody on a buzzer. Replaced workshop tonal_buzzer.py.
• heartbeat.py: workshop example to control the trigger of a USR-LED.
• techlabcape.py: a simple asyncio example for most of the devices on the Techlab cape (work in progress)

My Code tree setup

~/projects
  | workshop
       | vsx-examples
          | libraries
              sysfs.py
              chardev.py
              notes.py
          | pocketbeagle-2
             |lib
                 libraries specific for Pocketbeagle-2 (currently empty)
              Python sourcecode examples
              README-files
              techlabcape.py - an examples running most of the devices on the Techlab Cape

Initial Prep

Add some Python library folders to the Python path. I've added a specific pocketbeagle-2 lib folder, for libraries only for a PocketBeagle-2 and a common libraries folder, for libraries in common with Beaglebone Black.

Pocketbeagle-2

Add following to .bashrc or .bash_aliases:

export PYTHONPATH=$HOME/projects/workshop/vsx-examples/pocketbeagle-2/lib:$PYTHONPATH
export PYTHONPATH=$HOME/projects/workshop/vsx-examples/libraries:$PYTHONPATH

Beaglebone Black

Add following to .bashrc or .bash_aliases:

export PYTHONPATH=$HOME/projects/workshop/vsx-examples/beaglebone-black/lib:$PYTHONPATH
export PYTHONPATH=$HOME/projects/workshop/vsx-examples/libraries:$PYTHONPATH

Run Examples

cd ~/projects/workshop/vsx-examples/pocketbeagle-2/
python {example_name}.py

History

• 2025-0816 PP - updated code tree setup, Python codefiles, add techlabcape.py
• 2025-0814 PP - updated various Python files (rgbled.py, buttons.py)
• 2025-0805 PP - add Pocketbeagle-2 Python examples.
• 2025-0716 new setup