At CircuitMess, we believe that everyone can learn to code. That’s why we’ve designed our software ecosystem to grow with you—whether you’re snapping your first blocks together or writing complex firmware from scratch.
1. CircuitBlocks: Visual Learning Power
Our primary platform, CircuitBlocks, uses an intuitive block-based visual programming language that’s perfect for beginners. As you drag and drop blocks, the platform generates MicroPython code in real time, so you can see the logic behind your creation instantly. If you would rather type than drag, you can start a sketch in Code mode and write that MicroPython by hand.
CircuitBlocks supports all our current and upcoming programmable devices, and it works the same way on every one of them: it writes MicroPython, whatever firmware the device shipped with. Because your program runs from the device's memory rather than being written to it permanently, it clears when the device is reset — see “Why doesn’t the program I wrote in CircuitBlocks stay on the device after a reset?” for what that means in practice.
2. Advanced Tools for Power Users
Ready to take the training wheels off? We offer two distinct paths for advanced developers:
Arduino IDE (C++): For those who want to dive into the world’s most popular electronics platform, we provide full support for the Arduino IDE.
Supported devices: Ringo, Spencer, Jay-D, Wheelson, ByteBoi, Synthia, Chatter, Chatter 2.0, CircuitPet, Batmobile & Controller, Clockstar v1, Armstrong and Nibble.
Open-Source C++ Firmware (ESP-IDF): Our latest and most powerful kits are built with an open-source firmware written directly in C++ using the professional ESP-IDF environment. This allows for deep, low-level optimization and professional-grade development.
Supported devices: Clockstar v1 and v2, Bit, Codee, Artemis, the NASA Perseverance Mars Rover and its Mission Control controller, Butter Bot and its controller, Nevera and its controller, and MAKERphone 2.0. Clockstar v1 appears in both lists because you can program it either way.
3. Total Flexibility
Whether you prefer the simplicity of MicroPython blocks or the raw power of professional C++, our hardware is an open book. You are never locked into one way of building; we provide the tools, and you provide the imagination.