TLDR:

• Install Arduino IDE
• Use “https://raw.githubusercontent.com/stm32duino/BoardManagerFiles/d1c46284dec37305d563a87eecfb545e3c66a166/STM32/package_stm_index.json” for the Boardmanager preferences
• Add Bluepill from Boardmanager

• Disable Aggressively cache compiled core from in the Preferences

I assume you are using a BluePill Board with an STLink programmer. You can burn the STM32duino bootloader, which will enable you to program over USB. This is not in the scope of this HowTo (for now).

Download the Arduino IDE

Go to the Arduino Download Page and Download the Package that coresponds to your Operating System.

• On Linux you can untar the archive with tar xfv Downloads/arduino-*-linux64.tar.xz
• On Windows you can run the installer or use the explorer to unzip the downloaded archive.

Now start the Arduino IDE by running the arduino binary.

Add STM32 Boardsupport

Go to File -> Preferences and copy the following URL to the Additional Board Manager URLs field:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/stm32duino/BoardManagerFiles/d1c46284dec37305d563a87eecfb545e3c66a166/STM32/package_stm_index.json

For now the STM32duino project is refactoring its codebase and does not support the Bluepill. We use an old snapshot to circumvate this. Once this is fixed we can use this URL: https://github.com/stm32duino/BoardManagerFiles/raw/master/STM32/package_stm_index.json

Driver (Windows only)

On Windows you will have to download the driver and if you want the device manager utility, which will both require you to have a free account.

Test Blink Example

Choose Tools->Board->Boardmanager… , search for bluepill and install the STM32F1xx Cores by ST-Microelectronics package.

Go to File->Examples->01. Basics->Blink

Now go to Tools->Board->STM32F1xx->BluePill F103C8. Choose Tools->Upload Method->STLink

Click Upload. You should end up with an blinking LED.

Troubleshooting:

• “STLink not found”:
  • On Windows reinstall the driver. It will tell you, if a STLink was found and configured during installation
  • On Linux unplug the STLink and use dmesg --follow to ensure it is detected correctly
• “Board not found” or “Device not found”
  • Ensure that both Boot Jumpers are set to 0.
  • Verify the electric connections between STLink and BluePill
  • Replug STLink
  • Try flashing with the BOOT0 jumper set to 1
• arm-none-eabi-gcc: error: C:_build_514602/core/syscalls_stm32.c.o: No such file or directory
  • Open Preferences and uncheck in the Setting tab the Aggressively cache compiled core option. ## Talking to Lora module For now there is currently no compatible Lora MAC in C short lmic port. I will update this document once it get it to work.