gistfile1.txt

How To Compile Micropython + SoftUART for ESP8266

The build process for micropython is incredibly poorly documented all over the web,
often suggesting you try to coax many years-old toolchains out of retirement.

Here's how to do it simply, cleanly and (I hope!) correctly:

1. Install VirtualBox

2. Install Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS minimal as a Virtualbox guest.
   Other version will likely work, but this is what I used.
   20GB hard drive should be enough space (assuming minimal)

3. Enable SSH during installation and use PuTTY to log in...

sudo apt update
sudo apt -y full-upgrade
sudo apt install git docker.io make
sudo usermod -a -G docker $USER
reboot

4. Use PuTTY to log back in...

git clone https://github.com/micropython/micropython-lib
git clone https://github.com/micropython/micropython
cd micropython
git checkout tags/v1.19.1
wget -q -O - https://github.com/micropython/micropython/pull/7784.diff | patch -p1
make -C ports/esp8266 submodules
docker run --rm -v $HOME:$HOME -u $UID -w $PWD larsks/esp-open-sdk make -j 4 -C mpy-cross
git submodule update --init
cd ports/esp8266
docker run --rm -v $HOME:$HOME -u $UID -w $PWD larsks/esp-open-sdk make -j 4
ls -l build-GENERIC/combined-firmware.bin

5. Use WinSCP to copy ~/micropython/ports/esp8266/build-GENERIC/combined-firmware.bin