Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🛠️ Getting started with Arduino Sketch for the Ai Thinker Ai-M61-32S development board with the Bouffalo Lab BL618 RISC-V microcontroller requires the Arduino core specifically designed for BouffaloLab chips. This RISC-V-based board, featuring the Ai-M62-32S module, boasts Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.3, and Thread connectivity, making it an excellent choice for IoT and embedded applications. To begin, ensure you have Arduino IDE version 2 or newer installed. Then, add the custom board package through the Arduino IDE's preferences settings to enable compatibility with the Ai-M61-32S. The URL for the board manager is: github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo/releases/latest/download/package_bouffalolab_index.json
💡 The first project to explore with this board is a classic LED blink sketch, demonstrating fundamental microcontroller functionality. This example involves defining two pins connected to the onboard LEDs, configuring them as output, and toggling their states at one-second intervals. Use a USB-C cable to upload the sketch to the Ai-M61-32S. Comprehensive source code, available on GitHub, includes essential configurations and examples specifically designed for this board, ensuring a smooth and beginner-friendly start. 🔗
✨ After uploading the sketch, the LEDs should blink in an alternating pattern, confirming the board's operation and successful execution of the sketch. As an open source enthusiast I am a Linux user and the demonstrations in the video have been done using Ubuntu 24.04. Pretty much the same steps should work with Arduino IDE on MS Windows or Mac OS. This simple project not only validates basic hardware control but also serves as a stepping stone to unlocking the advanced capabilities of the BL618 microcontroller, including its robust wireless features. However, it's worth noting, as discussed at the end of the accompanying video, that the Arduino core for BouffaloLab chips is still in its early stages and may present certain software limitations. 🚀
📚 Useful Links
===
github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo
github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo/releases/latest/download/package_bouffalolab_index.json
github.com/AnaviTechnology/anavi-examples/blob/master/ai-m61-32s/ai-m61-32s-blink/ai-m61-32s-blink.ino
anavi.org/article/295
🛠️ Getting started with Arduino Sketch for the Ai Thinker Ai-M61-32S development board with the Bouffalo Lab BL618 RISC-V microcontroller requires the Arduino core specifically designed for BouffaloLab chips. This RISC-V-based board, featuring the Ai-M62-32S module, boasts Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.3, and Thread connectivity, making it an excellent choice for IoT and embedded applications. To begin, ensure you have Arduino IDE version 2 or newer installed. Then, add the custom board package through the Arduino IDE's preferences settings to enable compatibility with the Ai-M61-32S. The URL for the board manager is: github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo/releases/latest/download/package_bouffalolab_index.json
💡 The first project to explore with this board is a classic LED blink sketch, demonstrating fundamental microcontroller functionality. This example involves defining two pins connected to the onboard LEDs, configuring them as output, and toggling their states at one-second intervals. Use a USB-C cable to upload the sketch to the Ai-M61-32S. Comprehensive source code, available on GitHub, includes essential configurations and examples specifically designed for this board, ensuring a smooth and beginner-friendly start. 🔗
✨ After uploading the sketch, the LEDs should blink in an alternating pattern, confirming the board's operation and successful execution of the sketch. As an open source enthusiast I am a Linux user and the demonstrations in the video have been done using Ubuntu 24.04. Pretty much the same steps should work with Arduino IDE on MS Windows or Mac OS. This simple project not only validates basic hardware control but also serves as a stepping stone to unlocking the advanced capabilities of the BL618 microcontroller, including its robust wireless features. However, it's worth noting, as discussed at the end of the accompanying video, that the Arduino core for BouffaloLab chips is still in its early stages and may present certain software limitations. 🚀
📚 Useful Links
===
github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo
github.com/bouffalolab/arduino-bouffalo/releases/latest/download/package_bouffalolab_index.json
github.com/AnaviTechnology/anavi-examples/blob/master/ai-m61-32s/ai-m61-32s-blink/ai-m61-32s-blink.ino
anavi.org/article/295
