First attempt - error no debug probe ?

Using Arduino Avrdude, stk500, Bootloader issues
1

Bought a STM32F411 based board that looks identical to a 'BlackPill". Installed the latest Arudino IDE and STM32CubeProgrammer. Set board to Generic STM32F4 and opened the example program 'blink'. Connected the board via USB-c to my pc and held 'boot0' while tapping NRST (red light stays on, blue 'breathing' led goes off)

On pressing Upload I get.......

Sketch uses 13312 bytes (2%) of program storage space. Maximum is 524288 bytes.
Global variables use 1216 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 129856 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 131072 bytes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
STM32CubeProgrammer v2.15.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Error: No debug probe detected.
Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status 1

2

It seems to be looking for a debug probe (SWD), rather than the bootloader that you want to be talking to if you're manipulating the BOOT0 button.

try changing the "Upload method" in the tools menu (probably to "STM Cube Progammer (Serial)", but ... maybe DFU...)

3

As a note:
Using a $2 St- link is much more convenient than pressing buttons on the board.

4

ST Link v2 on its way if needed but hope that I can program the device via the onboard USB-C !.

Arudino IDE 2.2.1 has no option on my screen for 'upload method' ?. If I try 'get board info' it returns the error 'please select a port to obtain board info'. EDIT FOUND IT. CURRENTLY SET TO 'CUBE SWD'. BOARD PART NUMBER CORRECTED TO BlackPill F411CE (as it appears thats what I have). ATTEMPTING DFU and SERIAL MODE STILL GENERATES ERRORS ???. The other options are BMP(Black Magic Probe) and 'HID Bootloader 2.2' ?.... I note the 'USB support' is set to none ?, options are CDC generic, CDC no generic and HID ?

I have though managed to get STM32CubeProgrammer v2.15.0 talking to my board (after holding boot0 and tapping rst). It's currently displaying the board memory. It also reports connected via USB and.......
Device - stm32f411xC/E
Type - MCU
Device ID - 0x431
Flash size - 512kb Default
Cpu - Cortex-M4
Erase external flash - No sectors to display (need to solder the chip on the rear of the board ?)

Yes Cube was running while fighting with the Arduino IDE.

Tying the IDE again I notice it keeps forgetting my selection of 'Generic STM32F4 series' and repeatedky reports 'no ports discovered' when selecting boards (ticking show all ports does nothing). Cleared log in STM32CubeProgrammer' and tried upload via the IDE again. Just the usual errors , no probe detected and failed uploading. No logs showing in Cube.

Needless to say im not impressed with all this ST !. It should all work seamlessly in the IDE as soon as the board is connected without needing other software running too !!

5

Is this a common problem with Arduino IDE and BlackPill type boards or the USB-C connection ?. Odd how STM32CubeProgrammer is happy !

6

I don't know. We don't seem to see a lot of Arduino Black Pill Board users or questions or projects here.

7

Yes, it is possible.
I work a lot with blackpill STM32F401 & F411 boards. I was able to start loading via USB on these boards. But it's quite inconvenient to press the buttons at the right time, so since I switched to st-link, I never use USB boot and therefore don't remember how to do it.

8

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