I can download and save the makecode uf2 files however the makecode app can't find the circuit playground, is the version/revision "D" and "E" not matching the problem?
Do I drag the bootloader file to the cplaybtboot: everytime to flash the playground?
In normal circumstances does dragging the uf2 file to the cplaybtboot drive load the program ?
or after the file has been dragged to the cplybtboot drive I press the reset button on the playground?
Sorry for all the questions, once I get things working I'm the off and running type and can amuse myself trying by different things..just had a slow start with the cable mess.
For folks who are comfortable with an early-release-version that does not support wireless capabilities, you can also try MakeCode Maker's block-based GUI coding environment on this board.
So try going to this website:
Then select the Circuit Playground Bluefruit. Hopefully it will now be able to recognize your board without you having to do anything special.
"And what looks to be a newer version (the model E) didn't work with the bootloader file we provided: adafruit-circuitpython-circuitplayground_bluefruit-en_US-8.0.2.uf2. And it's not clear to me what the differences are between the versions/models of Bluefruit...."
Maybe this is the reason the makecode app can't find the newer bluefruit playground?
And one thing I did notice with Arduino IDE, "Circuit Playground Bluefruit" isn't on the list so is that because it's compatible with the "Adafruit Circuit Playground" on the list or am I missing the Bluefruit playground drivers/files?
No. Despite the similar names, there are very significant technical differences between the three boards.
The Circuit Playground Classic board (referred to as Circuit Playground in the Arduino IDE boards list) uses the Microchip (née Atmel) ATmega32U4 microcontroller. The Circuit Playground Express board uses the Microchip ATSAMD21 microcontroller. The Circuit Playground Bluefruit board uses the Nordic nRF52840 microcontroller. Each of these boards use a different compilation configuration and upload mechanism.
Yes. Follow the instructions here to install support for the Circuit Playground Bluefruit board in Arduino IDE:
Hello, after hours of searching and seeing many people with the same problem I have come to the conclusion the CPB isn't supported by the makecode site yet. The simulator works and dragging the downloaded uf2 file to the cplaybtboot drive works however the makecode can't find the newer bluefruit board.
The difference is with the express board that is supported, just clicking the download button on the makecode loads the program and you can see the results straight away without the need to open your download folder and dragging it to the cplaybtboot drive.
Maybe not really an issue for some but when your chopping and changing different things in the makecode to see what it does, the time saved just by clicking a download button and seeing the results instantly is big ...so it looks like I just have to get the express board which will give me 3 circuit playgrounds and bragging rights not many people in my town have all 3 that's nearly $100 worth
I realize makecode is coding for dummies but we all have to start somewhere it took me 2 weeks to work out the was a hole in the roof of a shed in "Outlaws" after running around with all the keys forever trying to open the door
not many people in my town have all 3 
it took me 2 weeks to work out the was a hole in the roof of a shed in "Outlaws" after running around with all the keys forever trying to open the door 