1. Python SDK Setup (Quick Start)

Downloading And Flashing the SD Card Image

The first step is to download our version of the latest Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian). This version is preconfigured with the Sphero SDK, which will make set up very easy. First download this file and save it on your computer.

You'll need a tool to write this image onto a micro SD card. We recommend using Balena Etcher, but you can use any tool you're familiar with. After you have a writing tool downloaded and installed, insert your micro SD card into your computer before moving on.

If you're using Balena Etcher, open the application, and select the .gz file you downloaded. There is no need to unzip the the folder.

The next step should automatically be configured to use the micro SD card you inserted, unless you have multiple external drives attached. In that case, you'll need to select the drive containing the micro SD card. Click "Flash!" to kick off the image writing process. On Windows, you will see a User Account Control popup asking if you want to allow the Windows Command Processor to make changes to your device. Click Yes to continue.

You should see the UI update with progress bar. Once the writing process is complete, you can eject the micro SD card from your computer.

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warning

If you're on Windows, you may see this dialog. DO NOT FORMAT! You'll erase the image you just wrote. Windows 10 does not support the file system used by the Raspberry Pi, so it thinks it's corrupted. Just ignore the message and eject the micro SD card.

Finally, insert your micro SD with the preconfigured image into the card slot on your Raspberry Pi.

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important

If you want to continue with Quick Start, click here to set up your Raspberry Pi OS.

Clicking the button below will take you to the Advanced set up, which you may not want.