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Inkplate 5v2 MicroPython - Formatting the microSD card

The built-in microSD card slot on the back of Inkplate 5v2 is useful for storing a large number of high-quality images to display, or for reading and writing data between deep sleep cycles.

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All supported card formats are: FAT16, FAT32, exFAT
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All supported card types are: SD, SDHC and SDXC

Preparing the microSD card before usage​

For best results, use the official SD card formatter to format the card to FAT32 before use.

Official SD card formatter
The official SD Card formatter

Initialization​

The microSD card has to be initialized before you can use it. This powers on the microSD card circuitry and performs the necessary memory allocations:

from inkplate5v2 import Inkplate

inkplate=Inkplate(Inkplate.INKPLATE_1BIT)
inkplate.begin()

# Note:
# - This function must be called before accessing files on the SD card.
# - fast_boot performs a soft reboot right after mounting the card, which speeds up
# later reads. On a cold start the script restarts from the top when it runs, so
# anything below this line only executes on the second pass. Leave it out if that
# is not what you want.
inkplate.init_sd_card()

inkplate.sd_card_sleep()

inkplate.init_sd_card()

Initialize the onboard microSD card interface, allowing images, fonts, and data files to be loaded from the SD card.

Returns type: None

Returns value: Nothing. If the card cannot be read, the error is only printed over serial.

Function parameters:

TypeNameDescription
Booleanfast_bootOptional, defaults to False. If True, performs a soft reboot right after the card is mounted (only on a cold start or hard reset), which improves later SD read speeds.

inkplate.sd_card_sleep()

Puts the microSD card circuitry into low-power sleep mode to save energy when the card is not in use.

Returns type: None