7 years, 10 months ago.

How can we install mbed serial driver, without a device plugged in?

We have a huge user base with the micro:bit in schools (The BBC distributed 1 million free devices last year, and they are now commercially available).

The mbed serial driver install instructions are here:

https://developer.mbed.org/handbook/Windows-serial-configuration

However, to install this driver, you both have to have admin access, and the micro:bit must be physically plugged into the machine in order to install the driver.

The mbed serial driver is required in order to use any serial port functionality, specifically the REPL shell that is built into the Python Mu editor (codewith.mu) but also for anything that requires data transfer to the PC (datalogging is a *big* thing in schools).

Teachers and I technicians tell me that it is a huge problem getting this driver installed, partly because of the admin access (which means children can't do it but an IT technician must do it), but also because you have to have the micro:bit connected when installing the driver as it will not install unless both are true.

This creates a terrible logistics problems for schools. It seems the only way that they can set up windows PC's to use the serial port (and therefore access the Python REPL and any form of connectivity leading to great data logging and analysis opportunities), they have to manually visit all PC's in the school, log in as administrator, plug in the micro:bit, and install the driver.

Can anyone who is involved in the development of the mbed windows serial driver comment on whether it is possible to create a modified version for us that will install without a micro:bit (which is an mbed board) connected, and/or without admin access?

As a case study, I have a school technician who has to manually install 250 PC's around the school in order for the school to engage with micro:bits (as the children could use any of the computers in the school to access their micro:bit).

Thanks in advance.

David Whale