Inkplate esptool.py fails with ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'serial'

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

I’m trying to get started with Inkplate but I’m having difficulties with the first set of commands. I successfully installed python3, but when trying to run the command python3 esptool.py --port /dev/cu.usbserial-1420 erase_flash I get the following error:

Pyserial is not installed for /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.11/bin/python3. Check the README for installation instructions.

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/Users/[name removed]/MICDEV/esptool-master/esptool.py", line 34, in
    import esptool
  File "/Users/[name removed]/MICDEV/esptool-master/esptool/__init__.py", line 41, in
    from esptool.cmds import (
  File "/Users/[name removed]/MICDEV/esptool-master/esptool/cmds.py", line 14, in
    from .bin_image import ELFFile, ImageSegment, LoadFirmwareImage
  File "/Users/[name removed]/MICDEV/esptool-master/esptool/bin_image.py", line 14, in
    from .loader import ESPLoader
  File "/Users/[name removed]/MICDEV/esptool-master/esptool/loader.py", line 30, in
    import serial
  ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'serial'

I’m a frontend JS developer and this is my first Python project, so I’m finding the setup quite difficult. Also, is it normal that nothing happens when connecting the Inkplate device to my computer?

I’m on a Mac with M1 Pro running macOS Ventura.

Originally submitted via email support on 21 July 2023. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

This issue with calling pyserial from esptool.py can happen on Mac or Linux. Try running these lines in your terminal to install pyserial:

apt install python3-pip
pip3 install pyserial
apt install python-is-python3

Then try uploading the code as described in the README.

Regarding nothing happening when you plug in Inkplate: which Inkplate model do you have? Does it have a power button? It should light up blue when Inkplate is powered on. If it’s not blue, press the power button and Inkplate should turn on. Also, on the back of the device there is a switch which turns the Power on LED on or off - make sure it’s on.