[initeq] STM32 ARM STM32F103C8T6 Blue Pill Minimum System Development Board with ST-Link V2 USB Programmer (2-Pack + ST-Link V2)

I'm starting up a custom PCB project, and I was looking for a board that would yields as vanilla an MCU experience as possible so I would know how to program my board when I assembled it. This is that. I used ST's CubeMX software to generate a sample project, opened it up in CubeIDE, and connected to this MCU via SWD and programmed it. The "hardest" thing was figuring out how to connect the headers (SWDIO == DIO, SWCLK == CLK, these are the pins on the bottom row, the row away from the gap).I did update the firmware for the ST-LINK though, as pointed out in another review of the ST-LINK dongle. Searched for STSW-LINK007 on Google, found the software package download on ST's website, ran it, and it updated the dongle firmware no problem.This thing is cheap, it works, and it's great exposure to the ST ecosystem. It's everything I wanted. 5/5

Not only did this include the 2 boards, headers and the ST-Link USB. It also included female header for making connections to a board. I am very happy with the product. I have soldered up one and tested it out with FreeJoy. The board looks clean and well put together. I would recommend.

It's not STM32 for starters, it's ch32f103t8t6, some markings on the crystal oscillator were scratched off, reset button looks different, the "ST-Link" device is badly made, e.g. the USB connector cap doesn't fit - the actual items don't resemble the description at all. Not going to test if it works, it's too risky.

This is a great way to start STM32, the adapter and cable are included and all the drivers are verified. I didn't have to do anything to get the ST-Link going on my PC. ST is a big company, they manage the drivers well. The Arduino IDE can be used to program it if you are not comfortable with the free STM32CubeMX IDE. I have to say though, the CubeMX IDE will let you reach the full potential of this board, it gives you access to everything on the F103. Each board in the kit ran my o-scope adaptation without issue. I'm happy with this purchase

I'd planned to use the Arduino IDE, so I had to flash the bootloader (which is why I goe my first package with the ST-LINK). Once I found the directions, I had them set up in less than 10 minutes.Mine were 128K variants, but there are 64K as well. But if Flash is that tight, consider a larger model.