Getting started with the software portion of the project proved to be quite difficult.  I had to learn which tools and software to use in order to do so.  Below is a breakdown of my selections along with how you can get started yourself if you wish to use a similar tool chain.

Programming Tool:

I chose the STLINK-V3

https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stlink-v3set.html

This seems to be a very versitile tool.  I plan on using the following pins to interface with my board:

1. VCC (3.3V)
2. CLK
3. GND
4. DIO
5. NRST (Forgot to route, going to need to solder wire to make connection [TP 47])

Choosing an IDE:

Choosing an IDE seemed to be the most difficult decision.  Through a bit of research I decided on using the following tools:

• STM32CubeIDE
  • This is where I will be writing my code
  • https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeide.html
• STM32CubeMX
  • This is used to autogenerate the code for hardware specific portions of the SW
    • Pin assignments
    • Clock settings
    • etc.
  • https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubemx.html
• STM32CubeProgrammer
  • This is used to take the binary file generated from the IDE and flash it to the microcontroller
  • https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeprog.html

Powering Board:

I simply plugged in a 12V center positive plug pack into the power connector.  You could power up using a current limited supply just in case, but I felt confident so I plugged directly into wall.

You should see the back light on LCD power on:

You should also be able to measure 3.3V on the voltage regulator:

Connecting Board To Programming Tool:

Next I connected the programming tool to my board.  You will need to make the following connections:

1. VCC (3.3V)
2. CLK
3. GND
4. DIO
5. NRST (Forgot to route, going to need to solder wire to make connection [TP47])

I plan on switching to the STLINK-V3 main 14 way connector for future revisions in order to simplify the programming tool connections.

Communicating With Microcontroller:

With everything plugged in.  I opened the STM32CubeProgrammer, crossed my fingers and hit connect:

I succesfully connected to the microcontroller which means I am ready to start programming.