ImportError: No module named smbus

[wybiral]

On a fresh install of Raspbian lite I get this error when trying to run install.sh:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "autodetect.py", line 2, in <module>
    import smbus
ImportError: No module named smbus
Sorry, I couldn't find any breakouts!

Installing the Python smbus module fixed this issue but I thought it might be useful to document that here.

[koaning]

Similar issue here: pimoroni/vl53l1x-python#9

[sigmaeo]

For the beginners a bit more in detail: Install it with:
sudo apt-get install python-pip
sudo apt install python-smbus

[quintest]

I noticed when using the lite 2018 11 edition of Raspbian I had similar issues, using the full edition there were no errors regarding smbus.

[phrostylicious]

I noticed when using the lite 2018 11 edition of Raspbian I had similar issues, using the full edition there were no errors regarding smbus.

Same here - has anyone figured out what seems to be missing from the Raspbian Lite version that causes this? And ideally, how to fix it?

[jjsanderson]

I'm seeing the same issue with current Raspbian Raspberry Pi OS. Specifically the Lite install on a Pi Zero W. Some reports on Pimoroni message boards/Discord suggest @sigmaeo's steps (and a reboot) are all that's needed, but that didn't work for me.

However, running through the installers for the specific breakouts I have installed, I find they work as expected while connected through the Breakout Garden.

So… everything is working for me except this clever auto-installer.

[Gadgetoid]

So… everything is working for me except this clever auto-installer.

This is what I get for trying to be clever. I think this auto installer is quite out of date, too, so I need to add shaking it up to my TODO list.

[jjsanderson]

I keep promising myself that I’ll learn the ropes of contributing by submitting documentation PRs. Of course, this seems perennially the work of some future me. 😕

[Gadgetoid]

If you find the time/inclination I'm always happy to talk you through the do's and don'ts... insofar as I understand them. Even the smallest fixes are greatly appreciated.