Setup and Firmware
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Introduction
Welcome to the Raspberry Pi Pico course using MicroPython! This compact and powerful device is perfect for anyone looking to build cool projects. Whether you want to learn MicroPython, explore physical computing, or dive into hands-on hardware creations, the Raspberry Pi Pico and its awesome community are here to help you every step of the way!
The Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W are designed for fun experiments. With these boards, you can control everything from blinking LEDs to sensors and motors.
In this course, youโll discover the exciting possibilities of the Raspberry Pi Pico and learn how to turn your creative ideas into reality. Plus, the skills you pick up will apply to other devices that support MicroPython.
Raspberry Pi Pico
The pins on your Pico resemble those found on the general-purpose input/output (GPIO) header of a Raspberry Pi. However, unlike most Raspberry Pi single-board computers that come with pre-attached metal pins, the Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W do not include these.

The Raspberry Pi Pico 1 family consists of four boards; Raspberry Pi Pico (far left), Pico H (middle left), Pico W (middle right), and Pico WH (far right).
If you prefer a Pico with pins already mounted, look for the Raspberry Pi Pico H or Pico WH models. Thereโs a practical reason for offering versions without pre-attached headers: if you examine the outer edge of the circuit board, youโll notice it features small bumps with circular cut-outs.
These bumps form what is known as a castellated circuit board, allowing it to be soldered directly onto other circuit boards without the need for metal pins. This design is particularly advantageous when space is limited, resulting in a more compact final product. Most off-the-shelf devices utilizing the Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W will likely employ this castellated design.
The holes located just inside the bumps are meant for 2.54mm male pin headers, which are identical to the pins used on the GPIO header of larger Raspberry Pi models. By soldering these headers in a downward orientation, you can easily insert your Pico into a solderless breadboard, facilitating straightforward connections and disconnections for new hardwareโideal for experimentation and rapid prototyping.
At the core of your Pico lies the RP2040 microcontroller. This custom integrated circuit (IC) has been specifically designed and manufactured by Raspberry Pi to serve as the central processing unit for your Pico and other microcontroller-based devices. If you look closely at the chip, youโll notice the Raspberry Pi logo engraved on its surface, along with a series of letters and numbers that help engineers identify when and where the chip was produced.
