Introduction
Introducing a new way to learn how to use the Raspberry Pi Pico, focusing on coding. I am creating a series of PCB learning boards that will make the process easier to learn electronics and programming.
As a teacher I understand that constructing circuits on breadboards can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for beginners. That’s why I designed PCB boards to be easily swappable and interchangeable, allowing students to focus on coding and learning MicroPython or CircuitPython without worrying about complicated wiring.
The idea is learn coding and how different sensors work first then focus on building circuits. The boards are perfect for students of all ages and skill levels, providing an introduction to microcontrollers that is both fun and educational. Each PCB Shield board is designed to focus on specific sensors or modules, with a series of lessons that teach you about the components, how they work, and how to program the Pico in either MicroPython or CircuitPython. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can choose to build the circuit yourself using a provided diagram, or use the board in your own projects.
Where to Buy the learning “Pico Learning Boards?”
The board is open source and you can order the PCB using JLCPCB who is a sponsor of the YouTube channel. I am also planning to sell the boards as a kit which you can buy through gumroad in the future. This will support the channel/website and project.
What is the Raspberry Pi Pico?
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a compact, low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It’s designed to provide a flexible and accessible platform for both beginners and professionals to create a wide range of digital projects and applications.
Key Features
-RP2040 Microcontroller Chip: The Pico is powered by Raspberry Pi’s first microcontroller chip, the RP2040, which features a dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133MHz.
-Memory and Storage: It comes with 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of on-board Flash memory, providing ample space for your applications.
-Versatile I/O: The Pico provides a wide range of I/O options, including 26 multifunction GPIO pins, 3 analogue inputs, and a variety of interface support like I2C, SPI, and UART.
-On-board Temperature Sensor: An integrated temperature sensor provides a way for applications to respond to changes in ambient conditions.
-Castellated Module: The Pico’s castellated module allows soldering directly to carrier boards, making it an excellent choice for both prototype and production.
-Micro-USB B Port: The Pico can be powered and programmed via a micro-USB B port, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices.
Applications
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
-Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: With its low power consumption and wide range of I/O options, the Pico is an excellent choice for IoT devices.
-Embedded Systems: The Pico’s compact size and powerful microcontroller make it ideal for embedded systems.
-Robotics: The Pico can be used to control a wide range of robotic systems, from simple hobbyist projects to complex industrial applications.
-Education: With its low cost and easy-to-use design, the Pico is an excellent tool for teaching programming and electronics.
-Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to experiment with electronics, a professional developing a new product, or an educator teaching the next generation of programmers, the Raspberry Pi Pico offers a powerful and flexible platform for your needs.