Setup for using Raspberry Pi Picos for programming lessons.
Install Circuitpython:
- The version of circuitpython you use depends on if you're using a Raspberry Pi Pico or the PicoW. Download and copy the circuitpython .uf2 to the Pico from either:
- Note: (Copies of version 9 of these files are included in the ./circuitpython/ folder in this repository for convenience, but may not be the most up to date.)
Copy librarie/s:
- You will need the neopixel.mpy library from the appropriate circuitpython bundle. The version for version 9 of circuitpython is included in the ./lib folder of this repo for convenience.
- Copy ./lib/neopixel.mpy to the lib/ folder on the Pico.
Run:
- On the Pico, run the code.py file. The program Thonny facilitates this:
- Thonny:
- You will most likely need to set the interpreter on Thonny. This can be done either through Tools->Options->Interpreter menus, or clicking on the interpreter listed on the bottom right corner of the Thonny window.
- Thonny:
Raspberry Pi Pico or PicoW:
- This setup has been tested with both boards. Other boards that can run circuitpython will probably work as well.
LED Strips:
- Use WS2812b led strips. The box design above is set up for 20 LEDs at 144 leds/meter, but any number of these leds and any density can be used.
- Connections from Pico -> LED strip:
- Ground -> Ground
- GPIO (default GP27) -> Data
- 5V -> 5V
Design for laser-cut box (optional):
- SVG: ./hardware/pico-strip-box-single.svg
- Original Corel Draw files: ./hardware/pico-strip-box-single.cdr
PCB (Optional):
- This is a PCB design that facilitates mounting the Pico to the box and attaching the wires for the LED strip, but, it's not necessary.
- (./hardware/pico-LED-Touch-Analog-1x-v3.zip).
- We use 2 mm diameter nylon bolts (8 mm long) and nuts to secure the Pico to the PCB, then solder the five marked contacts.
- A 3-pin terminal block (0.1 inch/0.245 mm spacing) can then be soldered to the marked pins to make it easier to attach and adjust the wires going to the led strip.