Learn all about the Raspberry Pi PICO series microcontroller. In this series we are presenting videos covering many aspects of MicroPython programming as it applies to the PICO. Each video covers a specific topic with enough information to take you from newbie to expert.
Introducing the Raspberry Pi PICO and our video series covering all things Raspberry Pi PICO. This video lays the ground work for our extensive video series covering the PICO. Over 50 videos are planned in this series so you may want to subscribe and click the notification bell so that you stay up to date with the releases. A new video will be released every Friday night. Join us on this journey to explore all things Raspberry Pi PICO.
In this Video, Chris walks you through the steps needed to get the RPi Pico ready for programming with Micro Python. This is a great starting point if you are following along on this entire series devoted to the PICO. Here are links to some related information for your convenience:
https://thonny.org/ https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/ https://hackspace.raspberrypi.com/books/micropython-pico https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/rp2/quickref.html https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/library/machine.html#module-machine https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/pico-display-pack
Learn how to use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) on the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller. Explanations will cover theory, applications of PWM, what a PWM signal looks like, how to set frequency and duty cycle. Several examples will be provided including controlling LED brightness control as well as variable power output.
Explore deeper into the Micropython Machine module as we take a look at the PIN class. The PIN class is probably the most used class in the library on the Raspberry Pi PICO. In this video we will demonstrate setting up the PIN as an INput and a OUTput. Here is what is covered... * What the PIN class is used for
* What it is
* How to know which pins on the PICO can be used
* How to create an object for a PIN
* How to configure the Pin as an INput or OUTput
* How to check the status of an OUTput
* How to check the status of an INput
* How to set the state of an output to on or off
Learn how to use Interrupts on the RPi PICO microcontroller. Covered in this video are:
* What Interrupts are
* Applications for Interrupts
* Two parts of an Interrupt
* Example Programs using Momentary Switches
* How to Deal With Switch Bounce
Timers are very simple devices on the Raspberry Pi PICO but they can help you do so much more with your programs and they do it VERY efficiently.
Covered in this video are:
* What they are, uses
* Types of timers and more
Program examples for both types timers are provided and explained in great detail.
In this video, Chris demonstrates how to make a program auto run on power up. Also covered is how to stop the program from auto starting as well.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw
Learn how to save data inside the PICO using its internal file system.
Covered in this video...
* What internal file storage is
* What you may want to write
* Limitations & Locations of file
* Wiring & Breadboard example - Really simple
* Three Micropython program examples
* How to format data file for import into a spreadsheet
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw
How to use pull up or pull down resistors with digital inputs.
In this video, we will be explaining the need for and use of pull down or pull up resistors when using inputs on the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.
5 different example programs are used to demonstrate how they are used. An oscilloscope is also used to show the effects of these resistors.
Files for download are available on the companion website.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
How to read analog voltage with the Raspberry Pi PICO. Analog input is a great feature of the PICO and using it is very simple. In this video we will:
* Explain analog signals
* Show which pins can read analog signals
* Show how to wire up a POT as a voltage divider (Fritzing)
* Demonstrate the process with a Micropython program
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-OwgUsing
PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM
Get a LOT more performance from your Raspberry Pi PICO by altering its clock speed. In this video, Chris demonstrates how easy it is to change the clock speed and double its performance.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
I went shopping several times during 2022 and this is some of what I bought. Nearly everything here is specifically for the Raspberry Pi PICO series of videos and as such, this is material for upcoming stories. Join me as I go through all these exciting devices.
If you have ideas for portable or mobile Raspberry PI PICO projects, be sure to watch this video to see how easy it is to power the PICO with batteries.
Source of PICO Scroll - Pimoroni https://shop.pimoroni.com/
The PICO can only source about 10mA to drive a device and has no flyback protection for inductive devices (solenoids, relays, motors). If you are driving anything larger than a low powered LED or logic input, you should be using a buffer chip. In this video, learn how to use one of the more common buffer chips, ULN2803.
There are times when you simply need more inputs or outputs, don't despair! In this video, Chris introduces you to an i2c port expander chip that is easy to use and interface with the PICO. Add up to 128 GPIO pins, with each being an Input or and Output.
A Raspberry Pi PICO was a major contributor when I added an automatic tool changing system to my CNC machine. As with most complex electromechanical devices, interfacing between devices is a challenge, whether it be electrical, or mechanical. See how the PICO helped solve one of the roadblocks in this complex system.
In this 'Thonny Tips' presentation, Chris explains the File Handling and Management Features of Thonny. Short and to the point for an easy watch!
Continuing the mini-series of the Thonny IDE for the Raspberry Pi PICO, we look at the built-in plotting function of the editor. This very handy feature allows you to graphically visualize data in your program as it runs. Spend a few minutes with us on this video and learn more about this feature.
Learn about the built-in debugger in Thonny with this short video clip.
More file management functions to help you with your PICOs. See how much available space there is for files and what size the files are. Great feature for those larger projects and for those projects that store data internally.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
The PICO has a built in Watchdog timer. This feature can help to improve the reliability of your PICO powered projects. Chris walks you through all the details of how easy it is to utilize this amazing feature.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
Learn about the Outline and ToDo features of Thonny. Often overlooked but can be very helpful!
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
While the Raspberry PI PICO is fast and powerful, most people never use the other half of its processing devices - Core 1. The RP2040 has two cores and you can use both of them with MicroPython. This video shows you how to use them to "double" your processing speed. Also covered is the details of how to lock data and other resources so that only one core can access certain data at any given time.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
Use your PICO to provide the proper sequencing to control a stepper motor. While not the most efficient nor the best way, it does show you a bit about how stepper motors and drives work. This is the first in a small series of videos on stepper motors.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
Open Collector outputs can be tricky to understand. In this video, Chris explains enough of the details to get you "over the hump" so that you can work with them on the PICO and other electronic devices.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
In this video we will cover the very basics of obtaining the proper UF2 file and installing it into the PICO. Also covered is an example program that will be used as a framework for several other videos on this channel. This particular example program creates a nice looking webpage that the PICO W can serve and it has a nice graphical interface for sending data to the PICO W.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vrawPICO
Machine Library PIN Class https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg
Step and Direction step motor drives are the leading method to control & drive stepper motors. They are used in applications from toys to industrial machinery. In this video, Chris explains the "ins and outs" of what is involved when using your PICO with them.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Control Stepper Motor by "Sequencing" the Outputs
In this video, Chris explains how he made a tachometer for his precision drill press. The spindle on this machine runs at 11,000 and this tachometer can easily handle that speed. Utilizing a 3D printer, the housing can be made quickly and easily. The tachometer is run on a PICO, and uses the Waveshare 1.28" round display and an RPR-220 photo reflective sensor.
SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS:
Tachometer - Part 1
Tachometer - Part 2
Tachometer - Part 3
Many of your PICO projects will be self powered and you need a special USB cable to communicated with it otherwise you can damage the PICO or the batteries. Connecting USB while the PICO is powered can also create a safety hazard!.
This video explain why this is a problem and how to take an ordinary and inexpensive cable and make is safe for use.
BE SURE TO HAVE THE USB CABLE UNPLUGGED WHEN MAKING THIS MODIFICATION!
Every time a new model of computer or microcontroller comes out, there is the expectation of performance improvements. This video is about the simple, but very practical way, I compare new models to old models. This is about basic, simple raw performance that everyday users can appreciate. I put the Raspberry PI PICO W against the Raspberry PI PICO 2 W in a head to head challenge.