About the PICO Series of Videos

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.  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

LEDs are very important communication devices, especially when used with microcontrollers.  In this video we will cover: History, Resistor selection, Wiring and more.  We will then go over several program examples showing how to: Turn on and off, Fade on and off, Control their brightness, and finally how to communicate a coded message with them.  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw   

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

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  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

In this short video Chris explains what is wrong with the leads he has and why he purchased this new set.  Take a break and check out these test leads to see if they might make life better in your shop.

PURCHASE TEST LEADS HERE -- https://amzn.to/3MokT3H

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

How to interface the Raspberry Pi PICO to an LED Bar Graph display.  Covered in this video:   

* What are they   

* Applications   

* Datasheet example   

* Example wiring Fritzing   

* Breadboard example   

* Simple program turning on Segments in sequence   

* VU Meter example   

* Battery level indicator gauge   

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

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  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

How to interface the Raspberry Pi PICO to a seven segment LED display.  Covered in this video are the following subjects:    

  * What they are     

  * Applications for them    

  * Datasheet example    

  * Example wiring Fritzing    

  * Breadboard example    

  * Code example turning on Segments in sequence    

  * Code example for showing numbers    

  * Code example for showing a 4 digit code with a marker  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

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.  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

Learn how to interface Momentary Switches to the RPi Pico and learn how to make the switch behave the way you want it to!  Momentary switches are VERY commonly used in many applications with microcontrollers and this video will help you understand them extensively.  Covered in this video: 

* What is a Momentary Switch 

* That they are used for 

* Datasheet Review 

* Fritzing wiring diagram 

* Dealing with Key bounce effectively 

* How to define their behavior with FIVE program examples  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

This video covers programming and interfacing rotary encoder switches and motor encoders to the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.  Back ground information is provided on applications for both types of encoders. Several program examples are provided and explained covering practical applications in user interfaces and for direction, distance and velocity monitoring of motors..  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw

 Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files 

Looking for a solution to a nagging problem, Chris found and purchased these test leads to see if they would solve that problem.

How to use RGB LEDs with the Raspberry Pi Pico.  RGB LEDs are very useful communication and display devices.  In this video we will show you how to use the effectively.  Covered in the video: 

* What are RGB LEDs 

* What are some applications for them 

* Datasheet example & review 

* Fritzing diagram (schematic) and breadboard review 

* How to control with simple ON/OFF outputs 

* How to control with PWM to control brightness  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

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  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

How to use toggle switches with the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.  

Toggle switches are great switches to use in projects because of their very intuitive design and easy of use in programs. 

Covered in this video: 

* What toggle switches are 

* Application for them in your projects 

* Datasheet review 

* Fritzing wiring diagram (schematic) and breadboard example 

* MicroPython example program  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files   

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

 Interfacing Rocker Switches With the Raspberry Pi PICO using Micropython.  Rocker switches have many uses beside turning power on and off for a device. These switches, with their intuitive design, can be used to turn features on and off within your programs.  Covered in this video: 

* What they are 

* Applications for their use 

* Review of a datasheet 

* Wiring diagram example (Fritzing) & bread board example 

* Micropython program example(s)  

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

 How to interface E-Stop and Limit switches to the Raspberry PI PICO using interrupts for rapid response.  

Covered in this video...  

* What are these switches and what are they used for 

* WARNING About the use of this example 

* Uses for these in your projects 

* Fritzing Wiring diagram 

* Example program using interrupts 

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

Keypads are very economical devices used to input data into microcontrollers.  In this video we will explore how to use them with the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller using micropython.  

Covered in this video: 

* What the keypads are 

* What applications / uses they have

* How they work 

* Wiring example in Fritzing format 

* Program example & overview for unique methods to use them 

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

 Learn how to interface the HC-SR04 distance sensor to the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.  

Covered in this video...  

*  What the HC-SR04 is 

*  What it is used for 

*  How it works 

*  Applications 

*  Concerns about using it and drawbacks of it 

*  Wiring diagram 

*  Example program measuring distances in IN and MM with filtering. 

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

 Latching switches come in a variety of packages and have uses with microcontrollers.  In this video we will learn how to use a latching switch to alter the behavior of our programs.  In this video we will cover: 

* What latching switches are 

* Applications for latching switches 

* Review of a data sheet 

* Fritzing wiring diagram (schematic) 

* Breadboard example 

* MicroPython program example
 

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 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

Learn how to interface an ANALOG matrix keypad to the Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.  Analog keypads are not common but have a great advantage, they only use ONE GPIO pin.  

In this video we will cover: 

* What they are 

* Applications for using them 

* How to to wire them up (Fritzing diagram) 

* How to program for them in Micropython
 

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 

Read Analog Voltage with the PICO https://youtu.be/X5Q-9ieLZPE 

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files  

Learn how to read and write data to SD cards with your Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller.  This capability allows you to record data with your PICO, store it on an SD car and then import it into a spreadsheet on your PC for data processing.  Awesome capability and easy to implement.  

Covered in this video...  

*  What the SD Card is 

*  What it is used for 

*  Applications for using them 

*  What you need 

*  Wiring diagram 

*  Example program 

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files 

 Rotary switches are handy switches to use in project as they are easy to operate, often heavy duty, and sometimes nostalgic looking.  These switches can control the behavior of your program, turn devices on and off, etc.  In this video we will cover: 

* What they are 

* Applications for them 

* Review of a datasheet 

* Wiring diagram using Fritzing 

* Breadboard example 

* Program example for simple implementation  

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files 

 Slide switches come in a variety of packages and can often add a nostalgic look to your projects.  Interfacing them is easy and this video shows you how on the Raspberry Pi PICO.  

In this video we will cover: 

* What they are 

* Applications for them 

* Datasheet review 

* Wiring diagram in Fritzing format 

* Example micropython program 

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Using PICO Interrupts https://youtu.be/9Fio0BlMsVM  

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files 

 Learn how to interface Potentiometers with the Raspberry Pi Pico using its ADC interface.  

The example program demonstrates using 3 potentiometers at the same time.  Also covered in this video...  

*  What they are - varieties & range of resistance (10k very effective range) 

*  How they are used for - most often a voltage divider  

* What application they can be used for 

* Wiring up for use with the PICO (Fritzing) 

* Example program reading two types of pot.
 

SEE ASSOCIATED VIDEOS: 

Raspberry Pi PICO Setup and Preparation for Programming   https://youtu.be/-1xDEE3vraw 

Using PWM on the RPi PICO microcontroller   https://youtu.be/wT9R1aUUttw 

PICO Machine Library PIN Class   https://youtu.be/QDtZpuh-Owg 

Read Analog Voltage with the PICO  https://youtu.be/X5Q-9ieLZPE   

DOWNLOAD FILES HERE -- https://makingstuffwithchrisdehut.com/electronics-files