Getting started with Raspberry Pi Pico

I was intrigued by Raspberry Pi Pico and the collaboration with makers. I was looking for an excuse to get started with MicroPython & CircuitPython. So here are my note on the same! The initial getting started notes are going to be based of the Getting started with Micropython with Raspberry Pi Pico. There is a PDF version of the book as well.

Plugin the Raspberry Pi Pico to the computer, the Pico should show up as a disk drive. Please download the latest stable release of MicroPython and then copy the .uf2 file into the Pico Drive. The drive will automatically disappear, this means that the MicroPython is successfully installed.

Next is the IDE, we will use Thonny , Download the IDE package for your operating system and install it.

Open Thonny after installation and check check which Python interpreter is running your code. It should be the Python Interpreter onboard the Pico. Click on the bottom right of the IDE and select MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)

Next is HelloWorld.py , as always we will start of blinking the onboard LED

# import machine, imports the Pico's functions and definitions
import machine
# imports time based functions
import utime
# Lets define the onboard LED, machine.On(Pin number, Output / input)
led_onboard = machine.Pin(25, machine.Pin.OUT)
while True:
    # Switches the LED on
    led_onboard.value(1)
    # wait for 5 Seconds
    utime.sleep(5)
    # Switches the LED off
    led_onboard.value(0)
    # wait for 5 Seconds
    utime.sleep(5)
# Repeat from top    

Save the above text as HelloWorld.py to your Pico as shown in the GIF below

Now look at the Pico Board, the LED should be blinking every 5 seconds

Now on to the next challenge 🙂