Raspberry Pi Pico - Control the (I/O) World

Let’s hook up some common components to the new Raspberry Pi Pico and see how to code for them in MicroPython!

The Raspberry Pi Pico is the first microcontroller produced by the Raspberry Pi Foundations, and they even designed the MCU for it. It has a wealth of features and a budget-friendly 4-dollar price tag.

With all of the hype around the Pico since its announcement a few weeks ago I wanted to actually DO something with it. So I decided to hook up a few simple I/O devices to it and see how to code for them using MicroPython.

I did all the coding on the Thonny IDE, and to keep things in the family I used a Raspberry Pi 4 as my host computer. You can also use Thonny and the Pico with Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X workstations as well, but it’s already installed and ready to go with the latest Raspberry Pi Operating System release.

All of these are basic I/O experiments with very simple code, but they each illustrate a useful technique that can be applied to other I/O devices. Plus, if you’re not familiar with MicroPython, it will help you ease into it, as all of the code is very elementary.

For those of you who are put off by the need to solder your own Pico pins fear not, I’ll show you just how easy it is. I'll even give my Pico a bath after I finish soldering it!

Here is what you will see in today's detailed look at the Raspberry Pi Pico:

00:00 - Introduction
03:17 - Raspberry Pi Pico
12:02 - Pico Soldering
19:15 - Set up Thonny IDE
23:36 - LEDs and Switches Intro & Hookup
26:12 - RGB Blink Demo
28:55 - Switch Test
31:36 - Interrupts & Toggle Demo
36:09 - LED & Switch Demo
37:42 - Analog Input Intro & Hookup
38:59 - Analog Input Demo
42:32 - LED PWM Demo
44:26 - OLED Display Intro & Hookup
45:49 - Display Demo
49:13 - Motor & H-Bridge Intro & Hookup
51:21 - Motor Demo
54:37 - The Everything Demo
58:05 - Running Programs at Boot-up
1:00:42 - Conclusion

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this cute little microcontroller. It has some very nice design features but it also faces a lot of competition from devices like the Seeeduino XIAO, Arduino 33 IoT series, and, of course, the ESP32 boards.

But as I just received a big bag of Pico accessories, with more on the way, you're sure to see the Pico here in the workshop again very soon!

[MitzpatrickFitzsimmons]

This video represents the extreme quality difference of new product reviews and demos.
While 'everyone else' is showing the pico with just the basic blink sketch example, Bill takes it to a whole other level of excellence in performance showcased with in depth demonstrations. Thank you!

[hughmulgrew]

The best introduction to the Pico I have had the pleasure of experiencing. As usual, a great presentation from a terrific communicator., Bill (Thank you).

[larrycleeton]

The demonstrations here are spot on. Just enough detail to get things running.

[coocoo]

The considerable effort which has gone into producing this has resulted in a video which is first class, a treat to watch and seamless in its presentation! You communicate carefully, logically and clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Thank-you very much indeed!

[virginiaorwell]

A very thorough presentation. Not rushed as many fall into the trap that they know their subject, so it's delivered at warp speed. One of the best I have viewed.

[paulgeare]

Best video I've seen on YouTube so far this year. Come to think of it, best this decade! Thanks for a fascinating, gentle, logical, easy to understand beginner's guide to GPIO.

[ianleitch]

@49:03 plumbing excitement! must be near time for a snack. All very clear and so a Godsend for those starting out and a very useful illustration/reference for the rest of us.

[tonyguerich]

This is the best intro to the pico I have seen. I stumbled through most of this before I saw this but still learned quite a bit. Thanks.

[beratbaki]

This video is not just about the rasbperry pico. Its like stepping inside to IO world with raspberry pico. Keep up the good work, great video.

[alfatech]

What a nice, comprehensive introduction to the Pico. Thanks!

[jaroslawpiotrowski]

This is THE BEST Pico introduction !!! Recommended for everyone who would like to learn about Pico, don't waste time for other video on YT about Pico.

[czechyorker]

So far the best Video on YT for Raspberry Pi Pico. Can't wait to see more. Thank you.

[tvnsi]

Your training are much more effective than hundreds of ads from factory marketings.
Thank you, dear Master :-)

[qwkimball]

Every time I hear "IRQ" I have vicious flashbacks of (eventually) installing SoundBlaster cards in the 90s.

[somethingfilms]

First class video. Everything clearly explained both verbally and visually. Best pico intro on YT.

[Electronieks]

This channel i always watch at 1, 5x speed
You learn stuff and you save 30minutes of time

[augustojoa]

I watch your videos all the time. They are very professional. I usually give you a like and watch it to the end, when I have leisure time. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[PeterFrueh]

Congratulations on an excellent teaching video for those wishing to learn through the Pico. As good as "Explaining Computers" which is a high compliment.

[MysticDreamer]

Your videos are just too good Bill it's hard to not want to do these experiments when watching your excellent tutorials.

[muhammadhussain]

You came late in the race for Pi Pico demonstration but you certainly have made an awesome tutorial. It covers almost everything which is circulating around so far! Keep it up!