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TopTechBoy's Raspberry Pi Pico W Tutorial Series - Episode 2

Jul 1, 2024

TopTechBoy.com's Raspberry Pi Pico W Tutorial Series - Episode 2

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Paul McCarter
  • Series: Unleashing the Power of Your Pico W
  • Sponsor: Sun Founder
  • Kit: Sun Founder Kit for Raspberry Pi Pico W
  • Reminder: For optimal results, use identical hardware; link to Amazon provided for the kit.

Recap of Episode 1

  • Installed: MicroPython on Pico W, Thonny IDE on PC.
  • First Programs Written: Interacted with GPIO pins, especially the onboard LED.
  • Homework: Write a program to blink the LED as fast as visible and post solutions on YouTube.
  • Community Focus: Encourage sharing and commenting on each other's solutions.

Today's Lesson: Using the Breadboard

Goal

  • Learn: How to use a breadboard and build a simple external LED circuit.

Breadboard Overview

  • Structure: Rows and columns of holes.
    • Columns: Holes are connected (vertical connections).
    • Rows: Holes are not connected (horizontal connections).
    • Center Trench: Breaks the connection between columns (left and right sides not connected).
    • Top and Bottom Rows: Dedicated for creating power and ground rails.

Schematic for External LED Circuit

  • Power Supply: Provided by a GPIO pin on the Pico W.
  • LED Symbol: Indicates polarity with long leg (+) and short leg (-).
  • Current Limiting Resistor: Prevents LED burnout; typically 220 ohms.
  • Breadboard Setup: Translate schematic into physical wiring on breadboard.

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Insert Pico W: Ensure even placement to avoid bending pins (leave space in columns for connections).
  2. Connect Wires: Properly place wires in designated GPIO pins and ground holes.
  3. Add LED: Align long leg (+) to positive column, short leg (-) to the next column.
  4. Insert Resistor: Connect between the LED's short leg column and ground wire column.
  5. Verify Connections: Ensure all components are in correct columns for circuit completion.
  6. Power Up: Use the USB connector to power the Pico W.

Writing the Program

  • Thonny IDE: Used for program development.
  • Code Example: from machine import Pin import time red_led = Pin(15, Pin.OUT) red_led.value(1) # Turn on time.sleep(1) red_led.value(0) # Turn off time.sleep(1) while True: red_led.value(1) time.sleep(1) red_led.value(0) time.sleep(1)
  • Result: The LED should blink on and off at one-second intervals.

Homework Assignment

  • Objective: Create a circuit to blink an LED in an SOS pattern.
  • Research: Timing details for proper SOS signal transmission.
  • Submission: Upload a video demonstrating the solution on YouTube, reference this video, and post a link in the comments.
  • Community Engagement: Comment on and discuss each other's solutions to build a supportive learning environment.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: Engage with the material, complete homework, and interact with peers.
  • Subscribe: Stay updated with the tutorial series and share with others to promote engineering skills.

Note: Keep your components and workspace organized for efficient learning and project building.

Full transcript