Get Started with Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython

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The Raspberry Pi Pico is the first microcontroller from Raspberry Pi. A tiny yet powerful board. This guide will get you flashing the LED using MicroPython on the Pico in no time!

Connect the Pico to your computer

  • Connect the micro USB cable to your host computer.
  • Connect the other end of the micro USB cable to the Pico while you press and hold the BOOTSEL button on the Pico.
raspberry-pi-pico-bootsel-button
  • Release the button once the cable is connected.

A disk volume called RPI-RP2 will appear on your computer.

Install MicroPython bootloader

  • Go to the RPI-RP2 volume.
  • Double-click the file called INDEX.HTM. This will take you to the Raspberry Pi Pico official documentation pages.
  • Scroll down the page until you see the tabs.
  • Click on Getting started MicroPython.
getting started with micropython and raspberry pi pico
  • Scroll down and click on the Download UF2 file button.
  • Once the file has downloaded, drag and drop it onto the Pico.

The Pico will reboot and will be ready to start using MicroPython.

Install and configure Thonny

Thonny is a great programme to start learning Python which we will use to programme the Pico.

  • Install Thonny on your computer.
  • Open Thonny. The first time you open it you will be prompted with the following window if you’re on an OS other than Raspberry Pi:
thonny initial settings for raspberry pi
  • In Initial settings, select Raspberry Pi and click Let’s go!

You will be presented with the Thonny editor window.

Thonny editor window
  • Click on the bottom right-hand corner where it says Python X.X.X and select MicroPython (raspberry Pi Pico)
  • You will be prompted to update MicroPython on the Pico. Go ahead and click Install.
Thonny update MicroPython on the Pico
  • Once installed, click Close.
  • Enter the following code:
print("Hello world")
  • Click the Run button on Thonny’s toolbar.
  • Select Raspberry Pi Pico when prompted.
  • Name the file hello_worl.py and click OK.

You will see the message Hello world appear in the Shell window. Now we can move on to the classic blink programme.

  • Click on New.
  • Enter the following code:
import machine
import utime
led_pin = machine.Pin(25, machine.Pin.OUT)
while True:
    led_pin.value(1) 
    utime.sleep(1)
    led_pin.value(0)
    utime.sleep(1)
  • Click the Run button.
  • Select Raspberry Pi Pico when prompted.
  • Name the file blink.py and click OK.
raspberry-pi-pico-blinking-led

The LED on your Pico will start flashing.
Congratulations, you just programmed your Pico!

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