CircuitPython with Raspberry Pi Pico

CircuitPython with Raspberry Pi Pico - Getting Started

День тому

Build a Keyboard and Mouse Emulator, make a rainbow with RGB LEDs, and work with a microSD card - all with CircuitPython on a Raspberry Pi Pico!
Article with diagrams and code: dronebotworkshop.com/pi-pico-...
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Once again we are working with the Raspberry Pi Pico, the 4-dollar microcontroller that uses the new RP2040 MCU. And today we’ll be programming it using CircuitPython.
After installing CircuitPython and the MU Editor we will build a Keyboard Emulator for the popular audio program Audacity. You can use the same technique to make a custom keypad for any application, with as many keys as you need.
Next, we emulate a mouse using a Joystick and two pushbuttons. Just because we can.
Then we hook up a microSD card module through the SPI port and learn how to create a file, write to it and read it back. All the basic operations you need to start using microSD cards in your Pico projects.
And finally, we will hook up soon addressed;e REGB LEDs, otherwise known as Neopixels, to our Pico and control them using a few Adaruit libraries and sample code. It's a rainbow inside the workshop!
CircuitPython is a fork of MicroPython, the language we used in the previous Raspberry Pi Pico video. It was created by Adafruit and has a lot of advantages, especially for beginners.
Using CircuitPython gives us access to over 300 libraries and drivers, allowing us to work with the many features of the Raspberry Pi Pico right now.
We’ll install CircuitPython on a Pico and then work with it using the MU Editor, a Python editor designed for beginners with CircuitPython integration built-in. Of course, you can use any editor that you wish, that's one of the strengths of CircuitPython - no special software required.
Here is what we will cover today:
00:00 - Introduction
04:13 - CircuitPython
06:47 - Installing CircuitPython on Pico
09:40 - Installing MU Editor
12:44 - Testing (Blink)
14:43 - Build a Keyboard Emulator
22:49 - Build a Mouse Emulator
28:28 - Write & Read a microSD card
34:32 - Addressable RGB Strip (Neopixels)
39:24 - Conclusion
Hope you enjoy the video and that it helps you get the most out of your Raspberry Pi Pico!

КОМЕНТАРІ: 179

@Dronebotworkshop 3 роки тому

Just FYI, some of the links (the ones to the "dbot.ws" link shortener) may not be working right now, due to a problem with a Domain Name Server. The article with the code is at dronebotworkshop.com/pi-pico-circuitpython/

@azulfenix7 3 роки тому

not working mu-editor with rasberry pi pico,

@igorcarapic4760 3 роки тому

Make Ethernet shield with Arduino tutorial.

@jamarimaverick85 2 роки тому

i guess it is kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good site to stream newly released tv shows online ?

@yosefsimon4099 2 роки тому

@Jamari Maverick i use FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

@franklinoscar2615 2 роки тому

@Yosef Simon Yup, I've been watching on FlixZone for months myself :D

@dougsteel7414 2 роки тому

You are the only person who doesn't skip over the detailed bits that some UKposts creators assume people are aware of, well, probably they've done it so many times it doesn't occur to them they might cause confusion. Great insight, always appreciated

@Funkotronimus 3 роки тому

Yes! All the reasons why I was excited to pick up CircuitPython + pi Pico! -it’s been over 10 years since I’ve really done anything with microcontrollers, and this seemed like a great place to jump back in. The idea is that I’ll grow in my understanding of it while the landscape around it continues to evolve.

@mike5058 Рік тому

This video is amazing. I've been trying to get a pico working as an emulator for a week now and all the other videos assume I know more than I do. Programming microcontrollers starting at the age of 54 maybe wasn't a great idea but you just gave me 4 AH HA moments that in this video alone got the project working. Much thanks and great job!

@parietal100 3 роки тому

Thank you. Such a simple way to connect the Pi Pico with action.

@Paddy_Roche 2 роки тому

Thank you again, I cannot wait to get started learning to code the Pico’s. You have given me a great idea for a Keyboard Emulator to control functions on my Amateur Radio’s.

@michael5147 2 роки тому

great video, long but very in-depth, ensuring we understand EVERYTHING and assuming we know nothing. I love it!

@drauknir777 2 роки тому

One of the best videos on the subject I've seen. Thank you so much for this and ofc for your other videos. Great work ✊ My first pico project is going thanks to you.

@josseman 3 роки тому

Ohhhh yes! This is a video I want to see! Thanks for elaborating on the pico

@baldrickdaisy8982 3 роки тому

Thank you Bill for another very informative video on the Raspberry Pi Pico and the introduction to Circuit Python 👌

@underwoodblog 2 роки тому

best "Getting Started" for the Pico I've seen so far!

@tonybaceski7376 3 роки тому

Ha ha... About an hour ago I popped online to see if you had any new videos. Just got the notification and can't wait to watch!

@mechaform 10 місяців тому

Good video. Thanks for putting it together. Bonus points for the #0, 1, and 2 Robertsons over your right shoulder.

@RandomBitzzz 2 роки тому

Great video. I'm a total noob to the microcontroller scene but I have some (very very basic) electronic hobby background and am familiar with a handful of programming languages. Your videos will give me a great point to start off from as I learn how to use a pico.

@jjab99 3 роки тому

Many thanks Bill, another really interesting video and even more knowledge to cram into my head. Take care and have fun my friend, Joe

@sddiymakeitworthit7512 3 роки тому

Love your work and your projects but most of all your workshop is amazing

@ThomasReesbeck 7 місяців тому

Thank you, this is a perfect tutorial video.

@unknownvivek362 2 роки тому

These 40 minutes were just like 5 minutes, it was all done in so interesting way. 😍😍👌👌❤❤

@kenz2983 2 роки тому

As always, great quality tutorial. Thank you.

@vladimirsch.3015 2 роки тому

As always very professional content with a author that things tru every possible question that could occur. Thank you very much.

@sqtx_ Рік тому

Your tutorial saved my life and project, thank u so much!

@phmiii 3 роки тому

Thank you, This is just what I was looking for!

@petternordgren2703 2 роки тому

Very interesting to watch, as usual. And you had me hooked at the flying cars! :)

@videosonix4473 2 місяці тому

Thanks to this great video I've been able to build two excellent emulator keyboards for Audacity and another audio editor called Reaper. Don't think I would have got this off the ground without the level of detail given here. Thanks Bill.

@marklewus5468 Рік тому

In the event you still read comments from old videos, I’d like to suggest that you wire your switches using the internal pullup resistor and the switch referenced to ground, rather than the way you do it now. It obviously makes no functional difference but it’s best practice to do it the other way around. Most older processors, including every 8-bit Arduino, do not have internal pulldown resistors, only pull ups. Doing this one way on one project, and another way on a different project, is likely to lead to code errors.

@CriusDigital 2 роки тому

I REALLY THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! BEST EVER EXPLANATION for a noob like me!!! You're GREAT!! Keep it up!

@Marcello970 3 роки тому

You are the best. Greatings from Italy

@andymouse 3 роки тому

What a wonderful tutorial...cheers.

@sbsarkar5659 3 роки тому

Bill is looking dashing with the RPI T-Shirt. And thanks Bill for the new vid.

@sbsarkar5659 3 роки тому

@Jaydeep Mondal hi, i m neither on insta, nor on fbook. I hve shunted myslf out of all soc med..

@W3D69 11 місяців тому

OMG, after i love you learned about arduino and stepper motor from you, now learned more about this pico. You are the best teacher sir thank you very very much for the video🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@malch2843 3 роки тому

Excellent video as usual, thank you.

@jeraldgooch6438 3 роки тому

I believe Andreas Spiess - hope I spelled that right - also has noted that micropython supports threading so you can use both cores while circuitpython currently does not. Bill - another great video. Thanks.

@Magicman8508 3 роки тому

Yes. A bit sad that micropython and circuitpython have different feature sets.

@PhG1961 3 роки тому

Waw Bill, this video is really awesome. Very well explained, very entertaining. But also very exhausting... recently I'm working out on a hometrainer/stepper while watching your videos. So after a workout of around 42 minutes... you get the idea... ;-) Keep up the good work, my stamina is improving and I'm buring belly fat more than ever before thanks to your videos !

@PhG1961 3 роки тому

What about a Nextion display and a Pico ? Buttons, sliders, text messages... etc... ?!

@jj74qformerlyjailbreak3 2 роки тому

I ❤️ This Guy! 😊 If Only Life Were Explained With This Same Tempo. 🤔

@jamesabernathy9744 3 роки тому

Enjoyed the video. I have not done the USB-HID examples yet so I'll concentrate on those. Do you know if your Neopixel library example used the new PIO feature of the Pico. I have seen some deep dives on the Pico and CircuitPython where they've demonstrated that feature but don't know if it's made it into the official libraries yet?

@spillanemike 3 роки тому

great video Bill, thanks

@anurasenarathna1703 2 роки тому

Very informative. Thank you

@henrybartlett1986 3 роки тому

As usual, fantastic.

@Funkotronimus 3 роки тому

Thank you again!

@3flyingkitty3 Рік тому

Thank you!

@avrphreak9121 3 роки тому

Still getting into esp32, but when the pico support matures who knows I might make the switch. I'll have a quality video (as usual) by Bill to get me started! Thanks so much!

@TheOleHermit 3 роки тому

Gotta love the ESP32 w/webREPL. WROVER & D1mini are my favs. Wish the PICO had Wifi. Adafruit is taking care of that. Been avoiding their Circuit python, because I didn't want to get locked into a single mfr. But, now I'm reconsidering that since it supports many other boards. I'll probably bite the bullet if/when circuitpython supports interrupts. PICO documentation, support, and proliferation throughout the maker community is very impressive. The best part is that the learning curve and coding is transferable between both products (don't overlook the Teensy) Each product has strengths and weaknesses, depending upon a project's requirements. Enjoy! :-)

@priyanshuwaghadhare8494 2 роки тому

Thank you so much sir... for this video. You clear my lots of doubts but I want to know does pi pico is capable for doing multitasking ??

@inlywang8157 3 роки тому

Excellent one as usual,

@ChrisDuckles 3 роки тому

Thank you for a great video. I have just taken delivery of my first 2 Pi Picos. While I am familiar with Arduino this is very interesting to get started with the pico's completely different development approach. The only request I would like to make, is that you consider getting rid of the mid run adverts as they really do distract. Andreas Spiess, Chris (Explaining Computers), Ralph S Bacon and several of my other favourite UKpostsrs have already done so. Thank you once again for a most informative channel.

@TheOleHermit 3 роки тому

I fully agree. The YT ads have become unbearable. The channels you've mentioned are among my favs, too. But, doesn't YT charge non-ad channels directly to compensate for the ad revenues? I wonder, how can those channels afford that expense? I'm retired and spend a significant time each day watching YT content. That's why I've chosen to eliminate them entirely by subscribing to YT Premium for only $12/mnth. That also includes downloadable offline free music & movies. Yeah, I know. Monthly bills are like a monkey on the back. But, IMO eliminating the aggravation and disruptions is worth the 40 cents per day. But, that's me. Hope this helps :-)

@hfe1833 3 роки тому

Every video from this channel is worth watching, sir can you make video using this board for CANBUS?

@wishicouldarduino8880 3 роки тому

I'm sold great video 😁👍

@andreaswolfesberger6140 3 роки тому

awesome - thank you

@jwrtiger 3 роки тому

You make great videos but on this one I am not sure where the sample test programs (Blink) are located. I followed the link in the video description and in your documentation it indicated all the sample programs are located here. I could not see a link to the stated Zip file. Am I missing something? Again thank you for all the tutorials you create... they are very good!

@sanad9193 2 роки тому

Thanks for the video, I need to make the pico with the SD card as a flash drive will the tutorial help me with that I mean if I connect the pico to a PC can I see the SD card as a mass storage?

@thomaswilliams5005 3 роки тому

Great tutorial. Did you open the file for writing multiple times to show how that’s done? As a programmer for living that hurt my eyes a little bit.

@mohamedfarid7499 2 роки тому

thank you very much Mr. Bill , what the difference between circuitpython and Micropython ?

@MrBobWareham Рік тому

Hi Bill, thanks for the video, but I don't know the correct library to download 7 0r 8? Thanks, Bob

@djbongwater Рік тому

wow, this channel is exactly what I've been looking for!! Assume the viewers know nothing (like me!!)

@batiandanielliu3598 Рік тому

respect Great work!

@thebunyip Рік тому

I like your videos. Very helpful. I have a question. I can not find information on what imported modules arguments require. Is there a reference site for this. For example if I import machine on a Pico how can I find what I need to enter into the machine.Pin(?,?) module? Or I import network, what to I put in the network.WLAN(?) module or the connect(?,?) module? How can I find how many arguments these modules require and what to feed them?

@TheUnofficialMaker 3 роки тому

love the video, and the T shirt! Where did you get it? Pi day is coming soon.

@kimnelisse8507 3 роки тому

Thanks for another great tutorial! As for me being totally new to coding, your vids are a pleasant way to overcome the initial hurdles. have the intension to register to your forum, but would like to take the opportunity to ask/request a YT session about “ Shift Register” (SIPO and PISO) , much like the one I saw you made for the Arduino in January 2020, preferably for both Micropython and Circuitpython on the Pi Pico board, I think that that would be of high value to us, your followers. Keep up the good work, you’re great!

@bruceblosser2040 3 роки тому

Great Video!!! Love all the examples, But! I have a question! is it possible to use any of the CircuitPython Libraries in the MicroPython environment?

@tannewt 3 роки тому

There is a Blinka library that may work in MicroPython to provide the CircuitPython APIs. However, it's simpler to try CircuitPython first before deciding you need MicroPython.

@hanwu6408 3 роки тому

Man you're awesome!

@williereyes8973 Рік тому

Hi Bill, I tried the blinking Led and it works very well, The only issue I got is if I save a new code , It win't take it, It still run the code with blinking Led.

@BarackBananabama 3 роки тому

A keyboard emulator! Exactly what I need to know now!

@toihin5500 2 роки тому

Same exept i need a mouse emulator to cheat in specific games

@MartinBgelund 3 роки тому

Thanks for the video, Bill. No interrupts in CircuitPython ruins its usefulness for me, so I'll probably stick to MicroPython and C/C++ on the RPi Pico.

@tannewt 3 роки тому

Why do you need interrupts? Most tasks don't need it and those that do are covered by native modules in CircuitPython that use interrupts or other hardware under the hood. Interrupts in Python lead to concurrency which is complicated code that is hard to get right.

@MartinBgelund 3 роки тому

@@tannewt Pulse counting, foremost. Typically for counting pulses from a motor with a rotary encoder or Holzer sensor. Please tell me if there's a better way than interrupts. Or even a viable way beyond counting interrupts.

@TheOleHermit 3 роки тому

My sentiments, exactly. I need an external variable frequency clock to trigger multiple Teensy MCUs, each stepping through dual digital waveform generators, each outputting 2000 steps * 2kHz. Perhaps Scott can suggest an alternative for that ;-)

@DonaldSleightholme 3 роки тому

i just have a floating ground wire and you can touch reset onto it if you want too reset ☺️🤗

@quinnfoster4671 3 роки тому

I have been planning on designing a attachment for my mount to make it more ergonomic and allow the hand to rest sideways without falling off. Should be pretty easy to print out of TPU and tape on.

@topquark22 3 роки тому

Just love that massive yellow-handled adjustable wrench hanging there on your plugboard. Not sure why. I've learned a lot from your channel. Thank you.

@PatrioticGestalt Рік тому

Thanks!

@Dronebotworkshop Рік тому

And thank you as well!

@mostafasohrabi5634 Рік тому

exellent

@AntonioBonifacio 3 роки тому

Any plan for a MIDI project with the Pico and CircuitPython for a future video?

@EvileDik 3 роки тому

Good to hear WiFi and BT will be available, I'd like to be able to support the foundation, but at the moment the radio capabilities on the ESPs is too attractive. I'm doing a lot of stuff with WiFi connected HID devices to support sim cockpit building without wires everywhere, and you don't often want a lot of PC equipment in your VR/Sim room, for me having an MCU that supports both WiFi and HID will be a game changer.

@whitneydesignlabs8738 3 роки тому

I am building a cockpit, too. But my initial design started using joystick and keyboard emulation with Adruino Pro Micro. However, it is not too late to switch to a Pico, for me. Interesting that you are choosing a wireless approach. Seems wireless would introduce too many possible errors. Do you have link to info to follow your project?

@tannewt 3 роки тому

There is no standard HID protocol over WiFi that I know of. There is one for BLE that will work with the CircuitPython HID library on nRF52840 based boards. learn.adafruit.com/ble-hid-keyboard-buttons-with-circuitpython BLE HID will have higher latency than USB HID though.

@EvileDik 3 роки тому

@@tannewt Joystick >USB Host> ESP32 > ESPNOW>pakaged raw USB data> ESP NOW >ESP32>Bit-banged USB data >PC.

@mborowski2010 2 роки тому

I could use your advice. I been stuck between learning to program hardware with C/C++ or just going straight to learning python. I feel like this is going to be the new HUGE thing that's going to push C out of the way in the future. I already have Arduino boards, but am considering buying Circuit Python boards. The project I'm building up to, is building my own ebike controller that can run a BLDC motor with hall sensors. I just learned about this when I came across it this weekend. I started a project and then realized it was programmed in python. I feel like I can do a lot more knowing python over C as well.

@joelluth6384 2 роки тому

I don't think it's a case of either/or. Like his analogy about having more than one needle nose pliers, oftentimes you need multiple tools in your chest so you can choose the best one for each particular job. (And no, Python is not going to push C out of the way because they serve different purposes). Very generally speaking, Python is easier and quicker to learn, whereas C/C++ tends to be more flexible, efficient, and faster. Many people (me included) use both; Python for simple projects, or quick prototyping, and C++ for finished projects. If you're new to programming, Python will likely get you off the ground faster. Would your project benefit from being ported to C/C++? Depends on the needs of the project.

@techov82 3 роки тому

amzing

@max9111 3 роки тому

Hi, I enjoy very much your informative videos, but I am wondering why don't you have a patron page? A very rich Canadian?

@matthewparsons4955 7 місяців тому

NO! @ 34:16 - your are what's Cool! For sharing your knowledge and Cool Workshop. Good work! Thank you ;-)

@tubeDude48 3 роки тому

Great demo's Bill! At 32:22, what would you need to print Fahrenheit?

@sammyk7024 3 роки тому

Converting manually (don't know if the pico has any built-in way of doing this): line 31: temp = (microcontroller.cpu.temperature - 32) * (5/9) line 40: file.write('It is currently {0:f} F ').format(temp)

@tubeDude48 3 роки тому

@@sammyk7024 - Thanks!

@zk_6312 2 роки тому

I liked your video though I don't think micropython is as limited now as when you made this video. In fact at least with lcd Interfacing I found better documentation for micropython. Though Adafruit does have good tutorials they favor their own lcd backpack vs the PCF8574 which is more popular. It took me 3 days of searching the Internet to find a library that worked and then because I am still new to the pico I did not realize I was copying the libraries to the pico wrong. So I spent more time on the Internet, but I finally was able to get it working.

@ytaelshamy5090 3 роки тому

Could we combine Lidar sensor with ultra sonic sensor on a robot to build the same map !? Greatings from EGYPT 😁

@RaphaelOE. 3 роки тому

Can you make a Video about the MultiStepper library for Arduino?

@Ragghu_ram 4 місяці тому

can we Use the ESP32-S3 Station and Access Point Mode at the Same Time? using circuitPython if yes, please share an example. thanks in advance.

@beastbenguerine-rc9hh Рік тому

Did you evere make a free space optical communication systeme???

@brad32601 Рік тому

Is it possible to program the Pico so that you can plug a button into a GPI and ground like you do a lot with arduinos instead of wiring the button to 3.3v?

@neilausten9404 3 роки тому

Hi I have been following you, but installing MU on my windows computer. When I select mode, I get nine options but not the Adafruit option that you are working with. Would you know why this is the case? Thanks

@RadilRaaid12 3 роки тому

I wish to learn another programming language, python and C++ looks nice. but I need to know which one for a noob like me; I want it to be compatible with ROS, and I should be able to make some small scale games with it. being easy to learn is important of course so which one should I choose PS - I am well versed in arduino C.

@lukasandresson3990 2 роки тому

Now lets setup a device that intercepts the wifi probes of nearby users and their mac to track their movement in known areas. Intercepted signal also fun to connect it to a copper thread and fuse

@robertorusso3192 2 роки тому

You mean that i could use a RP2040 zero by waweshare with arduino ide?

@compubyte2010 Рік тому

Do, I want to install all the MicroPython Libraries? if I"m going to be using CircuitPython? Trying to now clutter up my PC with stuff NOT needed. or should I just install Libraries for CircuitPython ONLY?

@markvios29 3 роки тому

Hello Bill, I sent an email to join the forum, but no response in a weeks time. Is registry to the forum down?

@seanvarian6832 Рік тому

Can you do everything he did hear on Thonny?

@1717belle Рік тому

Sorry if I missed this part, but how did you get the libraries under d:\Lib????? I must be missing something really obvious because every single tutorial I view just ignores this issue (or maybe it just happens magically)

@ANTIGANG_ 3 роки тому

Hi sir thank for your great videos Is there is any way to connect arduino to ps4 Plz Can make u a video

@phillipneal8194 3 роки тому

So the 'r' or 'space' signal is going out the usb connection/cable back to your RPI ?

@danman32 3 роки тому

The RPI is emulating a keyboard. Actually a macro keyboard since you could modify the program to send a sequence of keystrokes with one button push. From the buttons to the RPI, key stroke sent out the USB to your PC. Keyboards do have status LEDs to indicate capslock, numlock, etc usually managed by the PC OS so it would be interesting to know if the keyboard library supports that.

@jefflee7185 2 роки тому

Hi, Can Keyboard and Mouse emulator works at the same time on one Pico?

@bryanvetor4529 2 роки тому

I don’t see any folders after the uf2 is loaded. Theres one line. A text document that says boot_out. And thats it!

@Videogame9559 3 роки тому

Hi have had difficulty my neopixel code to work. It comes up with no module neopixel found. How do I add neopixel import to the board?

@Videogame9559 3 роки тому

Hi went over to your over channel to get Lib adafruit library but can't find it any help please

@timovanlitsenborg3993 2 роки тому

How do I select an azerty keyboard?

@vax_ta 3 роки тому

please build arduino nano and nrf2401l based rc transmitter and receiver for drone okay ?

@jamesharris6062 3 роки тому

I had this code run a few years a go see my channel but l tried to run it on my raspi zero and got an error message no module found etc And it would not work l use mosfit 3.3v

@sunaydjelali9269 Рік тому

Hi i do no have Adafuit CircuitPyton in chois for mode. i have done all tinks

@keithduffield5239 3 роки тому

Does the lack of interrupt support mean that you cant have timer based interrupt calls, or is it only external interrupts not supported. The use of interrupts is a deal breaker for me.

@whitneydesignlabs8738 3 роки тому

I was wondering the same. In many robotics or automation applications, seems a like a hardware interrupt is critical, like object avoidance, mechanical limits etc.

@tannewt 3 роки тому

@@whitneydesignlabs8738 If you need very fast real-time response, then MicroPython or CircuitPython may not work because they have background work (particularly garbage collection) that can happen at any time. It's very fast to get started with Python so I always recommend starting with it first to see if it is good enough for your task. If it is too slow, then you can either switch to C fully or add a C module to *Python to do the real-time bits.

@tannewt 3 роки тому

Interrupts (both timer and external) are used internally by CircuitPython but are not available in Python. Python code isn't very real-time so it's better to rely on the native modules for timing sensitive tasks. The goal of CircuitPython is to make it easy to piece together the native modules, not to make all of the low level feature of a microcontroller available to Python. (MicroPython does try to do this but it has other downsides like making hardware APIs inconsistent due to microcontroller specific functionality.)

@kiransalan8179 Рік тому

hi, I am dragging and dropping uf2 file onto rp2 drive, it dispears but I can't find micro python from drop down in Thornny in Interpretor drop down in options. can you help?