Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by “engraving” the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Contents
Projects
PicoVoiceVoice alienation and sound effects with the Raspberry Pi Pico
Navigation with Vibration Feedback
POV Display
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with the Raspberry Pi Pico
Wi-Fi with the Raspberry Pi Pico
'Hello World' from the Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040A look at the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s first microcontroller
Simple On-Off Temperature Controller with Raspberry Pi HAT
Multitasking with the Raspberry PiShowcase: a traffic lights controller
The Raspberry Pi Ruler GadgetFun with a time-of-flight sensor
Raspberry Pi Buffer Board (Mk. 1)Never blow up the I/O again
FM radio with RDSA top HAT project for the Raspberry Pi
LoRa with the Raspberry Pi PicoFun with MicroPython!
Tutorials
Qt for the Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi Pico Programmingwith MicroPython and Thonny
Raspberry Pi Full StackRPi and RF24 at the heart of a sensor network
Raspberry Pi Bash Command Cheat Sheet
Community
Java on the Raspberry PiAn interview with Frank Delporte
Reviews
Introducing the New Raspberry Pi Pico W, H, and WH
Secure Boot Solution for Raspberry PiRetrofit security at a reasonable price
Review: SmartPi – Smart Meter Extension for Raspberry Pi
Review: The Enviro+ Raspberry Pi HATMeasuring environmental data with Raspberry Pi and the HAT Enviro+
Review: Meet the Raspberry Pi 4All new but still good?
Raspberry Pi Gets a Fast 3.5' Touch DisplayMore power at no extra charge
Book Launch: Raspberry Pi for Radio Amateurs
This bundle contains the popular Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico and the new Elektor Laser Head Upgrade, offering even more options for displaying the time. Not only can you "engrave" the current time in sand, you can now alternatively write it on a glow-in-the-dark foil or create green drawings.
Contents of the bundle
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico (normal price: €50)
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock (normal price: €35)
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher)
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by "engraving" the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock
The new Elektor Laser Head transforms the Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is a microcontroller board based on the RP2350 featuring 2.4 GHz 802.11n wireless LAN and Bluetooth 5.2. It gives you even more flexibility in your IoT or smart product designs and expanding the possibilities for your projects.
The RP2350 provides a comprehensive security architecture built around Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. It incorporates signed boot, 8 KB of antifuse OTP for key storage, SHA-256 acceleration, a hardware TRNG, and fast glitch detectors.
The unique dual-core, dual-architecture capability of the RP2350 allows users to choose between a pair of industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and a pair of open-hardware Hazard3 RISC-V cores. Programmable in C/C++ and Python, and supported by detailed documentation, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is the ideal microcontroller board for both enthusiasts and professional developers.
Specifications
CPU
Dual Arm Cortex-M33 or dual RISC-V Hazard3 processors @ 150 MHz
Wireless
On-board Infineon CYW43439 single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n wireless Lan and Bluetooth 5.2
Memory
520 KB on-chip SRAM; 4 MB on-board QSPI flash
Interfaces
26 multi-purpose GPIO pins, including 4 that can be used for AD
Peripherals
2x UART
2x SPI controllers
2x I²C controllers
24x PWM channels
1x USB 1.1 controller and PHY, with host and device support
12x PIO state machines
Input power
1.8-5.5 V DC
Dimensions
21 x 51 mm
Downloads
Datasheet
Pinout
Schematic
The DiP-Pi WiFi Master is an Advanced WiFi connectivity System with sensors embedded interfaces that cover most of possible needs for IoT application based on Raspberry Pi Pico. It is powered directly from the Raspberry Pi Pico VBUS. The DiP-Pi WiFi Master contains Raspberry Pi Pico embedded RESET button as also ON/OFF Slide Switch that is acting on Raspberry Pi Pico Power Sources.
The DiP-Pi WiFi Master is equipped with WiFi ESP8266 Clone module with embedded antenna. This feature open a wide range of IoT applications based on it.
In Addition to all above features DiP-Pi WiFi Master is equipped with embedded 1-wire, DHT11/22 sensors, and micro–SD Card interfaces. Combination of the extended powering, battery, and sensors interfaces make the DiP-Pi WiFi Master ideal for IoT applications like data logger, plants monitoring, refrigerators monitoring etc.
DiP-Pi WiFi Master is supported with plenty of ready to use examples written in Micro Python or C/C++.
Specifications
General
Dimensions 21 x 51 mm
Raspberry Pi Pico pinout compatible
Independent Informative LEDs (VBUS, VSYS, V3V3)
Raspberry Pi Pico RESET Button
ON/OFF Slide Switch acting on Raspberry Pi Pico Powering Source
Embedded 3.3 V @ 600 mA LDO
ESP8266 Clone WiFi Connectivity
ESP8266 Firmware Upload Switch
Embedded 1-wire Interface
Embedded DHT-11/22 Interface
Powering Options
Raspberry Pi Pico micro-USB (via VBUS)
Embedded Peripherals and Interfaces
Embedded 1-wire interface
Embedded DHT-11/22 Interface
Micro SD Card Socket
Programmer Interface
Standard Raspberry Pi Pico C/C++
Standard Raspberry Pi Pico Micro Python
Case Compatibility
DiP-Pi Plexi-Cut Case
Informative LEDs
VB (VUSB)
VS (VSYS)
V3 (V3V3)
System Protection
Direct Raspberry Pi Pico Hardware Reset Button
PPTC 500 mA @ 18 V fuse on EPR
EPR/LDO Over Temperature protection
EPR/LDO Over Current protection
System Design
Designed and Simulated with PDA Analyzer with one of the most advanced CAD/CAM Tools – Altium Designer
Industrial Originated
PCB Construction
2 ozcopper PCB manufactured for proper high current supply and cooling
6 mils track/6 mils gap technology 2 layers PCB
PCB Surface Finishing – Immersion Gold
Multi-layer Copper Thermal Pipes for increased System Thermal Response and better passive cooling
Downloads
Datasheet
Manual
The DiP-Pi Power Master is an Advanced Powering System with embedded sensors interfaces that cover most of possible needs for application based on Raspberry Pi Pico. It can supply the system with up to 1.5 A @ 4.8 V delivered from 6-18 VDC on various powering schemes like Cars, Industrial plant etc., additionally to original micro-USB of the Raspberry Pi Pico. It supports LiPo or Li-Ion Battery with Automatic Charger as also automatic switching from cable powering to battery powering or reverse (UPS functionality) when cable powering lost. Extended Powering Source (EPR) is protected with PPTC Resettable fuse, Reverse Polarity, as also ESD.
The DiP-Pi Power Master contains Raspberry Pi Pico embedded RESET button as also ON/OFF Slide Switch that is acting on all powering sources (USB, EPR or Battery). User can monitor (via Raspberry Pi Pico A/D pins) battery level and EPR Level with PICO’s A/D converters. Both A/D inputs are bridged with 0402 resistors (0 OHM) therefore if for any reason user needs to use those Pico pins for their own application can be easy removed. The charger is automatically charging connected battery (if used) but in addition user can switch charger ON/OFF if their application needs it. DiP-Pi Power Master can be used for cable powered systems, but also for pure Battery Powered System with ON/OFF. Each powering source status is indicated by separate informative LEDs (VBUS, VSYS, VEPR, CHGR, V3V3).
User can use any capacity of LiPo or Li-Ion type; however, must take care to use PCB protected batteries with max discharge current allowed of 2 A. The embedded battery charger is set to charge battery with 240 mA current. This current is set by resistor so if user need more/less can himself to change it.
In Addition to all above features DiP-Pi Power Master is equipped with embedded 1-wire and DHT11/22 sensors interfaces. Combination of the extended powering, battery, and sensors interfaces make the DiP-Pi Power Master ideal for applications like data logger, plants monitoring, refrigerators monitoring etc.
DiP-Pi Power Master is supported with plenty of ready to use examples written in Micro Python or C/C++.
Specifications
General
Dimensions 21 x 51 mm
Raspberry Pi Pico pinout compatible
Independent Informative LEDs (VBUS, VSYS, VEPR, CHGR, V3V3)
Raspberry Pi Pico RESET Button
ON/OFF Slide Switch acting on all powering sources (USB, EPR, Battery)
External Powering 6-18 V DC (Cars, Industrial Applications etc.)
External Power (6-18 VDC) Level Monitoring
Battery Level Monitoring
Inverse Polarity Protection
PPTC Fuse Protection
ESD Protection
Automatic Battery Charger (for PCB protected LiPo, Li-Ion – 2 A Max) Automatic/User Control
Automatic Switch from Cable Powering to Battery Powering and reverse (UPS Functionality)
Various powering schemes can be used at the same time with USB Powering, External Powering and Battery Powering
1.5 A @ 4.8 V Buck Converter on EPR
Embedded 3.3 V @ 600mA LDO
Embedded 1-wire Interface
Embedded DHT-11/22 Interface
Powering Options
Raspberry Pi Pico micro-USB (via VBUS)
External Powering 6-18 V (via dedicated Socket – 3.4/1.3 mm)
External Battery
Supported Battery Types
LiPo with protection PCB max current 2A
Li-Ion with protection PCB max current 2A
Embedded Peripherals and Interfaces
Embedded 1-wire interface
Embedded DHT-11/22 Interface
Programmer Interface
Standard Raspberry Pi Pico C/C++
Standard Raspberry Pi Pico Micro Python
Case Compatibility
DiP-Pi Plexi-Cut Case
System Monitoring
Battery Level via Raspberry Pi Pico ADC0 (GP26)
EPR Level via Raspberry Pi Pico ADC1 (GP27)
Informative LEDs
VB (VUSB)
VS (VSYS)
VE (VEPR)
CH (VCHR)
V3 (V3V3)
System Protection
Direct Raspberry Pi Pico Hardware Reset Button
ESD Protection on EPR
Reverse Polarity Protection on EPR
PPTC 500 mA @ 18 V fuse on EPR
EPR/LDO Over Temperature protection
EPR/LDO Over Current protection
System Design
Designed and Simulated with PDA Analyzer with one of the most advanced CAD/CAM Tools – Altium Designer
Industrial Originated
PCB Construction
2 ozcopper PCB manufactured for proper high current supply and cooling
6 mils track/6 mils gap technology 2 layers PCB
PCB Surface Finishing – Immersion Gold
Multi-layer Copper Thermal Pipes for increased System Thermal Response and better passive cooling
Downloads
Datasheet
Datasheet
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 H (with Headers) is a new microcontroller board from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, based on the RP2350. It features a higher core clock speed, double the on-chip SRAM, double the on-board flash memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores, new security features, and upgraded interfacing capabilities. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 H offers a significant boost in performance and features while maintaining hardware and software compatibility with earlier members of the Raspberry Pi Pico series.
The RP2350 provides a comprehensive security architecture built around Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. It incorporates signed boot, 8 KB of antifuse OTP for key storage, SHA-256 acceleration, a hardware TRNG, and fast glitch detectors.
The unique dual-core, dual-architecture capability of the RP2350 allows users to choose between a pair of industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and a pair of open-hardware Hazard3 RISC-V cores. Programmable in C/C++ and Python, and supported by detailed documentation, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is the ideal microcontroller board for both enthusiasts and professional developers.
Specifications
CPU
Dual Arm Cortex-M33 or dual RISC-V Hazard3 processors @ 150 MHz
Memory
520 KB on-chip SRAM; 4 MB on-board QSPI flash
Interfaces
26 multi-purpose GPIO pins, including 4 that can be used for AD
Peripherals
2x UART
2x SPI controllers
2x I²C controllers
24x PWM channels
1x USB 1.1 controller and PHY, with host and device support
12x PIO state machines
Input power
1.8-5.5 V DC
Dimensions
21 x 51 mm
Downloads
Datasheet (Pico 2)
Datasheet (RP2350)
When you experiment with the Raspberry Pi on a regular basis and you connect a variety of external hardware to the GPIO port via the header you may well have caused some damage in the past. The Elektor Raspberry Pi Buffer Board is there to prevent this! The board is compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2 (W), 3, 4, 5, 400 and 500.
All 26 GPIOs are buffered with bi-directional voltage translators to protect the Raspberry Pi when experimenting with new circuits. The PCB is intended to be inserted in the back of Raspberry Pi 400/500. The connector to connect to the Raspberry Pi is a right angled 40-way receptacle (2x20). The PCB is only a fraction wider. A 40-way flat cable with appropriate 2x20 headers can be connected to the buffer output header to experiment for instance with a circuit on a breadboard or PCB.
The circuit uses 4x TXS0108E ICs by Texas Instruments. The PCB can also be put upright on a Raspberry Pi.
Downloads
Schematics
Layout
Program, build, and master over 50 projects with MicroPython and the RP2040 microprocessor The Raspberry Pi Pico is a high-performance microcontroller module designed especially for physical computing. Microcontrollers differ from single-board computers, like the Raspberry Pi 4, in not having an operating system. The Raspberry Pi Pico can be programmed to run a single task very efficiently within real-time control and monitoring applications requiring speed. The ‘Pico’ as we call it, is based on the fast, efficient, and low-cost dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ RP2040 microcontroller chip running at up to 133 MHz and sporting 264 KB of SRAM, and 2 MB of Flash memory. Besides its large memory, the Pico has even more attractive features including a vast number of GPIO pins, and popular interface modules like ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, and PWM. To cap it all, the chip offers fast and accurate timing modules, a hardware debug interface, and an internal temperature sensor. The Raspberry Pi Pico is easily programmed using popular high-level languages such as MicroPython and or C/C++. This book is an introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller in conjunction with the MicroPython programming language. The Thonny development environment (IDE) is used in all the projects described. There are over 50 working and tested projects in the book, covering the following topics: Installing the MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico using a Raspberry Pi or a PC Timer interrupts and external interrupts Analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) projects Using the internal temperature sensor and external temperature sensor chips Datalogging projects PWM, UART, I²C, and SPI projects Using Wi-Fi and apps to communicate with smartphones Using Bluetooth and apps to communicate with smartphones Digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) projects All projects given in the book have been fully tested and are working. Only basic programming and electronics experience is required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full MicroPython program listings are given for all projects described. Readers can find the program listings on the Elektor web page created to support the book.
From basics to flows for sensors, automation, motors, MQTT, and cloud services
This book is a learning guide and a reference. Use it to learn Node-RED, Raspberry Pi Pico W, and MicroPython, and add these state-of-the-art tools to your technology toolkit. It will introduce you to virtual machines, Docker, and MySQL in support of IoT projects based on Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
This book combines several elements into a platform that powers the development of modern Internet of Things applications. These elements are a flow-based server, a WiFi-enabled microcontroller, a high-level programming language, and a deployment technology. Combining these elements gives you the tools you need to create automation systems at any scale. From home automation to industrial automation, this book will help you get started.
Node-RED is an open-source flow-based development tool that makes it easy to wire together devices, APIs, and online services. Drag and drop nodes to create a flowchart that turns on your lights at sunset or sends you an email when a sensor detects movement. Raspberry Pi Pico W is a version of the Raspberry Pi Pico with added 802.11n Wi-Fi capability. It is an ideal device for physical computing tasks and an excellent match to the Node-RED.
Quick book facts
Project-based learning approach.
Assumes no prior knowledge of flow-based programming tools.
Learn to use essential infrastructure tools in your projects, such as virtual machines, Docker, MySQL and useful web APIs such as Google Sheets and OpenWeatherMap.
Dozens of mini-projects supported by photographs, wiring schematics, and source code. Get these from the book GitHub repository.
Step-by-step instructions on everything.
All experiments are based on the Raspberry Pi Pico W. A Wi-Fi network is required for all projects.
Hardware (including the Raspberry Pi Pico W) is available as a kit.
Downloads
GitHub
Program and build RPi Pico-based ham station utilities, tools, and instruments
Although much classical HF and mobile equipment is still in use by large numbers of amateurs, the use of computers and digital techniques has now become very popular among amateur radio operators. Nowadays, anyone can purchase a €5 Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board and develop many amateur radio projects using the “Pico” and some external components. This book is aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts, Electronic Engineering students, and anyone interested in learning to use the Raspberry Pi Pico to shape their electronic projects. The book is suitable for beginners in electronics as well as for those with wide experience.
Step-by-step installation of the MicroPython programming environment is described. Some knowledge of the Python programming language is helpful to be able to comprehend and modify the projects given in the book. The book introduces the Raspberry Pi Pico and gives examples of many general-purpose, software-only projects that familiarize the reader with the Python programming language. In addition to the software-only projects tailored to the amateur radio operator, Chapter 6 in particular presents over 36 hardware-based projects for “hams”, including:
Station mains power on/off control
Radio station clock
GPS based station geographical coordinates
Radio station temperature and humidity
Various waveform generation methods using software and hardware (DDS)
Frequency counter
Voltmeter / ammeter / ohmmeter / capacitance meter
RF meter and RF attenuators
Morse code exercisers
RadioStation Click board
Raspberry Pi Pico based FM radio
Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with Raspberry Pi Pico
Radio station security with RFID
Audio amplifier module with rotary encoder volume control
Morse decoder
Using the FS1000A TX-RX modules to communicate with Arduino