This complete Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller programming course features a textbook, a component kit, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online course with simulations. It is ideal for step-by-step learning of embedded systems programming in MicroPython using a practical, hands-on approach.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the Raspberry Pi Pico
This course is designed for people who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started.
A kit of parts comprising LEDs and resistors, switches, sensors and actuators, displays, a breadboard and wires, and more is included. These are used in the course to illustrate example applications.
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
What Will You Learn?
Microcontroller programming in MicroPython with the Raspberry Pi Pico using the Thonny IDE
Working with Digital I/O, read buttons and encoders, control LEDs and relays
Read analog inputs, voltages, and analog sensors
Generating analog output signals and PWM
Use serial communication like UART, I²C and SPI to control displays and read digital sensors and SD cards
Managing time
Working with interrupts
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Control actuators like relays and servo motors
Who Is It For?
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
What's Inside the Box?
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board + USB cable
Book: Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
Downloadable project files for every module
Component Box:
2× LED, red, 5 mm
LED, green, 5 mm
3× Resistor, 470 Ω, 0.25 W
LDR
Potentiometer, 10 kΩ, linear
Pushbutton
Rotary encoder module
Relay module
DHT22 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
TM1637-compatible 4-digit 7-segment display
MPU-6050 IMU with headers
SSD1306-compatible I²C OLED display
Micro SD card adapter with header
Buzzer
SG90 Micro Servo
ILI9341-compatible SPI 240×320 TFT display
20× Jumper wires
Breadboard
All Programming Courses (and differences in content)
Course
Arduino
Raspberry Pi Pico with Arduino C/C++
ESP32 with Arduino C/C++
Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython
ESP32 with MicroPython
Online Course
Access to Arduino Course
Access to Pico with Arduino C/C++ Course
Access to ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Course
Access to Pico with MicroPython Course
Access to ESP32 with MicroPython Course
Board
Uno R3
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Book
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
Kit
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
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.
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
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
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
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
Program, build, and master 60+ projects with the Wireless RP2040
The Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W are 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 spacious memory, the Pico and Pico W offer many GPIO pins, and popular peripheral interface modules like ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, PWM, timing modules, a hardware debug interface, and an internal temperature sensor.
The Raspberry Pi Pico W additionally includes an on-board Infineon CYW43439 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chipset. At the time of writing this book, the Bluetooth firmware was not yet available. Wi-Fi is however fully supported at 2.4 GHz using the 802.11b/g/n protocols.
This book is an introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Pico W in conjunction with the MicroPython programming language. The Thonny development environment (IDE) is used in all of the 60+ working and tested projects 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 sensor chips
Using the internal temperature sensor and external temperature sensor chips
Datalogging projects
PWM, UART, I²C, and SPI projects
Using Bluetooth, WiFi, and apps to communicate with smartphones
Digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) projects
All projects are tried & tested. They can be implemented on both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Raspberry Pi Pico W, although the Wi-Fi-based subjects will run on the Pico W only. Basic programming and electronics experience are required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full MicroPython program listings are given for all projects.
This complete Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller programming course features a textbook, a component kit, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online course with simulations. It is ideal for step-by-step learning of embedded systems programming with Arduino using a practical, hands-on approach.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the Raspberry Pi Pico
This course is designed for people who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started.
A kit of parts comprising LEDs and resistors, switches, sensors and actuators, displays, a breadboard and wires, and more is included. These are used in the course to illustrate example applications.
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
What Will You Learn?
Microcontroller programming in C/C++ with the Raspberry Pi Pico using the Arduino IDE
Working with Digital I/O, read buttons and encoders, control LEDs and relays
Read analog inputs, voltages, and analog sensors
Generating analog output signals and PWM
Use serial communication like UART, I²C and SPI to control displays and read digital sensors and SD cards
Managing time
Working with interrupts
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Control actuators like relays and servo motors
Who Is It For?
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
What's Inside the Box?
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board + USB cable
Book: Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Downloadable project files for every module
Component Box:
2× LED, red, 5 mm
LED, green, 5 mm
3× Resistor, 470 Ω, 0.25 W
LDR
Potentiometer, 10 kΩ, linear
Pushbutton
Rotary encoder module
Relay module
DHT22 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
TM1637-compatible 4-digit 7-segment display
MPU-6050 IMU with headers
SSD1306-compatible I²C OLED display
Micro SD card adapter with header
Buzzer
SG90 Micro Servo
ILI9341-compatible SPI 240×320 TFT display
20× Jumper wires
Breadboard
All Programming Courses (and differences in content)
Course
Arduino
Raspberry Pi Pico with Arduino C/C++
ESP32 with Arduino C/C++
Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython
ESP32 with MicroPython
Online Course
Access to Arduino Course
Access to Pico with Arduino C/C++ Course
Access to ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Course
Access to Pico with MicroPython Course
Access to ESP32 with MicroPython Course
Board
Uno R3
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Book
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
Kit
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
40-piece Component Box
Comprehensive Book-Hardware Bundle for the RP2040 Microcontroller with over 80 Projects
Unlock the potential of modern controller technology with the Raspberry Pi Pico in this bundle. Perfect for both beginners and experienced users, the easy-to-follow guide takes you from the basics of electronics to the complexities of digital signal processing. With the Raspberry Pi Pico, the dedicated hardware kit and MicroPython programming, you will learn the key principles of circuit design, data collection, and processing.
Get hands-on with over 80 projects like a stopwatch with an OLED display, a laser distance meter, and a servo-controlled fan. These projects are designed to help you apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. The book also covers advanced topics like wireless RFID technology, object detection, and sensor integration for robotics.
Whether you're looking to build your skills in electronics or dive deeper into embedded systems, this bundle is the perfect resource to help you explore the full potential of the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Contents of the Bundle
1x Project Book (273 pages)
1x Smart Car Kit
Electronic Parts
2x Solderless breadboard (400 holes)
1x Solderless breadboard (170 holes)
5x Colorful 5 mm LEDs (green, red, blue, yellow and white)
1x Laser transmitter
1x Passive buzzer
1x Micro USB cable (30 cm)
1x 65 Jumper wires
1x 20 cm male to female Dupont wire
1x Clear case
1x Magnet (diameter: 8 mm, thickness: 5 mm)
1x Rotary potentiometer
10x 2 KΩ resistors
2x M2.5x30 mm copper pillars
10x Phillips pan head screws
10x M2.5 nickel hex nuts
1x 2-inch dual-purpose screwdriver
Modules
1x RGB module
1x 9G servo
1x Dual-axis XY joystick module
1x RC522 RFID module
1x 4 Bits digital LED display module
1x Traffic light display module
1x Rotary Encoder module
1x 1602 LCD Display module (Blue)
1x Photoresistor module
1x DC motor with male Dupont wire
1x Fan blade
1x Raindrops module
1x OLED module
1x Membrane switch keyboard
1x Mini magnetic spring module
1x Infrared remote control
1x Infrared receiver module
1x DC stepper motor driver board
1x Button
Sensors
1x Vibration sensor
1x Soil moisture sensor
1x Sound sensor
1x Mini PIR motion sensor
1x Temperature & Humidity sensor
1x Flame sensor
2x Crash sensor
2x Tracking sensor
1x Ultrasonic sensor
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, build, and master 60+ projects with the Wireless RP2040
The Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W are 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 spacious memory, the Pico and Pico W offer many GPIO pins, and popular peripheral interface modules like ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, PWM, timing modules, a hardware debug interface, and an internal temperature sensor.
The Raspberry Pi Pico W additionally includes an on-board Infineon CYW43439 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chipset. At the time of writing this book, the Bluetooth firmware was not yet available. Wi-Fi is however fully supported at 2.4 GHz using the 802.11b/g/n protocols.
This book is an introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Pico W in conjunction with the MicroPython programming language. The Thonny development environment (IDE) is used in all of the 60+ working and tested projects 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 sensor chips
Using the internal temperature sensor and external temperature sensor chips
Datalogging projects
PWM, UART, I²C, and SPI projects
Using Bluetooth, WiFi, and apps to communicate with smartphones
Digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) projects
All projects are tried & tested. They can be implemented on both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Raspberry Pi Pico W, although the Wi-Fi-based subjects will run on the Pico W only. Basic programming and electronics experience are required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full MicroPython program listings are given for all projects.
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.