The Raspberry Pi Pico - Everything You Need To Know | Revised 2024 (2024)

Are you ready to take your projects to the next level? Meet the Raspberry Pi Pico, the tiny yet mighty microcontroller board that packs a powerful punch.

It might be small in size but it’s definitely big in capabilities. With its RP2040 chip, versatile peripheral interfaces, and easy-to-use programming options, the Pico is the perfect device for a wide range of projects, from IoT (Internet Of Things) and home automation to robotics and industrial control.

In this in-depth article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Raspberry Pi Pico and discuss why it’s quickly becoming the go-to choice for coders, professionals, and hobbyists alike.

Let’s dive in!

Raspberry Pi Pico – Key Features

The Pico is one of the newest additions to the Raspberry Pi family and was released in 2021.

But unlike the rest of the devices in the Pi lineup like the Raspberry Pi 4, it’s not a full-fledged Linux-running microcomputer. Instead, it’s Raspberry’s take on a system-on-chip (SOC) microcontroller board at an entry-level price point.

So, what exactly is a microcontroller?

Well, in simple words, a microcontroller is a small, low-cost computer-on-a-chip that can be used to control electronic devices. It typically includes a processor, memory, and input/output (I/O) interfaces, and is designed for specific control applications.

But because of their lighter spec hardware, they can’t be used for general-purpose computing like the other variants in the Pi lineup.

This is why they’re only commonly used in embedded systems, such as appliances, automobiles, and industrial equipment where you need a small footprint and power efficiency.

Here are some of its key features to get you up to speed:

What Can You Do With The Raspberry Pi Pico?

As we mentioned earlier, the Pico isn’t like your typical computer, it’s a microcontroller so you can’t exactly use it like you would a Raspberry Pi 4.

Nonetheless, the Raspberry Pi Pico is still a powerful and versatile device that can be used for a wide range of projects and applications. Some examples of what you can do with the Pico include:

Internet of Things and Home Automation
The Pico can be used to create a variety of smart home devices such as thermostats, light switches, web servers, network scanners, burglar alarms, garage door sensors, and security cameras. It can also be used to control and monitor other home appliances and devices using MicroPython or other programming languages.

Robotics
Its small form factor, power efficiency, and low cost make it an ideal choice for building robots. You can use it to control motors and servos, read sensor data, and process information using its powerful microcontroller.

Industrial control
The Pico can be used to control industrial equipment such as conveyor belts, machine tools, and other industrial devices. It can also be used to monitor and control temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Interactive projects
The Pico can also be used to create interactive projects such as mood lighting, wake-up alarms, and automatic fans that turn up the speed as your room gets hotter throughout the day.

Education
Because of its budget-friendly price tag it’s an easily accessible option for teaching electronics, programming, and other STEM subjects.

Other projects
The Pico can be used for a wide range of other projects such as building a weather station, a DIY drone, or even an egg timer. The possibilities truly are endless!

So, Which Raspberry Pi Pico Variant Should You Get?

Following the success of the original Pico in 2021, Raspberry Pi announced the release of three different variants in 2022 after listening to user feedback. These are:

The Raspberry Pi Pico H

The Raspberry Pi Pico W

The Raspberry Pi Pico WH

All of the models are essentially the same hardware and software-wise apart from a few key differences.

For example, the only thing different about the Raspberry Pi Pico H variant from the first iteration is that it comes with pre-soldered headers, making it easy to use right out of the box.

This simple change over the original makes it a great option for beginners or anyone who wants to quickly jump into their projects without having to fiddle with soldering.

The Raspberry Pi Pico W on the other hand includes built-in WiFi, which can be useful for IoT projects or for connecting to the internet. So, if you’re planning to use your Pico for wireless projects, this variant is an excellent choice.

Lastly, as the name suggests, the Raspberry Pi Pico WH is a combination of the H and W variants and comes with pre-soldered headers and built-in WiFi. This is the most versatile option, and it is perfect for projects that require both connectivity and ease of use.

Ultimately, the best variant for you will depend on your specific project needs. But because the upgrades only cost around an additional $2, the Pico WH with pre-soldered headers and built-in WiFi is the safest bet and well worth the extra.

If you’re searching for project inspiration with your Raspberry Pi Pico, the team over at Top Projects has put together a video outlining 10 simple projects for you to sink your teeth into.