MicroPython Starters Guide

Welcome to the MicroPython Starters Guide! Follow these steps to set up and run your first MicroPython script on a Raspberry Pi Pico using VSCode.

Step 1: Clone the Repository

Enlist the repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/brifl/micro-python-starters.git

Step 2: Install the MicroPico Extension in VSCode

Open VSCode and install the MicroPico extension:

1. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window.
2. Search for "MicroPico".
3. Click "Install" on the MicroPico extension.

Step 3: Open the MicroPython Starters Folder in VSCode

Open the cloned repository folder in VSCode:

1. Click on File in the top menu.
2. Select Open Folder....
3. Navigate to and select the micro-python-starters folder.

Step 4: Connect Your Pico to Your PC

Connect your Raspberry Pi Pico to your PC via USB-C:

1. Ensure you use a data-capable USB-C cable (not a charge-only cable).
2. Plug the Pico into your PC.

Step 5: Update MicroPython Firmware (Optional)

The latest MicroPython firmware should already be installed on your Pico. However, if you need to update it:

1. Download the latest MicroPython firmware from MicroPython Downloads.
2. Follow the instructions on the download page to flash the new firmware onto your Pico.

Step 6: Upload a Python Script to Pico

To upload a Python script to your Pico:

1. In the Explorer tab in VSCode, right-click on one of the Python files (e.g., message.py).
2. Select "Upload project to Pico" from the context menu.

Step 7: Open a Pico REPL Terminal

Open a new terminal window in VSCode of type "Pico (W) vREPL":

1. Click on the Terminal menu at the top.
2. Select "New Terminal".
3. From the dropdown, select "Pico (W) vREPL".

Step 8: Run the Script

From the Pico REPL terminal prompt, run:

import message

Step 9: Watch the LED Blink in Morse Code

Observe the onboard LED on your Pico. It should blink your message in Morse code.

Congratulations! You've successfully deployed and run a MicroPython script on your Raspberry Pi Pico.