Introduction

Learn how to control the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython, and connect LEDs, motors, servos and sensors.

Watch the videos

This course has two companion videos. Part 1 covers pin types, digital I/O and PWM; Part 2 covers analog input, the communication buses, servos and sensors.

Overview

Welcome to Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython - GPIO Mastery! The Pico’s GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins are how your code reaches out and touches the real world. In this course you’ll learn what each kind of pin can do, how to wire things up safely, and how to drive LEDs, motors, servos and sensors from MicroPython.

Course Content

The course is split into short sections:

1. Introduction to GPIO pins - pin types, pin numbering and voltage levels
2. Digital I/O and PWM - buttons, LEDs and motors
3. Analog I/O (ADC) - reading voltages, potentiometers and temperature sensors
4. UART, I2C and SPI - talking to other chips and modules
5. Servos and ultrasonic range finders - two robot favourites
6. Ground pins - why every circuit needs a common ground
7. Recap and review

Key Results

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the different types of GPIO pins on the Pico and find them on the pinout
• Use digital inputs and outputs, including pull-up resistors for buttons
• Use PWM to fade LEDs, set motor speed and position servos
• Read analog voltages with the ADC
• Talk to other devices over UART, I2C and SPI
• Keep your Pico safe by respecting its 3.3V logic level

What you’ll need

• A Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W with MicroPython installed (see How to install MicroPython)
• A computer with Thonny to edit and run code
• A breadboard, jumper wires, a few LEDs and 220Ω resistors, and a push button
• Optional parts for the later lessons: a 10kΩ potentiometer, a small DC motor and motor driver (L293D or DRV8833), an SG90 servo, an HC-SR04 range finder and a DS18B20 or DHT11 temperature sensor

Prerequisites

You should be comfortable writing simple Python programs. If you’re brand new to MicroPython, take Learn MicroPython - The basics first.

How the course works

Each lesson explains one idea, then shows real code you can run on your Pico. Most lessons end with a Try it yourself challenge and a quick quiz. Your quiz score and progress are saved in your browser and shown in the sidebar.

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Let’s get started!

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