2.5 KiB
Programming Software Setup
Dev Envitonment
Macos 12 on a dual core laptop. An RPi Pico, programming over usb cable. Some wires, buttons, LEDs and resistors I borrowed from lab.
Code Editor
Instead of using Arduino IDE, I use Visual Studio Code for programming. I use it because I (seem to) write code more efficiently and because I have it customized it to my liking.
I use the new Zed Editor. I am transitioning from using VSCode with lots of plugins to a minimilist and lightweight setup and I am using this project to help familiarize with Zed.
To help my migration to Zed, I ported my custom dark theme, called Subtle Colors, from VSCode. I also use vim mode in vscode and I am glad it is builtin to Zed.
Project Generation
A C Pico project requires additional files to handle compilation: CMakeList.txt and pico_sdk_import.cmake, templates of both available in the installed pico sdk. To automate this, I am using Pico Project Generator to generate the boilerplate code for the project. Most of the options are left default. The only changes are: Console over USB and Create VSCode Project are enabled.
Uploading Code
The C code gets compiled to a .UF2 binary file. This file should be uploaded to the pico.
Currently I program the pico over USB connection, and to do so,
- the USB has to be unplugged
- The button on the board has to be held down to put the board into programming mode
- USB has to be plugged back in and the button can be released
This will wear-out the port upon time. To solve this, the RUN pin #30 can be pulled down/connect to GND to reset the board. I use a button to acomplish that, from now on called the reset button, as seen below.
So uploading the code requires following steps:
- Press and hold reset button (2)
- Press and hold bootloader button (1)
- Release reset button (2)
- Release bootloader button (1)
This will mount the pico as a storage device, to where the generated .UF2 file should be copied.
Hardware Setup
I have the RaspberryPi Pico Non-W variant: without the wireless chip. I soldered male jumper headers and mounted it onto a large breadboard. I am using solid copper wires for connections because they stay in set shape.
I am also using a button as mentioned above to upload the program. This will be my standard setup for the rest of the guides.