Carefully plugging the wires into the bread board, doubt seeps in, “should the red wire go to ground or the white one?” LEDs all in place, Python code properly indented (spaces, not tabs), prayers for the magic smoke to not escape go up as the electronics are powered on. In an instant, worries subside as the microcontroller springs to life and the twinkling of little lights glowing in the precise rhythm as instructed by your code testifies that software and hardware are in perfect harmony.

Amazing experiences like this and more can be yours in this session. You’ll have the opportunity to build your own sweet creations using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller and a variety of other electrical components that merge electronics and software in beautiful harmony. The Pi Pico is an inexpensive microcontroller that can run MicroPython to control a plethora of electrical doodads. If you want to bring your code into the real world with crazy inventions, come to this session to get the foundational skills you need to release your inner mad scientist!

No prior experience with electronics or microcontrollers needed. Basic programming knowledge in any language is helpful. The python code will be pretty basic and straight forward. Will work with LEDs, Resistors, switches/buttons, photoresistors, and servos all interacting or controlled by the Raspbery Pi Pico microcontroller.