Storing Mission Critical Data in Flash Memory on the Raspberry Pi Pico W

In this video lesson we show how mission critical data can be saved in Flash Memory on the Raspberry Pi Pico W. There is just 2 MB of flash memory available, and the flash memory is only specified for 100,000 write cycles. This means we must be careful and deliberate in when to use flash memory, and it should not be used as a general purpose data logger. For example, if you wrote a memory location once a second, you could reach cycle limit in a few days. However, storing things like calibration data, user preferences and so forth are excellent uses of the memory.

In order to demonstrate this capability, we will show a program where the position of the servo is saved in a .json file in flash memory. If power is lost, the program goes and reloads the last position of the servo from the .json file, and then proceeds from there.

When using the breadvolt, or any battery power supply on a breadboard project, do not turn the power supply on while the Raspberry Pi Pico is connected to USB, as you could generate voltage conflicts. It is an either or. If the USB is connected, the power supply should be OFF. Or if you are going to connect the USB, first turn off the power supply.

We use the following circuit:

servo control
This demonstration circuit controls servo position by two push buttons

We also include the code developed in this lesson below for your convenience:

 

Create a Simple Client Server Connection Over WiFi to Connect Arduino to Python on the PC

In this video lesson, we show how to create a simple Client/Server connection over WiFi. We connect the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi to Python running on the PC. The arduino is the server, and the PC Python program is the client. We show how to pass data from the PC to the Arduino, and then how to pass data from the Arduino back to the PC. With this simple framework, we can control Arduino projects from our desktop PC, and we can use the PC to display data being taken from the Arduino.

In this lesson we develop code for Arduino, and the code in Python. For your convenience, we present the code below.

On the Arduino Side, this is the code to create the ‘Server’.

You also need to add a tab to your program using the ‘Add Tab’ feature of the IDE. The program in the tab should be named secrets.h

Your secrets.h file should look like this:

You can run the program above, and it should connect to your WiFi, and should print out the Arduino’s IP address. Make note of the IP address as it will be needed in the Client program below. On the PC side, this is the python code to create the client:

 

Remotely Control a DC Motor Over WiFi With Raspberry Pi Pico W

In this video lesson I will show you how you can control a remote DC motor using your Raspberry Pi Pico W. The Pi Pico is set up as a server, and is connected to a DC motor, and TA6586 Motor Controller. The motor is controlled by a client Python program running on your desktop PC. On the client side we create a Graphical Widget, which will allow you to control both the speed and direction of the motor. the schematic for the Raspberry Pi Pico W side is shown below:

Motor Controller
Schematic for TA6586 and Raspberry Pi Pico DC Motor Control

When using the breadvolt, or any battery power supply on a breadboard project, do not turn the power supply on while the Raspberry Pi Pico is connected to USB, as you could generate voltage conflicts. It is an either or. If the USB is connected, the power supply should be OFF. Or if you are going to connect the USB, first turn off the power supply.

Then in the video, we developed the following software for the server side on the Pi Pico

Then for the client side, the following program runs on Python on your PC:

 

 

Control DC Motor With Raspberry Pi Pico W and TA6586

In this video lesson we show you how you can control a small DC motor using the Raspberry Pi Pico W and a TA6586 DC Motor Controller. We show you how to control both the speed and direction. The schematic for the circuit we use is here:

Motor Controller
Schematic for TA6586 and Raspberry Pi Pico DC Motor Control

When using the breadvolt, or any battery power supply on a breadboard project, do not turn the power supply on while the Raspberry Pi Pico is connected to USB, as you could generate voltage conflicts. It is an either or. If the USB is connected, the power supply should be OFF. Or if you are going to connect the USB, first turn off the power supply.

In the lesson, we developed the following code for your convenience:

 

Portable Arduino Weather Station Project

In this video lesson we show how to build a portable Arduino Weather Station. The station is powered by a battery bank, and data is displayed on the SSD1306 OLED display. The station included the BMP180 pressure sensor for barometric pressure, the DHT 11 for temperature and humidity, and a push button to toggle between modes. The schematic of the circuit is shown below.

Weather Station
Schematic of Arduino Weather Station

When using the breadvolt, or any battery power supply on a breadboard project, do not turn the power supply on while the Arduino is connected to USB, as you could generate voltage conflicts. It is an either or. If the USB is connected, the power supply should be OFF. Or if you are going to connect the USB, first turn off the power supply.

The code developed in the video is included for your convenience below:

 

Making The World a Better Place One High Tech Project at a Time. Enjoy!