Setting Up Raspberry Pi Pico on Ubuntu | Generated by AI

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To use a Raspberry Pi Pico on Ubuntu, you need to set up the development environment, install necessary software, and configure tools to program the Pico. The Pico supports programming in MicroPython, C/C++, or CircuitPython. Below, I outline the steps and software required for each approach, focusing on the most common setups.

General Prerequisites

Option 1: Programming with MicroPython

MicroPython is the most beginner-friendly way to program the Pico. It’s a lightweight Python implementation designed for microcontrollers.

Software to Install

  1. MicroPython Firmware
  2. Python 3
    • Ubuntu typically includes Python 3 by default. Verify with: 
      python3 --version
    • If not installed, install it: 
      sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip
  3. Thonny IDE (Recommended for Beginners)
    • Thonny is a simple IDE for programming the Pico with MicroPython.
    • Install Thonny: 
      sudo apt install thonny
    • Alternatively, use pip for the latest version: 
      pip3 install thonny
  4. Optional: picotool (for advanced management)
    • Useful for managing MicroPython firmware or inspecting the Pico.
    • Install picotool: 
      sudo apt install picotool

Setup Steps

  1. Install MicroPython Firmware
    • Connect the Pico to your Ubuntu machine via USB while holding the BOOTSEL button (this puts the Pico in bootloader mode).
    • The Pico appears as a USB storage device (e.g., RPI-RP2).
    • Drag and drop the downloaded MicroPython .uf2 file onto the Pico’s storage. The Pico will reboot automatically with MicroPython installed.
  2. Configure Thonny
    • Open Thonny: thonny in the terminal or via the application menu.
    • Go to Tools > Options > Interpreter.
    • Select MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico) as the interpreter.
    • Choose the correct port (e.g., /dev/ttyACM0). Run ls /dev/tty* in the terminal to identify the port if needed.
    • Thonny should now connect to the Pico, allowing you to write and run Python scripts.
  3. Test a Program
    • In Thonny, write a simple script, e.g.: 
      from machine import Pin
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)  # Onboard LED (GP25 for Pico)
led.toggle()  # Toggle LED on/off
    • Click the Run button to execute the code on the Pico.
  4. Optional: Use picotool
    • Verify the Pico’s status: 
      picotool info
    • Ensure the Pico is connected and in bootloader mode if needed.

Option 2: Programming with C/C++

For more advanced users, the Pico can be programmed in C/C++ using the official Pico SDK.

Software to Install

  1. Pico SDK and Toolchain
    • Install the required tools for building C/C++ programs: 
      sudo apt update
sudo apt install cmake gcc-arm-none-eabi libnewlib-arm-none-eabi build-essential git
  2. Pico SDK
    • Clone the Pico SDK repository: 
      git clone -b master https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk.git
cd pico-sdk
git submodule update --init
    • Set the PICO_SDK_PATH environment variable: 
      export PICO_SDK_PATH=~/pico-sdk
echo 'export PICO_SDK_PATH=~/pico-sdk' >> ~/.bashrc
  3. Optional: Pico Examples
    • Clone the Pico examples for reference: 
      git clone -b master https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-examples.git
  4. Visual Studio Code (Optional)
    • For a better development experience, install VS Code: 
      sudo snap install code --classic
    • Install the CMake Tools and C/C++ extensions in VS Code.

Setup Steps

  1. Set Up a Project
    • Create a new directory for your project, e.g., my-pico-project.
    • Copy a sample CMakeLists.txt from pico-examples or create one: 
      cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.13)
include($ENV{PICO_SDK_PATH}/pico_sdk_init.cmake)
project(my_project C CXX ASM)
pico_sdk_init()
add_executable(my_project main.c)
pico_add_extra_outputs(my_project)
target_link_libraries(my_project pico_stdlib)
    • Write a simple C program (e.g., main.c): 
      #include "pico/stdlib.h"
int main() {
    const uint LED_PIN = 25;
    gpio_init(LED_PIN);
    gpio_set_dir(LED_PIN, GPIO_OUT);
    while (true) {
        gpio_put(LED_PIN, 1);
        sleep_ms(500);
        gpio_put(LED_PIN, 0);
        sleep_ms(500);
    }
}
  2. Build and Flash
    • Navigate to your project directory: 
      cd my-pico-project
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make
    • This generates a .uf2 file (e.g., my_project.uf2).
    • Hold the BOOTSEL button on the Pico, connect it via USB, and copy the .uf2 file to the Pico’s storage: 
      cp my_project.uf2 /media/$USER/RPI-RP2/
  3. Debugging (Optional)
    • Install openocd for debugging: 
      sudo apt install openocd
    • Use a debugger (e.g., another Pico as a debug probe) and run: 
      openocd -f interface/raspberrypi-swd.cfg -f target/rp2040.cfg

Option 3: Programming with CircuitPython

CircuitPython is another Python-based option, similar to MicroPython but with a focus on Adafruit’s ecosystem.

Software to Install

  1. CircuitPython Firmware
  2. Python 3 and Tools
    • Same as for MicroPython (Python 3, Thonny, etc.).

Setup Steps

  1. Install CircuitPython Firmware
    • Similar to MicroPython: hold BOOTSEL, connect the Pico, and copy the CircuitPython .uf2 file to the Pico’s storage.
    • The Pico reboots as a USB drive named CIRCUITPY.
  2. Program with Thonny or a Text Editor
    • Use Thonny as described in the MicroPython section, selecting CircuitPython as the interpreter.
    • Alternatively, edit code.py directly on the CIRCUITPY drive using any text editor.
    • Example code.py: 
      import board
import digitalio
import time
led = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.LED)
led.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT
while True:
    led.value = True
    time.sleep(0.5)
    led.value = False
    time.sleep(0.5)

Additional Notes

If you have a specific project or programming preference, let me know, and I can tailor the instructions further!

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