Best YouTube Courses for Pico | Generated by AI
To master Raspberry Pi Pico development, focusing on YouTube courses that offer hands-on projects, MicroPython or C/C++ programming, and practical applications like IoT, robotics, and sensor integration is key. Below are recommended YouTube courses and channels based on their relevance, quality, and alignment with Raspberry Pi Pico development. These recommendations draw from the provided web and X post context, emphasizing beginner-friendly to advanced content that covers MicroPython, hardware interfacing, and project-based learning.
Recommended YouTube Courses/Channels for Raspberry Pi Pico Development
- Core Electronics - Raspberry Pi Pico Workshop
- Why? This playlist offers a comprehensive introduction to the Raspberry Pi Pico, covering setup, MicroPython programming, and practical projects like LED control and sensor integration. It’s beginner-friendly but also dives into components like relays and buttons, making it great for building foundational skills.
- What You’ll Learn: Basics of Pico setup, MicroPython coding, GPIO pin usage, and projects involving LEDs, buttons, and relays. The course also touches on using Thonny IDE for programming.
- Link: Check the Core Electronics YouTube channel for their “Raspberry Pi Pico Workshop” playlist.
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Note: While slightly older (2017), the content remains relevant for Pico basics, but you may need to supplement with newer tutorials for the latest updates.
- Kevin McAleer (KevsRobots) - Raspberry Pi Pico Tutorials
- Why? Kevin McAleer’s channel provides practical, project-based tutorials, including a notable video on using the Raspberry Pi Pico for robotics. His “Raspberry Pi Pico for Robotics” tutorial (1-hour) is ideal for learning MicroPython and hardware interfacing for robotics applications.
- What You’ll Learn: Pico features, pinouts, MicroPython coding with Thonny, comparisons with other boards (e.g., Arduino), and robotics project implementation. Projects include controlling servos and building simple robots.
- Link: Search for “Raspberry Pi Pico for Robotics” on Kevin McAleer’s YouTube channel or visit kevsrobots.com for additional resources.
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Note: His content is free, with additional resources like GitHub code and 3D-printable designs for hands-on learners.
- Hunter Adams - Cornell University’s Digital Systems Design Course
- Why? This is a full 14-week course from Cornell University, available on YouTube, focusing on digital systems design using the RP2040-based Raspberry Pi Pico. It’s advanced and ideal for those aiming to master embedded systems, covering coding, digital signal processing, and robotics.
- What You’ll Learn: Advanced topics like digital signal processing, analog circuits, control theory, and neural modeling. Projects include building digital systems and exploring flocking behavior simulations (e.g., “Boids”).
- Link: Search for “Digital Systems Design Using Microcontrollers” on Hunter Adams’ YouTube channel or Cornell’s course website.
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Note: This course is not beginner-friendly and assumes prior microcontroller knowledge. It’s perfect for diving deep into Pico’s capabilities, but you may need to brush up on prerequisites like C programming or embedded systems basics.
- Random Nerd Tutorials
- Why? This channel offers an extensive collection of step-by-step Raspberry Pi Pico tutorials, focusing on practical projects like sensor integration (e.g., DHT11, OLED displays) and IoT applications. It’s ideal for learners who want to build real-world projects.
- What You’ll Learn: MicroPython programming, sensor interfacing (e.g., temperature, humidity, motion sensors), OLED/LCD displays, and IoT with platforms like ThingSpeak and Adafruit IO. Tutorials include detailed code and wiring diagrams.
- Link: Visit the Random Nerd Tutorials YouTube channel or their website for Pico-specific videos and written guides.
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Note: The channel’s project-based approach lets you pick tutorials based on your interests, making it flexible for self-paced learning.
- Inglis Castañon (@inglilicastanon)
- Why? This channel offers Spanish-language tutorials, including a specific video on drawing shapes (e.g., hearts, circles) on an SSD1306 OLED display using the Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython. It’s great for hands-on display projects and MicroPython coding.
- What You’ll Learn: MicroPython coding for OLED displays, using loops (e.g., for cycles), and creating graphical outputs with the Pico. The tutorial is concise and project-focused.
- Link: Search for “Cómo dibujar figuras en la Raspberry Pi Pico” on YouTube by @inglilicastanon.
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Note: Best for Spanish-speaking learners or those comfortable with subtitles, focusing on display-based projects.
- Swiftberry_ng (@Swiftberry_ng) - CircuitPython Tutorials
- Why? This channel emphasizes CircuitPython, a fork of MicroPython, for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico. Their tutorials highlight the ease of drag-and-drop coding, making it accessible for beginners while covering IoT and hardware basics.
- What You’ll Learn: CircuitPython setup, drag-and-drop coding, and basic Pico projects. It’s particularly useful for those interested in Adafruit’s ecosystem and browser-based coding.
- Link: Check Swiftberry_ng’s YouTube channel for CircuitPython-focused Pico tutorials.
- Level: Beginner
- Note: CircuitPython is an alternative to MicroPython, and these tutorials are great for quick starts but may require additional resources for advanced projects.
Additional Tips for Mastering Raspberry Pi Pico Development
- Start with MicroPython: Most of these courses emphasize MicroPython due to its simplicity and similarity to Python. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate learners. For advanced development, consider learning C/C++ to unlock the Pico’s full potential, including dual-core and programmable I/O (PIO) features.
- Hands-On Projects: Focus on project-based learning (e.g., robotics, IoT, sensor integration) to reinforce concepts. Channels like Random Nerd Tutorials and Kevin McAleer provide source code and wiring diagrams, which are crucial for practical mastery.
- Supplement with Official Resources: The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s documentation and forums offer detailed guides on Pico setup, pinouts, and advanced topics like PIO. Combine these with YouTube tutorials for a comprehensive learning path.
- Explore IoT and Robotics: Courses covering IoT (e.g., ThingSpeak, Adafruit IO) and robotics (e.g., servo control, motorised buggies) are excellent for real-world applications. Random Nerd Tutorials and Kevin McAleer’s content are strong in these areas.
- Advanced Learning: For mastery, Cornell’s course is unmatched for depth but requires prerequisites. Supplement with Udemy courses like “Introduction to C Development Environment for Raspberry Pi Pico” for C/C++ skills.
Learning Path to Mastery
- Beginner: Start with Core Electronics or Random Nerd Tutorials for MicroPython basics, Thonny IDE setup, and simple projects (LED blinking, sensors).
- Intermediate: Explore Kevin McAleer’s robotics tutorials and Inglis Castañon’s display projects for more complex applications. Try CircuitPython with Swiftberry_ng for a different perspective.
- Advanced: Dive into Cornell’s Digital Systems Design course for in-depth RP2040 programming, focusing on C/C++, PIO, and embedded systems. Supplement with Udemy’s C/C++ courses for efficient development environments.
- Projects: Build a portfolio of projects (e.g., IoT weather station, robotic arm, OLED dashboard) to solidify skills. Use resources from Random Nerd Tutorials and the Raspberry Pi Foundation for inspiration.
Notes
- Availability: All recommended courses are free on YouTube, though some channels (e.g., Kevin McAleer) offer additional paid resources. Always check for the latest videos, as some content may need updating for newer Pico models (e.g., Pico W).
- Hardware: You’ll need a Raspberry Pi Pico (preferably Pico H or Pico W for pre-soldered headers), a micro-USB cable, and basic components (LEDs, sensors, breadboard) for hands-on projects.
- Community Support: Engage with the Raspberry Pi forums and social media (e.g., @TipsRaspberry on X) for troubleshooting and project ideas.
These YouTube resources, combined with official documentation and community support, will guide you from beginner to advanced Raspberry Pi Pico development, covering MicroPython, hardware interfacing, and complex projects like IoT and robotics. If you need specific project ideas or deeper dives into a topic, let me know!