Vilros Getting Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico Kit

This kit is loaded with tons of experiments and parts as well as an actual Pico and then the instructions inside and the lessons. You can easily pick up fantastic lessons to learn how to use micropython but also just to work with this stuff in general. I've done quite a few of the experiments, I have kind of an end use in mind that I think I'll be able to do now that I've had time to experiment with this kit.Comes in a very nice case so that things don't fly all over the place and you also have everything bag tagged and ready to go that you're going to need to do the experiments or whatever it is you want to do. The variety is in the kit's depth, you get things like an LCD screen and other higher end items so it's not just cheap stuff like LEDs and a couple of resistors. You get an in-depth kit to be able to make some serious stuff out of this and learn how to go one step further because the breadboarding doesn't require soldering.

The printed guide included indicates it's available at an online link for copying code but I was unable to find it although it was available there for sale separately. The guide is also sold out on the Raspberry Pi press website. I found the full Pico guide available in the Raspberry Pi bookshelf that comes with the operating system installed on most Pi computers. This full version of the guide is best and provides more detail. Excellent Pico and MicroPython references are available online at the Raspberry Pi website and can be followed when installing MicroPython on the Pico microcontroller included with this kit.The kit comes with all the main supplies and components needed to create the projects covered in the Pico guide. All parts were well packed and in good shape. Enough supplies are provided to vary and expand on the suggested projects as one gains more experience.The microcontroller can be controlled by a Raspberry Pi or most other computers that have a USB port and can run Python to write code to be transferred and stored on the Pico. These microcontrollers are very popular and have been in short supply for the past year. With this kit it is possible to learn programming including physical programming controlling other devices.The kit includes a box with a snap lid for storing all the various components and parts as well as a zippered case for carrying. There is even a clever small "boat" keychain that can carry the Pico with all stored programs and project code. The Pico can be carried with programs and programming language for use with various computers and is an excellent way for young and older to learn to write code and build physical projects.I've been working with the kit since the holidays and having a great time working through the projects, challenges to expand on them and learning with a very hands on microcontroller experience.This kit is well thought out and packed with things to explore while learning about micro controllers and physical computing. Highly recommend the Pico and kit as a fully supplied set to get into the world of programming. This introduction will allow one to gain knowledge and develop new skills while creating useful and educational projects.

I had gotten this as a thing I could do with my kids, but sadly neither of them were into it :( Ah well, more for me! :)So, first off, this box can seem really overwhelming to someone fresh and green regarding microcomputing and this Pico stuffs - like me! I wasn't 100% sure what all of this was or what I was supposed to even do with all this stuff. Thankfully it comes with a sufficiently thick, basically a textbook, guide.The printed guide itself is pretty well written and includes direction for someone who maybe has never really seen or used even a micro-USB plug. There is a lot of info to take in. It might take a while to get through just this printed guide for people totally unfamiliar with computer hardware and still take a bit for someone familiar with PC hardware but new to Pi things.The MicroPython language feels similar enough to Python and still has a relatively basic structure most languages have today. It's not a difficult one to learn for complete beginners, in my opinion. Give yourself time to make mistakes and such, just like learning any language, computer or not.Once it moves to coding for the physical circuits this thing's designed for the manual has very brief overviews of projects one can learn through, but it seems to be via their website's guides for this product to get any depth of instruction on the how-tos.I'm not super-against having to get online to get more instruction for this specific kit, but I do find it a bit distracting. If you're doing this with a kid, or too get internet distracted too easily like me, itd be worth trying to get these project instructions set up so you can be offline, or at least pretend you are, while accessing these instructions.My only other complaint is the battery pack takes AAs. Would've been much nicer to have a rechargeable battery pack or the like, but I can also try to understand why standard AAs are used.All in all, I have no regrets getting this. I did kinda space out and didn't realize it was a Pi Pico and not a Pi. That's fine though. To note: Pi Pico is made by same folks who make the Pi.Also, per the guide you will need to do some soldering for this kit. Keep that in mind if grabbing one, make sure you have some soldering capacity.

This kit is an amazingly educational device for both breadboarding circuits, AND programming simple code in Python for Raspberry Pi type devices.The kit came with everything needed, and the instructions are simple and clear enough to get your well on your way.If you're interested in learning about coding and circuits, this is a great starting point

A great little kit that includes (almost) everything you'll need to get started learning how to program in MicroPython and creating your own projects with the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller.The included "quick start" manual is brief (less than 40 pages), but will help you get your Raspberry Pi Pico prepped and ready for projects. While there are a lot of project components included in this kit, they're not actually covered in the quick start manual - to actually start making electronic projects, you'll need to download the full "Get Started with MicroPython on RaspBerry Pi Pico" e-book (a link is provided in the quick start guide). This is a bit of a shame, but it does keep costs down. The included manual is just enough to get things ready to go and get you familiar with the tools and software you'll be using.The writing in both the quick start manual and the full e-book is great - a nice, step-by-step basic introduction to both programming and electronics. Advanced users will find all this a tad boring, but for the novice there's just the right amount of hand-holding.The included plexiglass mounting board is nice - it holds your battery holder and breadboard, making a handy working area that can easily be picked up and put into the included carrying bag. The "Pico Boat" case for the actual Raspberry Pi Pico board is also a nice touch - it protects the board when you're not actually using it in a project.A note: You'll need a computer (PC, Mac, or Linux) to program the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller (it connects to another PC via USB much like a flash drive). If you've got a computer, you're ready to get started with the Pico, but it won't be of much use otherwise.