I’m excited to announce a new training I’m conducting at the upcoming NERD Summit at UMass Amherst on March 18, 2023.
Microcontroller Introduction with Raspberry Pi Pico is for beginners interested in home automation, robots, or IoT (Internet of Things). Microcontrollers are the brains behind most electronic devices. They are everywhere; in your washing machines, cameras, security alarms, smart devices, traffic lights, and more. The Pi Pico is Rasberry Pi’s microcontroller development board that makes learning this technology accessible and affordable.
Training Overview
This three-hour training combines lectures and hands-on with a Pi Pico. Topics covered include:
- Basics of a microcontroller
- Capabilities and features of the Raspberry Pi Pico
- Ways to use a microcontroller in your home
- Basic electronic and physical computing concepts
- How to control the Pi Pico using Micropython
- How to write simple Micropython programs and install them on a Pi Pico
Hands On
Students will use a Pi Pico to control LEDs and sensors using Micopython. Experience will include:
- Installing and getting familiar with the Thonny IDE
- Writing Micropython programs
- Wiring a breadboard to connect a Pi Pico to LEDs and sensors
- Setuping up Pi Pico to execute Mircopython
- Copying files and libraries Pi Pico
- Finding and using sample programs for online resources
Each student is provided a starter kit with a Raspberry Pi Pico, breadboard, wires, resistors, LEDs, and sensors. These kits are available to take home for a small fee
Cost
The NERD Summit includes training for free with conference registration. And the conference registration fee is ‘pay what you can’. The recommended fee is $50 for three days, but you can pay any amount, including $0.
There is a suggested donation for ticket purchase to help pay for the event and support NERD, for those who want to donate and can afford it.
NERD Summit Registration.
A three-day conference with sessions, training and meals for $50 (recommended price). This is truly accessible for all. I orignaly
The NERD Summit
With its original roots as a Drupal conference, the NERD Summit is now a general technology conference whose mission is to provide ‘positive and supportive learning opportunities for people who work, or want to work in web and related technologies in the New England area.’
This three-day conference has presentations, panels, discussion groups, and training. Topics covered include:
- Accessibility
- Coding
- Maker / Lego
- Professional growth
- Project management
- and more
When and Where
March 18,2023 – UMass Amherst. Seating is limited, register early! Learn more about NERD Summit.
