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Using PiicoDev

On this page we will learn

  • what PiicoDev modules are
  • how to connect a module to the micro:bit
  • which files a PiicoDev program needs
  • how to upload the driver files

Terminology

  • PiicoDev – a range of plug-and-play sensors and output modules made by Core Electronics that connect with the same cable, with no soldering needed.
  • adapter – a board that the micro:bit plugs into so PiicoDev modules can be connected to it.
  • address switch – a small switch (marked ASW) on some PiicoDev modules that lets us connect two of the same module at once.
  • device driver – a file of code that gives our program the commands to control one type of module.

PiicoDev is a range of plug-and-play sensors and output modules made by the Australian company Core Electronics. Every PiicoDev module uses the same cable, so we can connect modules to the micro:bit without soldering or breadboards.

Connect a module

  1. Plug the micro:bit into the PiicoDev Adapter for micro:bit, with the buttons and LED display facing up.
  2. Connect the module to the adapter with a PiicoDev cable.
  3. To use more than one module, connect them in a chain: adapter → module → module.
  4. Connect the micro:bit to your computer with the USB cable.

Address switches (ASW)

Some modules have small ASW switches. These let you connect two of the same module at once. Unless a page tells you otherwise, keep all ASW switches off.

Files a PiicoDev program needs

The code for the micro:bit's own components is already on the micro:bit. The code for PiicoDev modules is not, so we need to add extra files to every PiicoDev program folder, next to main.py:

  • PiicoDev_Unified.py → handles communication with all PiicoDev modules. You need one copy in each program folder.
  • a device driver → the commands for one type of module. You need one driver for each type of module you use.

For example, a program that uses the Distance Sensor and the OLED Module needs main.py, PiicoDev_Unified.py, PiicoDev_VL53L1X.py and PiicoDev_SSD1306.py.

The example and exercise folders in your tutorial files already contain the files they need.

Device drivers

Module Driver file Extra files
Atmospheric Sensor PiicoDev_BME280.py
Colour Sensor PiicoDev_VEML6040.py
Distance Sensor PiicoDev_VL53L1X.py
Potentiometer (rotary and slide) PiicoDev_Potentiometer.py
Button PiicoDev_Switch.py
Real Time Clock PiicoDev_RV3028.py
3x RGB LED PiicoDev_RGB.py
OLED Module PiicoDev_SSD1306.py font-pet-me-128.dat for text
Servo Driver PiicoDev_Servo.py

Upload the files

A PiicoDev program only works when all its files are on the micro:bit, so we upload them together:

  1. Stop any running program.

  2. In the This computer part of the Files panel, open the program folder.

    piicodev upload before

  3. Click the first file, hold Shift and click the last file to select them all.

    piicodev select files

  4. Right-click the selected files and choose Upload to micro:bit.

    piicodev upload

  5. If Thonny asks whether to overwrite files with the same names, click OK.

    piicodev overwrite

  6. Open main.py and run it.

Tip

Driver files stay on the micro:bit after they are uploaded. You only need to upload them again when you use a module that needs a different driver. While you are testing, you can run main.py straight from Thonny without uploading it each time.

Remove drivers you aren't using

The micro:bit has very limited memory for storing files. Driver files left over from earlier projects fill this space and can stop new files uploading or programs running.

Before uploading a new project, check the BBC micro:bit part of the Files panel. Right-click any driver files the new project doesn't use and choose Delete.