This is an expansion board for the Raspberry Pi Pico that adds interesting possibilities to the Pico:
- VGA connector (video output from the Pico!)
- microSD card slot
- Analog audio output (via PWM)
- Digital audio output (I2S)
- Three user buttons
This board showcases some of the most exciting possibilities of what can be done with the Pico! By the way, it's an open hardware design from Raspberry Pi, which can inspire you for hardware design. ("Good artists copy, great artists steal")
Instructions
Our sister site, PiCockpit, has a comprehensive article on video output on the Raspberry Pi.
With the "Popcorn" application within it, you can even play movies from a microSD card (specifically encoded and written as an image!) on the Pico :-)
Note: Unlike the "big" Raspberry Pi family members, the Pico requires special programming for video output, audio output, etc. However, Raspberry Pi provides several examples and libraries that simplify video and audio output significantly.
Some possible applications and project ideas:
- Retro games (emulators for simple platforms or custom console games!)
- Art projects
- Programming your own operating system (we've seen a simple Linux/Unix derivative for the Pico in the Raspberry Pi forum!)
- We are open to suggestions and especially cool projects and will link them here and in our blog
Versions
We offer three versions of the board:
-
Only VGA/Audio Expansion Board
If you already have a Pico, you can buy this board and solder the Pico directly onto it via the castellated edges. -
Only VGA/Audio Expansion Board with Headers
If you already have a Pico, you can buy this board and solder the Pico directly onto it via the headers. Or use the headers to connect your Pico to the breadboard with individual features on the expansion board. -
VGA/Audio Expansion Board with Pico and Headers
This is the recommended variant for beginners and for especially comfortable experimenting with the VGA output - the Pico is already soldered here, and all headers on the Pico are accessible if you want to use additional features of the Pico on the breadboard (e.g., I2C).
Other Interesting Products
We also carry the Pico DVI Sock (also open hardware) - for digital video output from the Pico!
Additional Documentation
Hardware Design Service
We offer a custom hardware design service - also for designs based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 or Raspberry Pi Pico. Contact us if you're interested for an initial consultation.
Dimensions
Length: 8.5 cm
Width: 6.5 cm
Height: 1.7 cm