BIPES Brings Block-Based Visual MicroPython Programming to the Raspberry Pi Pico, RP2040
Making use of the Web Serial API, BIPES now offers a familiar drag-and-drop block-based coding environment for the RP2040.
Block-based Integrated Platform for Embedded Systems (BIPES), an open source project developed in partnership with a range of universities to develop a drag-and-drop visual programming environment for the embedded world, has announced support for the Raspberry Pi Pico and its RP2040 microcontroller.
"About one year ago, we created [the] BIPES Project," writes Ravael Aroca, "specially focused on integrating Blockly and MicroPython with a direct connection from the web browser to the development boards – initially for ESP8266 and ESP32.
"It has several interesting features, such as the possibility of programming embedded devices without the need of installing absolutely no software or plugin. Simply access BIPES website, connect the blocks, connect to the board and get the program running. A USB/serial/WebREPL console/terminal is integrated in the webpage, allowing direct access to serial devices."
The BIPES platform now supports the Raspberry Pi Pico, launched earlier this year as the first device to feature the RP2040 microcontroller designed by Raspberry Pi's in-house application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) team.
The Raspberry Pi Pico support, which should include compatibility with other RP2040-based microcontroller boards, is reasonably comprehensive with code demonstrations of LED blinking, pulse-width modulation (PWM) fading, digital and analog GPIO inputs, and use of the on-board temperature sensor.
At the moment, though, there's one key feature missing: The ability to manage text files and Python scripts stored on the microcontroller itself. "This feature is fully functional for WebSocket/Wi-Fi connections with ESP32 and ESP8266," Aroca explains. "However, such feature is still incomplete for USB based connection, but will be working soon."
More information on BIPES is available on Aroca's blog and on the official website; the source code for the Pico-compatible USB version can be found on GitHub under the GNU General Public License.