Tiny PicoProbe is a small PCB to mount Raspberry Pi Pico, when you want to use PicoProbe to debug your Raspberry Pi Pico projects without a breadboard...
This was created to make it "handsfree" to update firmware when developing Fanpico (Smart PWM (PC) Fan Controller).
If you are not already familiar with PicoProbe see Appendix A in Getting Started With Pico (PDF).
There is also tutorial here: Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040 - C/C++ Part 2: Debugging with VS Code
Update (February 2023): There is finally official "picoprobe" available: Raspberry Pi Debug Probe.
which may be better choice if you're looking for ready-made solution. But if you prefer a DIY solution, continue reading...
New Debug Probe makes "tiny-picoprobe" look not so small anymore:
PCB provides pinout to connect to Pico's SWD ("DEBUG") connector with flat (3-pin) ribbon cable, and it also has pinouts for UART and powering the Pico being programmed/debugged.
Designed with KiCad 6.0. PCB allows mounting Pico directly or using headers:
Kerber files ready to be sent to a PCB maker (like JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc...):
You will only need the ZIP file (link above) to order PCBs. Simply upload the ZIP file to a PCB maker website. Then you typically only need to only select quantity and PCB color. If ordering from JLCPCB you can also choose to "Specify a location" in the Remove Order Number option (this will place order number on the PCB so that the Pico will cover it).
PCB contains footprints for a 0805 size SMD LED and resistor to provide power indicator. Power indicator is optional.
| ID | Type | Description | Mouser P/N | LCSC P/N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | LED (0805) | Pad is suitable for handsoldering 0805 size LEDs, 0603 should work as well... | 710-150080GS75000 (?) | C434432 |
| R1 | 7.5k (0805) | Depending on LED used choose appropriate resistor. Green high-intensity 0805 LEDs typically work nicely with resistor in 5k to 10k range | 603-RC0805FR-077K5L | C229003 |
Note, if soldering Pico directly on the PCB, then 1" diameter shrink tubing can be used to wrap the pico and PCB in nice insulated package.
If you'd like to support Open Source Hardware development. DIY Kits are made available in limited quantity.
Check availability here: eBay
Idea for this PCB came from Fabien-Chouteau/picoprobe-pcb (check his version as he sells it on Tindie).
KiCad Pico model/footprint that was used can be found here ncarandini/KiCad-RP-Pico