Kitronik Mini Controller for Raspberry Pi Pico

The Kitronik Mini Controller for Pico is a programmable controller for the Raspberry Pi Pico. It features a buzzer for audio feedback and 6 input buttons. It also breaks out; GP1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 17, along with ADC1 and ADC2, and several 3.3V and GND pads, all on 0.1’/2.54mm pitch. The buttons are arranged in a typical Gamepad layout, with 4 directional buttons and two action buttons.

The controller has been designed to act as a remote control for the Kitronik Autonomous Robotics Platform (Buggy) for Pico but it can also be used for any Pico project/game that requires user input/control. This board does not include any type of screen, this helps to keep down the physical size, the cost and makes it an ideal solution for controlling robots & buggies where a screen is not needed. If your project requires some visual feedback then the ZIP96 Retro Gamer for Pico may be a more suitable option.

To Use the Mini Controller the Pico needs to have soldered pin headers attached and be firmly inserted into the connector. The correct orientation for inserting the Pico is marked on the PCB. A Raspberry Pi Pico W – Wireless with pre-soldered headers is available here.

Note: The Pico pins will stick through the board slightly as the pin sockets are low-profile. Power is provided via the built-in AA battery holder on the underside of the board which accommodates 3 x AA batteries. 

The Pico and the AA batteries are NOT included

Kitronik has developed a micro-python module and sample code to support the use of the Mini Controller for Pico. This code is available in the GitHub repo.

Features

• A programmable controller for the Raspberry Pi Pico.
• For use with the Raspberry Pi Pico W – Wireless with pre-soldered headers.
• It can be used as a remote control for the Kitronik Autonomous Robotics Platform (Buggy) for Pico.
• Also ideal for any Pico project/game that requires user input/control.
• This controller does not feature a screen, this keeps down the size, and cost, making it ideal for controlling buggies/robots, where a screen is not really needed.
• It features a buzzer for audio feedback, and 6 input buttons (4 direction buttons and 2 x action buttons).
• It also breaks out; GP1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 17, along with ADC1 and ADC2, and several 3.3V and GND pads, all on 0.1’/2.54mm pitch.
• Kitronik has developed a micro-python module and sample code to support the use of the Mini Controller for Pico. This code is available here.

Specifications

• Length: 82.4mm.
• Width: 60mm.
• Height: 28.5mm
• Supply Voltage: 3xAA (4.5V typical) or USB via Pico
• Max Current (excluding Pico & buzzer) – 4mA
• Typical current in use (Normal use – Pico but buzzer off) – 25mA
• Typical current with Pico present & buzzer driven: 80mA
• Typical battery life (Pico powered, buzzer off) – 60 hours
• Number of Pin Breakouts: 8 (6 x Digital GPIO, 2 x ADC, several 3.3V & GND)
• Number of Buttons: 6

Resources

• Datasheet
• GitHub Repo

Package Contents

• 1 x Mini Controller for Raspberry Pi Pico