Overview

Perhaps there is a better solution, but I am not aware of it. If you know how to do this with OEM board via software, please, let me know!

Problem that I had with Pico was the apparent fact that I had to press the BOOTSEL button and reset the device any time I wanted to flash it. This to me was annoying and unnecessary slowing down of development.

This board brings the BOOTSEL button to a pin so that it can be "pressed" via software.

From Pico datasheet, a description of BOOTSEL button:

The simplest way to reprogram the Pico’s Flash is to use the USB mode. To do this, depower the board, then hold the BOOTSEL button down during board power-up (e.g. hold BOOTSEL down while connecting the USB). The Pico will then appear as a USB Mass Storage Device. Dragging a special '.uf2' file onto the disk will write this file to the Flash and restart the Pico.

With this board, this can all be done from software without physically pressing any buttons. Personally I use Raspberry Pi 3 to develop for the Pico, and in my Makefile I use GPIO and basic commands to automate it all.

Assembly instructions

Comes with the board and pin headers only, Pico is not included, so you need to solder everything together. See the photo.

Also, add solder to the back side where instructed. Use good quality solder with flux core, or add extra flux to make the solder run nicely, and to have a good connection with the Pico.

If you would like to have an assembled version with Pico included, send me a message and I can see what I can do.

Help

If you need help with your board, send me a message and I will do my best to help you out.