3 questions from a newcomer to PicoCalc

PicoCalc
1

3 questions from a newcomer to PicoCalc:

  1. To be clear, is there a firmware version for the Pico2W that works without problems?
  2. Can I connect the PicoCalc to the PC via Pico USB so I can use the console (TeraTerm) for programming?
  3. Can I install an RTC (I2C) without interfering with the keyboard?
2

Which firmware are you talking about? I assume PicoMite Basic, if that is the case the answer is yes. You will want to get WebMite_PICO2W_V6.00.03_PicoCalc.uf2 from the github below.

Yes, use the USB C connector. The USB B is only used to flash firmware.

Yes, you can mount it internally by soldering the connectors directly to the Pico. If you search this forum there are a couple of threads discussing how to do just that. You can also attach one externally, but that is not practical for day to day use. If you are going to set it up externally, keep in mind the keyboard is set to I2C2, so we have to use GP4 for SDA, GP5 for SCL. For more information have a look at my github, I have code for doing exactly this.

3

On your first question, there are a few firmwares that support the Pico 2W including Zeptoforth and Picoware! This repository will help you get started: GitHub - jblanked/awesome-pico-calc: A collection of awesome resources for the Pico Calc device.

4

If you’re using the 2W, you don’t need a hardware RTC. As long as you have WiFi access, you can connect to a time server and get the time to a trillionth of a second:

WEB NTP n

where n is an offset from GMT. In my case since I’m on the East coast of the USA, which is west of GMT, n = -4 for me. If you’re East of GMT, then n would be positive.
Put the WEB statement into your startup library so it’s executed whenever you boot up.