New PicoCalc just Received

PicoCalc
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I just received my Picocalc order 4xx07 and would like recommendations on how to best update the pico that came with it to the Pico 2W.

what is the best procedure.

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alright, it’s an arduous procedure, so follow very carefully…

How to replace the Pico 1 in your PicoCalc with a Pico 2W

  1. with the back removed, take out the pico 1 board

still with me? ok, now:

  1. insert the pico 2w in the spot you just freed

phew, you did it!

… :grin:

in all seriousness, just be careful not to put pressure on the screen (it’s recommended you do this with the board removed entirely) and once you’re done just flash your favourite rp2350 firmware (i recommend UF2 Loader release)

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To add to Maple’s instructions… If you upgrade, after you remove the back, carefully unplug the display ribbon cable, remove the board, and replace the Pico outside the casing, and away from the LCD panel. The panels are notoriously delicate, and more than a few people have broken them while they were pressing in the new Pico.

Flashing the new Firmware is really easy, and there are a number of videos on YouTube that will walk you though it.

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Wow thanks,

Anyway I may have stated what I wanted to ask wrong.

I want to find out the specific steps to flash the Pico 2W with the correct firmware and which OS should be installed on system SD card. I found the following procedure by asking GROK, but wanted to have it validated from those who have done it successfully.

Installing Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W in PicoCalc

The PicoCalc is a compact, pocket-computer-like device from ClockworkPi that uses a Raspberry Pi Pico series microcontroller as its core. It supports the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W (which features the RP2350 chip and built-in Wi-Fi) as a drop-in replacement for the original Pico, but compatibility requires specific firmware tailored for PicoCalc’s hardware (e.g., its LCP display, I2C keyboard, and SD card slot). The Pico 2 W is not plug-and-play without this; users have reported blank screens when using generic firmware.

Below are the key steps to install it, based on assembly guidelines and user-verified processes. This assumes you have a PicoCalc kit (which includes a preloaded 32GB SD card, tools like a 2.5mm hex key, and an English assembly manual) and two 18650 lithium batteries (not included). Assembly is required for the kit.

Prerequisites

  • Confirm your original Pico works: Assemble and power on the PicoCalc fully before swapping.
  • Tools: 2.5mm hex key (included), USB Type-C cable, computer for firmware flashing.
  • Download the PicoCalc-compatible firmware: WebMite MMBasic RP2350 Edition (e.g., WebMite_WEBRP2350_V6.00.02RC24.uf2) from the Pico Mite releases page. This version includes PicoCalc-specific settings for the display, keyboard, and peripherals—do not use generic firmware from sources like Geoff’s Project, as it lacks these.
  • SD card: Use the included 32GB card (preloaded with samples). It’s formatted case-sensitively and mounts as drive B: (flash on Pico is A:).

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. Disassemble the PicoCalc and Remove the Original Core:

  2. Prepare the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W with Firmware:

    • On your computer, hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico 2 W while connecting it via USB Type-C. It will mount as a drive named “RP2” (or “RPI-RP2”).
    • Drag and drop the downloaded .uf2 firmware file (e.g., WebMite_WEBRP2350_V6.00.02RC24.uf2) directly onto the “RP2” drive.
    • Wait for the file copy to complete—the Pico 2 W will automatically reboot (LED will blink or light up steadily). Eject the drive safely and disconnect the USB cable.
    • Tip: If the drive doesn’t mount, ensure BOOTSEL is held firmly during connection. This flashes the UF2 file directly to the Pico’s flash memory.

  3. Install the Pico 2 W into the PicoCalc Socket:

    • Align the Pico 2 W’s pins with the socket on the PicoCalc’s main board (match the orientation—usually the USB port faces outward).
    • Gently press it straight down until fully seated. Ensure no pins are bent.
    • Reassemble the case: Secure screws with the hex key, reinsert the SD card (if removed), and install the batteries.

  4. Power On and Verify:

    • Insert batteries and hold the power button for 1+ second to boot.
    • The screen should display version info (e.g., “WebMite MMBasic RP2350A Edition V6.00.02RC24”), options menu, and the prompt >. If blank, double-check firmware (reflash if needed) or socket alignment—users report this as a common issue with mismatched firmware.
    • Test basics: Type commands in the terminal (e.g., OPTION LIST to see platform as “PicoCalc”). Connect via USB Type-C to PicoCalc’s port (not the Pico’s) for serial terminal access using tools like Minicom.

Post-Installation: SD Card File Execution and Function Key Settings

Once booted, the included SD card enables running samples. The file system is case-sensitive.

  • Running BASIC Programs (e.g., demos like Lorenz attractor or Mandelbrot):

    • At the > prompt, use RUN "B:/filename" (omit .bas extension). Examples:
      • RUN "B:/lorenz" (simulates chaos).
      • RUN "B:/mand" (generates Mandelbrot; outputs “out.bmp” to A:).
    • Switch drives: B: or DRIVE "B:".

  • Displaying Images:

    • LOAD IMAGE "B:/picocalc" (displays the PicoCalc logo bitmap).

  • Playing Audio (MP3 requires RP2350/200MHz+):

    • Set speed: OPTION CPUSPEED 200000.
    • Play: PLAY MP3 "B:/BellLabs_Fine.mp3".

  • Function Key Settings (F1–F12 for MMBasic commands):

    • Defaults: F1=FILES, F6=more FILES, F7=OPTION LIST.
    • Customize via OPTION commands or edit startup files on SD card (e.g., AUTO.BAS for boot scripts). For full list, run OPTION LIST and check platform-specific options.

Troubleshooting

  • Blank Screen: Reflash with PicoCalc-specific UF2; ensure firmware matches RP2350 (Pico 2 series). Test Pico 2 W standalone via USB.
  • Keyboard/Display Issues: Verify I2C connections during reassembly; firmware handles this automatically.
  • Wi-Fi: Not enabled by default in PicoCalc firmware—configure via MMBasic commands (e.g., WIFI) if needed for IoT.
  • Battery Life: Use quality 18650 cells; the board supports charging via USB.
  • For advanced mods (e.g., Raspberry Pi Zero 2 integration), see community forums, but stick to Pico-series for simplicity.

This setup turns your PicoCalc into a Wi-Fi-enabled pocket dev machine for BASIC programming, emulations, or IoT. If issues persist, check the ClockworkPi forum for user threads.

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I installed Webmite 6.0.03 on my Pico2W to have the wifi available
I found it here Release PicoCalc PicoMite V6.00.03 · madcock/PicoMiteAllVersions · GitHub

The rest of grok advice seems legit

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Thanks for the link and review of the grok advice.

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I just received my PicoCalc today as well. I immediately swapped the original Pico for a Pico W and installed LofiFren’s MicroPython firmware.

However, I’m finding it very tedious to code directly on the device. Am I correct in assuming there’s no onboard code editor?

I’ve now switched over to WebMite to see if it makes on-device coding any easier. I’ll report back with my findings!

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I just received mine today! (same shipping batch obviously)

Model: PicoCalc

Order Number: 404xx

Purchase Date: June 28, 2025

Shipping Date: Sept 26 2025

Received Date: Sept 30 2025

General Location: Alberta, Canada

Fed Ex from Hong Kong → Anchorage Alaska USA → Memphis Tennessee USA → Me!

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The editor on mmbasic is not so terrible when you option colorcode on

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Yes, I found it very handy. Thank you!

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Read up on the MMBasic editing commands too (function keys) and practise on some test code. Can be very usefull but won’t let you copy and paste between different programs…

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also the f3 to find works but you can’t shift+f3 to search again :frowning:

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Just double click on F3 to search again

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Yeah, unfortunately SHIFT+F3 on the PicoCalc sends F8.

But CTRL+G also works instead of SHIFT+F3, as mentioned in the PicoMite manual.

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image682Ă—708 110 KB

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Hi how long did you wait after the order was confirmed? I’m at the give week mark now.

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After getting the email from ClockworkPi I received the Picocalc 4 days after. I live in the US and UPS notified me about a week earlier that a delivery package was waiting to be submitted in Honk Kong

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May I ask for your order number? No need to keep it secret.
I also ordered – my number is 42969. Just curious, how far are you in the queue? Wondering how long mine will take.

Tx

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Mine was 40607 which I placed on July 4th and received on Sept. 29th. It also depends on how many orders they ship on a daily basis.

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Since I received the order confirmation I’ve seen nothing else, that’s over 5 weeks. My order number is 42367 so at best I’m 60 behind you, though there may have been other non Picocalc orders adding to the list. They say 30days so i may see something in the next few days

Cheers Chris

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Are in the US? Check with UPS if they have a package waiting to be shipped. The tracking # is created a few days before the pending ship date, of course if they only use that carrier.