The Kitronik Mini Controller turns a Raspberry Pi Pico into a programmable handheld controller for robotics, games and other interactive coding projects. Its six gamepad-style buttons and buzzer provide simple physical input, and it can be used to remotely control Kitroniks Autonomous Robotics Platform with a Pico W. Kitronik provides a MicroPython module, sample code and a wireless robotics tutorial to help projects get started.

The Kitronik Mini Controller for Pico 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 really 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 clearly 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.

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 Autonomo