This code is incomplete and won't always function as expected. While the programs run in Thonny when you click "run" some changes need to be made to get them to run natively on the picocalc.
- The programs init the display, but the picocalc shell already has it initialized.
- The programs run their primary code in main() but
import scriptnamedoes not execute main() by default. - There are a lot more quirks, and more research and tools are being created. Skim
picalc_menu_research_full.mdfor an LLM summary (LLMs can make mistakes - it's being fact checked) of discoveries.
There aren’t many MicroPython examples out there for the PicoCalc yet—most demos are advanced or performance-tuned. This repository aims to help fill that gap by providing simple, overly commented, and easy-to-read scripts that help absolute beginners get comfortable with:
- Drawing to the 320×320 indexed-color display
- Reading buttons and function keys
- Implementing basic algorithms (e.g. Game of Life, Snake)
- Beginner-focused: Extra comments, verbose variable names, and step-by-step logic
- MicroPython-only SO FAR: No external C modules or ports—everything runs on the Pico
- Tested in Thonny: Which is the best way to develop for Pico
- Open-source lessons: Designed for copy-and-paste re-use in your own projects
| Script | Description |
|---|---|
keeb.py |
Detect and print raw key codes & ASCII values |
rainbowtest.py |
Draw 16 color bands and text on the PicoCalc screen |
calc_calculator.py |
UNFINISHED: Scientific calculator |
life.py |
Conway’s Game of Life demo |
snake.py |
Classic Snake with mode options |
| …and more to come! |
- ClockworkPi PicoCalc (with Raspberry Pi Pico 2 or Pico 2 W)
- MicroPython drivers flashed onto the Pico
- Thonny IDE (or any MicroPython-friendly editor)
- Basic familiarity with Python syntax.
Your pull requests are more than welcome! Whether it’s:
- A brand-new demo (e.g. Tetris or Mandelbrot maybe?)
- Better comments or clearer variable names
- Bug fixes or performance tweaks I know my code has room for improvement, and hopefully improvements you make will teach future developers down the line.
All code is licensed under the Apache License 2.0—feel free to re-use, remix, and redistribute. See LICENSE for details.
- Official PicoCalc page
- ClockworkPi GitHub
- ClockworkPi Discord
- PicoCalc Micropython Drivers by zenodante
- MicroPython Official Website
- MicroPython Documentation
- Thonny IDE
- LaikaSpaceDawg’s PicoCalc MicroPython examples
- Link to your stuff. (please send a PR)