I believe there would be a need for a direct Raspberry Pi Pico USB <-> NoreRed interface:
- nr2pico
- nr2u2if
- nr2rp2040
Previously I've listed the possibilities here ... and I think the best approach would be: u2if firmware working together directly with NoreRed.
But I need help to translate this python code to JavaScript (Nore-Red):
(I know there is pythonshell available, but that would not be the same fast and would complicate install for end-users.)
Benefits (over NR-Arduino Firmata node):
- More stable C++ firmware based on official pico-sdk, handling reconnect
- Much higher transfer rate (min. 1Mbit)
- only necessary transfers = less CPU usage (not continuous 57K)
- Not just
PWM + Digital-IO
, but other functions would work too:
(ADC, Temperature, I2S, SPI, HUB75
, ...)
Also other, compatible RP2040 based boards would work too:
- PICO
- FEATHER
- ITSYBITSY
- QTPY
- QT2040_TRINKEY
Why USB?
- Can be directly plugged in, no need to pre-configure SSID etc.
- The board is cheaper without Wifi / BT
- Connection is more stable than wireless
- USB cables are shielded by default, and can reach 4.5m (+ more with extenders),
so industrial applications are possible too! - can multiply ports with cheap USB hubs.
(Tried to do it myself using ChatGPT, without success.)