What Raspberry Pi Pico development board do you recommend

Hi Sean,

I'm biased too, but if you want the DIY option, then in https://github.com/shabaz123/pico-eurocard there is a zip file there called exportpico_euro_v_2_0.zip.

If that file is sent to a PCB factory, then the board that arrives can be used as-is (apart from buying the Pico), since the Pico is very complete.

In other words, by just soldering on the Pi Pico (either directly or with header pins), then the board can be used to patch wires to external breadboard, or to the perfboard area already on the PCB.

Then, whenever you feel like it, additional parts can be soldered on depending on needs. For instance, a couple of buttons and LEDs, or a 3.3V or 5V regulator, if you want to power other things too.

This is the completely populated board (but as mentioned, you could start with just the Pico soldered on). The board has space for two Picos (thanks to an idea from Jan Cumps  ). The second Pico is a smaller XIAO RP2040 (it is just used as a debugger when C/C++ coding using the Pico SDK. If you're using Arduino or Python, then it's not required.

Are you taking orders?

No paid orders unless anyone requests hundreds of them hehe,  but if you can send me your address in a private message, I can send you one of the spare boards for free (I don't have many, since I only ordered a handful, but can definitely send one).

My first reaction was to send a message to secure a board and see that you are compensated. After a sober second thought I have to ask myself that if I take you up on your offer will I have the time to get collect the parts, solder up the PCB and invest the time for some initial testing.

My home is undergoing renovations and a new grandson just arrived. By taking you up on the offer I need to feel I can commit to an end. RIght now I have to say any commitment is difficult.

Thanks for the offer just the same. I look to a ready-made Christmas present. At least then if it doesn't get used it only impacted me.

Don't follow your 2nd reaction. The board works without additional components too.
There are steps:

• if you want a prototype area for your Pico, you just need the board and 2 headers.
• if you want debug functionality (I would like to say: yes you want that), add the Seeed Pico board

This will give you an environment with flexibility.

• Do you want a more powerful 3.3 or 5V supply: add it
• .Do you want a rotary encoder? add it.
• etc...

I like the design because this is an almost uncommitted expansion board. You can start from this board with just a Pico. It gives you expansion, at the cost of a PCB.
When you want to add a programmer/debugger (you should do that - it's an unlock to wealth of features) ,you can do that.

When you are not looking for a generic prototyping kit, and If you have a specific breakout solution that meets your specific requirements, this is not what you are looking for.

When you need a board to freely experiment, it's a gem.

I'm happy to solder on the SMD parts so that if you ever want to expand the board, you won't need to do any SMD, and as Jan says, you only need to add stuff as you require it

It is actually just a 5-minute job for me to solder the SMD items, so it's no trouble at all. But I understand if (say) you prefer a board with (say) Grove connectors or other plug-on modules etc., since this board doesn't have that, it's really for either 0.1" jumper wires, or direct soldered wires.

I have 198x magazines where they introduce SMD soldering. Since then, there has been a lot of info on how to do that. And tools that are in everyone's range. It's easier for everyone, to design a PCB, to solder. And you get neater results.

If, in 2022, someone thinks that SMD designs are a limiting factor, I don't entertain that feeling. 

I didnt want to sell them, but I can find a way : ) 

 Pico Eurocard Rev 2.0 - Free (just pay shipping) 

If you want one, please let me know on that thread, but there is some (minor) assembly as mentioned. Otherwise, the ones that everyone has recommended look pretty good too!

Please put aside one unit for me. I will communicate instructions shortly.

Please put aside one unit for me. I will communicate instructions shortly.