Over the years, I've been engrossed in numerous small projects using Arduino. As a junior developer just starting out, there was an unparalleled joy in writing a few lines of code and watching an LED blink in response. But as with all things, time brought change. My interests evolved to encompass the Internet of Things (IoT), home automation, and other related areas. Here, I'd like to share some insights about these advancements.
Arduino: A Solid Foundation
Arduino's platform is undeniably popular, and like many others, I am grateful for their products and the work they've done. It is an excellent platform for beginners and can be used in a multitude of real-world projects. However, an official Arduino Nano can cost more than 12 euros on the official site, while unofficial replicas can be found for as little as 1-2 euros.
The difference in price can be significant, especially for projects with a tight budget. Moreover, writing extensive code in C without introducing bugs can be challenging if you're not well-versed in C or are just starting out with programming.
Raspberry Pi: A Step Up
As my projects grew more complex and required more components, I found that the most popular Arduino boards fell short. This led me to Raspberry Pi, a compact single-board computer that opens up possibilities for larger projects, such as a ZigBee hub or a security camera.
And after I wanted to try another board from Raspberry Pi. I was particularly impressed with Raspberry Pi Pico, a microcontroller built around the RP2040. With a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor, 2MB of Flash memory, 264KB of SRAM, and a flexible clock running up to 133MHz, it provides ample resources for your code and data.
The Pico supports a wide range of input and output options, including 26 GPIO pins, 3 analog inputs, and an efficient power management system, making it a robust choice for complex IoT projects. And this board is not as expensive as official Arduino boards.
MicroPython: A Comfortable Language for Developers
What excited me the most about Raspberry Pico was the introduction of MicroPython. As Python is my primary language, MicroPython was a welcome addition. It allows for the uploading of multiple files on the board, debugging of code, and the use of asynchronous programming, which can simplify your code significantly in complex projects.
Choosing the Right Board
When you want to start working on more complex projects, choosing the right board is crucial. You need to consider factors such as the number of pins it provides, its memory capacity, and its power consumption. Also, think about the board's connectivity features, such as integrated WiFi or Bluetooth, which can simplify your project and reduce its size.
For example:
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Arduino Nano: Suitable for standalone devices powered by batteries, but this may not be suitable for complex projects.
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Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: Has 520KB of memory, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and supports MicroPython.
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Arduino Nano ESP32: Has 512KB of memory, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, but consumes more power. This makes it challenging to create devices powered solely by batteries. And it also supports MicroPython.
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Raspberry Pi: A good option for working with USB devices, running large software, creating smart TVs, and more. But it is a small single-board computer, and this board requires much more electricity than microcontrollers.
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Raspberry Pico: A cost-effective option with better performance than Arduino Nano. But with this board, it will be more difficult to power the board from a pair of batteries for a long time.
Currently, I continue using Arduino Nano for very simple things, but most of my experiments I do with using Raspberry Pico. I also have Raspberry Pi, but I decided to use it only as the hub.
Choosing the Right Programming Language
Consider the programming language that you are comfortable with. Arduino uses a simplified version of C, known as Arduino C. While this is a powerful language, it can be challenging for those not familiar with it. On the other hand, Raspberry Pico supports both C and MicroPython (a version of Python designed to work on microcontrollers). This provides a more user-friendly alternative for those not comfortable with C.
In conclusion, while Arduino's platform is a great starting point for beginners, as you delve deeper into IoT and home automation projects, you might find that boards like Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pico offer more flexibility and capabilities. Regardless of your choice, the most important thing is to keep experimenting, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what you can create. The world of IoT and home automation is vast and constantly evolving. And so, the choice is extensive, and it does not end with Arduino and Raspberry Pi.