Espruino Pico: a miniature developer board with javascript helps you quickly get started in the electronics world

The Espruino Pico miniature developer developer card JavaScript is an interesting device that contains everything you need to work with electronic devices. The board allows you to quickly configure the interaction with a variety of modules and systems, without the need to write a large amount of code and its constant debugging.

Instead, JavaScript is used as a control "layer". The developers claim that this solution allows you to work with iron directly, exposing the required voltage values, and adjusting the interaction with external components. From a typical AA battery, the chip can operate for more than 10 years, such is the low power consumption of the board.
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How to use it?

The video shows that you can achieve the desired result by typing a few lines of code:



To work with the board does not require a lot of knowledge in electronics - enough basic concepts. The device is compatible with most digital electronic devices and modules, and you can work with them in a few minutes. The developers compare the setup process with the Lego designer - it’s just as simple and clear.

What can I use?

The answer is simple: for everything. Another example shows that this is true. You can use the microplate with any gadget where there is a USB-connector.

Why javascript?

Every day JavaScript is used by millions of people. Virtually every website also works with javascript. Thousands of examples of working with JavaScript can be found on the web; the most detailed documentation is available. This allows you to create an application to work with your device or component very quickly. At the same time, JavaScript works directly on board the microboard.

This means the following:

• Third-party software systems are practically not needed - everything that is needed is already inside the Espruino Pico;
• Changes are made very quickly, you can view the results immediately;
• To practice a command, very little code is needed - as mentioned above, just a few lines;
• All this can be debuted right in the process;
• If the problems are not with software, but with hardware, then Espruino Pico can be turned into a whole measuring laboratory, with a volmeter, a logic analyzer and an oscilloscope;
• All commands are executed directly;
• If you stopped working on any project, and decided to resume it in a year - the source code will wait, since it is stored in the chip. If necessary, the code can be obfuscated.

Internet of things

Micro payment is ideal for connecting everything to the Internet of things. At the same time, third-party modules can be used with the device, adding support for Ethernet, WiFi, NRF24, Bluetooth, and the 315 / 433Mhz range.

By the way, the board comes in two versions: with and without pins. The legless version is a bit cheaper than the legged version, and is designed for people with a specific soldering experience.

Kits

Along with the board, kits with various elements are also offered. Kits developers offer different.

Starter kit



This kit allows you to do without soldering, if necessary, pre-tune any system.

Geek's toy kit



The kit includes immediately 3 boards, LCD, servo, relays and various sensors to create a variety of projects.

Ultimate toy kit

Here we have 10 boards (2 of them with legs), plus all of the previous sets, plus ESP8266 WiFi and the WIZnet W550io Ethernet module.

Options may still vary slightly.

Specs

• 32mm x 15mm (1.26 x 0.6 inch)
• 22 GPIO pins: 9 Analogs inputs, 21 PWM, 2 Serial, 3 SPI, 3 I2C
• All GPIO is 5 volt tolerant (Arduino compatible)
• 2 rows of 8 pins with 12 pins on double-sided end connector
• On-board USB Type A connector
• STM32F401 CPU - ARM Cortex M4, 384kb flash, 96kb RAM
• On-board 3.3v 150mA voltage regulator, accepts voltages from 3.5v to 16v
• Current draw in sleep: <0.05mA - over 2.5 years on a 2500mAh battery
• On-board FET can be used to drive high-current outputs

Price

Of course, many wonder how much it costs. So, the cost of one board without legs is 15 pounds ($ 23).

• Starter Kit - $ 61;
• Geek's Toy Kit - $ 123;
• Ultimate Toy Kit - 342 dollars.

The developers have already collected on Kickstarter more than planned, so in April 2015 the mini-board will be shipped.