How to Use Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico is a compact microcontroller board powered by the ESP32 chip. It is designed for seamless integration with a wide range of sensors and peripherals, making it an excellent choice for Internet of Things (IoT) projects. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, this board enables wireless communication and control, making it suitable for smart home devices, wearable technology, and other connected applications.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wireless sensor networks
• Wearable electronics
• Robotics and remote control systems
• Prototyping and educational projects

The Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico is packed with features that make it versatile and powerful for various applications. Below are its key technical details:

The Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico features a compact pinout. Below is the pin configuration:

The Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico is easy to use in a variety of projects. Below are the steps and best practices for using this microcontroller.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Use a USB-C cable to power the board (5V input).
   • Alternatively, supply 3.3V directly to the 3V3 pin.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • For I2C devices, connect to the SDA and SCL pins.
   • For SPI devices, use the SCK, MISO, and MOSI pins.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE or CircuitPython environment.
   • Select the appropriate board (e.g., "ESP32 Dev Module") in the IDE.
   • Connect the board to your computer via USB-C and upload your code.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Avoid placing the board in metal enclosures, as this can interfere with wireless communication.
• Heat Management: The ESP32 chip can get warm during operation. Ensure proper ventilation if used in enclosed spaces.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features.

Below is an example of how to use the Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico to read a temperature sensor and send the data over Wi-Fi:

#include <WiFi.h> // Include the Wi-Fi library

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  delay(1000);

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  Serial.print("Connecting to Wi-Fi");
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("\nConnected to Wi-Fi!");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Read a sensor value (replace with actual sensor code)
  int sensorValue = analogRead(A0); // Read analog value from pin A0
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

1. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable supports data transfer (not just charging).
   • Check that the correct drivers are installed for the ESP32.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and operational.

3. Code Upload Fails:

   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press the reset button on the board before uploading.

4. Peripherals Not Working:

   • Confirm that the peripherals are connected to the correct pins.
   • Check for loose connections or incorrect voltage levels.

Q: Can I use 5V peripherals with this board?
A: No, the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use a level shifter for 5V peripherals.

Q: Does the board support CircuitPython?
A: Yes, the Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico is compatible with CircuitPython for easy programming.

Q: How do I reset the board?
A: Press the reset button located on the board to restart it.

Q: Can I use this board for battery-powered projects?
A: Yes, you can power the board using a 3.7V LiPo battery with a suitable regulator.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico in your projects and troubleshoot common issues with ease.