Pico inky not working

Support
1

Hi, I recently bought Pico inky pack, but I can’t get it to work.

I am using pimoroni-picow-v1.19.15-micropython.uf2.

Added all files from the examples folder, the .py files are running but the display doesn’t change see below:

Pico_Inky
Pico_Inky1320×1655 391 KB

…

2

Sorry to hear that! Some things you could check:

  • Is the Pico plugged into the pack the right way round (there should be USB markings on the underside of the pack to guide you).
  • Is the Pack fully pushed down on the Pico’s header pins?
  • If the Pico header is one you’ve soldered yourself are all the pins making good contact?
3

I’m also not able to use the Pico Inky with a new Pico W.

Using pimoroni-picow-1.19.7-micropython.uf2, the Pico W is running some test code just fine (urequests, LED on/off, that kind of thing), but when I plug it into the pack, it never becomes available on USB (Thonny can’t find it), and it never runs main.py (blink test code).

4

At least in my case this was… headers? I had purchased two Pico Ws, and when I soldered the other, it worked fine. Ug… now to debug soldering work…

5

The most common things to look for are pins where the solder has formed more of a ball around the pin; it wants to look more like a volcano sat down on the PCB ;)

If you’re struggling to spot the problem, post some (in focus!) pics of it and folks here may well be able to spot the offending solders.

6

Good hints! I think it was just one header, towards the top left of the board (pin 3, IIRC). Re-soldered it, Re-flashed, and now it works!

7

Hints gained over many years of my terrible soldering - glad to hear you’re up and running!