Beginner’s Guide to Programming NeoPixel RGB LEDs with Pico & MicroPython

Abstract

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to connect and program NeoPixel RGB LEDs using the Raspberry Pi Pico. With the help of MicroPython and Wokwi simulation, we’ll walk through step-by-step code examples to control colors, patterns, and simple animations. By the end, you’ll be ready to add vibrant lighting effects to your own projects with ease.

In this article, a comprehensive step-by-step guide to interface Analog data (Potentiometer) with Raspberry Pi Pico board using MicroPython. Raspberry Pi Pico has 4 different variants (Pico, Pico 2, Pico W, Pico 2W) supporting micro-python. This articles lays the foundation for more advanced embedded system and IoT projects.

Pre-Request

• OS : Windows / Linux / Mac / Chrome
• Thonny IDE.
• MicroPython firmware in Raspberry Pi Pico / Pico 2 / Pico W / Pico 2W.
  • For step by step procedure click here .

Hardware Required

• Raspberry Pi Pico / Pico 2 / Pico W / Pico 2W.
• NeoPixel / WS2812B.
• BreadBoard.
• Micro USB Cable.
• Connecting wires.
• 5V DC power supply (optional)

Connection Table

Code

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from machine import Pin
import time
from neopixel import NeoPixel

pin = Pin(21, Pin.OUT)   # set GPIO 21 to output to drive NeoPixels
np = NeoPixel(pin, 16)   # create NeoPixel driver on GPIO 21 for 16 pixels

colors = [(255, 0 , 0), (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255), (255, 169, 0), (255, 255, 255)]

for color in colors:
    for i in range(16):
        np[i] = color 
        np.write()
        time.sleep_ms(100)

    time.sleep(1)


for color in colors:
    for i in range(15, -1, -1):
        np[i] = color 
        np.write()
        time.sleep_ms(100)

    time.sleep(1)

Code Explanation

Imports

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from machine import Pin
import time
from neopixel import NeoPixel

• time module for creating delay.
• neopixel module for interacting with WS2812 / NeoPixel LED.

Initialize NeoPixel LED.

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pin = Pin(21, Pin.OUT)   # set GPIO 21 to output to drive NeoPixels
np = NeoPixel(pin, 16)   # create NeoPixel driver on GPIO 21 for 16 pixels

• GPIO 21 is connected to Din of NeoPixel LED.
• 16 NeoPixel LED's are used in the strip (np = NeoPixel(pin, 16))

Initializing list of Color values.

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colors = [(255, 0 , 0), (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255), (255, 169, 0), (255, 255, 255)]

• Color values are configured in RGB mode
• Each tuple represents a RGB color code
  • (R, G, B)
  • (255, 0, 0) --> Red 255, Green 0, Blue 0
• Each color value range from 0 to 255

Setting the color.

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np[i] = color 
np.write()

• np.fill(<color_r_g_b>) : fills the color to all the led.
• np[i] : Set the color to the i i^th LED
• np.write() : Use write method to observe the effect on the LED.
  • Only after execution of the write method, you can observe the changes in the LED color.
• for loop in the code is used to loop through the color on individual led in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

Simulation

Extras

Components details

• NeoPixel LED / WS2812B : Data Sheet
• Raspberry Pi Pico / Pico 2 : Pin Diagram
• Raspberry Pi Pico : Data Sheet
• Raspberry Pi Pico 2 : Data Sheet
• Raspberry Pi Pico W : Data Sheet
• Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W : Data Sheet

Modules / Libraries Used

• machine
  • machine module contains specific attributes and methods related to hardware on a particular board. Here class ADC is imported to configure the Analog pins.
  • More Details
• time
  • time module provides functions related to date & time, measuring time intervals and generating delays.
  • More Details