Pico-Vga-Python

VGA output library for Raspberry Pi Pico using PIO state machines and DMA.

Hardware Setup

Pinout

• GP0-GP2: RGB output (1 bit per channel)
• GP4: H-Sync
• GP5: V-Sync
• GP16-GP21: General purpose GPIO (controllable via serial)

Display

• Resolution: 640x480 @ 60Hz
• Colors: 8 colors (3-bit RGB)

Installation

1. Flash MicroPython to your Pico
2. Upload VGA.py to the Pico
3. Run the script

Usage

Schematic

Serial Commands

Connect via USB serial terminal (115200 baud):

DEMO          - 3D rotating cube demo
TEXT          - Text terminal mode
BLUE/RED/GREEN - Solid color backgrounds
MULTICOLOUR   - Color pattern
HELP          - Show all commands
CLEAR         - Clear terminal
STATUS        - GPIO status

GPIO Control

GPIO 16 ON or 1   - Turn on GP16
GPIO 17 OFF or 0   - Turn off GP17

Supported pins: GP16, GP17, GP18, GP19, GP20, GP21

Drawing Functions

fill_screen(color)                    # Fill entire screen
draw_pix(x, y, color)                 # Draw single pixel
draw_rect(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)      # Draw rectangle outline
fill_rect(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)      # Draw filled rectangle
draw_circle(x, y, radius, color)      # Draw circle outline
fill_disk(x, y, radius, color)        # Draw filled circle
draw_text(x, y, "text", color, scale) # Draw text
draw_line(x1, y1, x2, y2, color)      # Draw line

Colors

BLACK, WHITE, RED, GREEN, BLUE, YELLOW, CYAN, MAGENTA

Memory

Uses ~31KB for framebuffer (640x480x3 bits)

Overclocking

Set OVCLK = True for 250MHz operation (I don't recommend it, but if you wish, you may try it.)