Software

The Pico 2 runs software/firmware that you create yourself using the Raspberry Pi Pico ecosystem. We have provided examples for both the Pico SDK (C/C++) and MicroPython. The MicroPython examples include a small support library (dmxcore.py) with the board pin definitions and ready-to-use DMX input/output classes.

Example code on GitHub

Programming over USB (UF2)

The RP2040 has a USB bootloader in ROM. There is no extra bootloader to install, and it cannot be overwritten.

1. Hold the BOOTSEL button.
2. Plug in USB-C (or power the board while still holding BOOTSEL).
3. A drive named RPI-RP2 appears. Copy your .uf2 file onto it.

The board reboots into the new firmware. The same flow is used for Pico C/C++ SDK builds, MicroPython, CircuitPython, and Arduino-produced UF2 files.

Debugging over SWD

J3 is a standard Raspberry Pi 3-pin SWD connector. A Raspberry Pi Debug Probe connects directly with the bundled 3-pin JST cable — see the Debug Probe getting started guide. Pinout and other debugger notes are on the Pin out page.

Arduino IDE

Yes. Treat the board as a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040), not a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350). The DMX Core Pico 2 is RP2040-based.

Recommended board package: Earle Philhower’s Raspberry Pi Pico / RP2040 core. Select board Raspberry Pi Pico, then upload via UF2 (BOOTSEL) or picotool.

Use the GPIO numbers from the examples (for example digital inputs 1–4 are GPIO 8–11). The official Pico C/C++ SDK examples are the best-supported starting point if you are not already in Arduino.

Commercial Software

We have developed a software suite for the Pico 2 called the DMX Re-Mapper, which provides features like re-mapping of DMX channels and using digital inputs with a configuration utility. It’s possible to purchase this software as an add-on to a standard Pico 2; the firmware is locked to the serial number of the Pico 2. Contact DMX Pro Sales for more information about this upgrade.