It's been coming, and now it's here: ESPHome has added support for the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The Raspberry Pi Pico W is a variant of the original Pico board, enhanced with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Apart from the onboard radio, there are no differences between the two models. Crucially, both are powered by the RP2040, the first microcontroller designed by Raspberry Pi Ltd in the UK. While there are other boards using the same microcontroller, such as the Nano RP2040 Connect from Arduino, ESPHome currently only supports the Raspberry Pi models.
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Proceed with Caution
Although this development is exciting, those seeking a stable and reliable experience should hold off on using this board until any potential issues have been ironed out. For a more stable solution, it is advisable to stick with the ESP8266 or ESP32, purchasing from reputable sellers such as WEMOS. If you are eager to experiment with the Raspberry Pi Pico W, be sure to report any issues on the appropriate GitHub repository after performing a quick search to confirm that you are the first to encounter the issue.
What is the Raspberry Pi Pico W?
As discussed in an earlier article, the Raspberry Pi Pico W sits between the ESP32 and ESP8266 in terms of performance and connectivity. Despite this, Raspberry Pi's compact offering has notable advantages: Firstly, Raspberry Pi-approved resellers ensure that you are purchasing a genuine product. Although the Pico's performance may not match the ESP32 on paper, it is capable of running TensorFlow Lite and should suffice for most ESPHome nodes.
For those in the UK wanting to support local businesses, the Raspberry Pi boards and the RP2040 are designed in Cambridge and predominantly manufactured by Sony in Pencoed, Wales. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi Pico W, just like every Raspberry Pi that came before it, boasts excellent documentation, making it an attractive option for those looking to explore the world of microcontrollers.
Why You Might Still Prefer the ESP32 or ESP8266
One factor that might sway you towards the ESP32 or ESP8266 is the variety of available boards. Currently, ESPHome only supports the Raspberry Pi Pico W, which has relatively large dimensions (21 mm × 51.3 mm × 12.9 mm). Other RP2040-based boards, such as the Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 (20 mm × 17.5 mm × 3.5 mm), are unsupported and few third-party boards offer wireless networking.
The ESP32 and ESP8266 microcontrollers are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, catering to different project needs. From tiny boards that can fit into the smallest enclosures to larger ones with numerous GPIO pins and additional features, there's an ESP module for nearly every application. Some popular variants include the compact WEMOS D1 Mini, the versatile NodeMCU, and the powerful ESP32 DevKit. This variety allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in designing and implementing home automation projects.
One board that could be a valuable addition is the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect, though there are currently no indications of support in development. It shares the same size as the Raspberry Pi Pico W but includes additional features: it has eight times the flash memory (16 MB) and includes an onboard LSM6DSOXTR six-axis IMU (3D gyroscope and 3D accelerometer), MP34DT06JTR MEMS omnidirectional microphone, and RGB LED. Additionally, the Arduino brand’s commitment to open-source hardware and software provides a level of trustworthiness absent in many cheaper alternatives. A potential obstacle to adoption is the use of a different radio module than the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
Summary
In summary, ESPHome's support for the Raspberry Pi Pico W opens up new possibilities for home automation enthusiasts. While early adopters should be cautious, the Pico W offers a compelling combination of affordability, performance, and local manufacturing support. However, for those seeking more compact options or additional features, the ESP32 and ESP8266, along with other RP2040-based boards, might still be preferable.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right board for your project. Whether you opt for the Raspberry Pi Pico W or another microcontroller, the growing support in the ESPHome community ensures exciting times ahead for home automation.
