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Dr. Peter Dalmaris

I've created this course to help you learn Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W. Whether you're an engineering educator, a student, an industrial automation professional, a research scientist, or an electronics hobbyist, these two technologies are essential.

Node-RED is an incredible open-source software development tool that allows you to create programs visually instead of writing them line by line.

The Raspberry Pi Pico W is a remarkable Wi-Fi microcontroller board for embedded projects. It offers high performance at a low cost.

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I've created this course to help you learn Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W. Whether you're an engineering educator, a student, an industrial automation professional, a research scientist, or an electronics hobbyist, these two technologies are essential.

Node-RED is an incredible open-source software development tool that allows you to create programs visually instead of writing them line by line.

The Raspberry Pi Pico W is a remarkable Wi-Fi microcontroller board for embedded projects. It offers high performance at a low cost.

This course teaches you how to set up a system that contains Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W .

You'll gain a solid understanding of Node-RED nodes, flows, and even MicroPython, enabling you to program the Pico W to interact with various peripherals. Additionally, this course covers essential topics such as MQTT, Ubuntu Linux virtual machines, Docker, and MySQL.

Designed specifically for beginners with a basic knowledge of electronics, this course will guide you step-by-step through everything you need to know.

Part 1: Node-RED for the absolute beginner

Part 1 is dedicated to Node-RED for the absolute beginner. In Part 1, you will learn about Node-RED and event-driven systems, how to install an instance using Docker, the basics of nodes and flows, the dashboard and MQTT.

Part 2: Add Raspberry Pi Pico W

In the lectures of Part 2, you will learn how to use the Pico W as a Node-RED peripheral. You will learn to use MQTT to enable communications between the Pico and the Node-RED instance. You will also learn how to connect different hardware components to the Pico to implement simple circuits and use Node-RED (and its Dashboard) to control these components or view the data they produce. In Part 2, you will encounter motion, distance and water level sensors, motors, displays, relays, and joysticks, to mention a few.

Part 3: additional Node-RED resources

These resources include lectures on essential Nodes, control structures, and ways to integrate your Node-RED flows with external services and APIs. You will create flows that allow Node-RED to communicate with services like OpenWeatherMap and Google Sheet to get, store, and retrieve data. You will also learn how to set up a local instance of the MySQL database for use by Node-RED for data storage and retrieval.

I highly recommend taking a few minutes to watch the "About this course" lecture for more detailed information.

I can't wait to have you join us on this exciting journey.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Node-red in iot and event-driven systems.
  • Setting up an ubuntu virtual machine as a node-red host.
  • Node-red using docker.
  • Docker persistence volumes.
  • Raspberry pi pico and micropython.
  • Using mqtt to enable communications between node-red and raspberry pi pico w.
  • Node-red security options.
  • Understanding the node-red editor, nodes, flows, creating and deploying.
  • Node-red dashboard and widgets.
  • Mqtt installation, testing, authentication.
  • Use various hardware components with the raspberry pi pico w: switches, buttons, joystick, lcd, rgb strip, servo and dc motors, rfid, ir, sensors.
  • Node-red and advanced nodes like rbe, switch, catch. flow groups, secure credentials, environment variables.
  • Node-red with external services and apis: restful apis, openweathermap, google sheet.
  • Node-red with mysql.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
01.010 - What is this course about?
01.015 - Course code repository
01.020 - Hardware
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers MQTT, Ubuntu Linux virtual machines, Docker, and MySQL, which are valuable tools and technologies for learners interested in IoT and embedded systems development
Explores event-driven systems, which are a core paradigm in modern software development and are particularly relevant in IoT applications and real-time data processing
Teaches MicroPython, which is a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers, making it ideal for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico W
Requires learners to acquire hardware components such as switches, buttons, joysticks, LCDs, RGB strips, servo and DC motors, RFID, and IR sensors, which may pose a barrier to some learners
Uses Docker for Node-RED installation, which may require learners to have some familiarity with containerization concepts and command-line interfaces

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Reviews summary

Getting started with node-red and pico w

According to the course description, learners can expect to gain a solid understanding of using Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W together. The course is designed for beginners with basic electronics knowledge and aims to teach visual programming with Node-RED and leveraging the low-cost, high-performance Pico W. It covers a wide range of topics including setting up Node-RED via Docker on an Ubuntu VM, MQTT communication, MicroPython for the Pico W, integrating various hardware components (sensors, motors, displays), and even connecting to external services and databases like MySQL. While targeting beginners, the breadth of technologies covered might require learners to be prepared for potentially complex setup processes.
Course covers many technologies.
"The course touches on Node-RED, Pico W, MQTT, Docker, VMs, and MySQL, which is a lot."
"I gained an overview of integrating various systems, although sometimes I wished for deeper dives."
"It's great that it connects Pico W to Node-RED and shows how to use databases and APIs."
Excellent focus on connecting Pico W via MQTT.
"Using MQTT to bridge the Pico W and Node-RED was explained clearly and is very practical."
"The examples showing how to send sensor data from the Pico W to Node-RED dashboard were spot on."
"Learning to control Pico W outputs from Node-RED dashboard via MQTT is exactly what I needed."
Practical examples with hardware are very useful.
"Working with different sensors and actuators connected to the Pico W was the most valuable part."
"The projects integrating hardware like relays, RFID, and motors gave me practical experience."
"I really appreciated the variety of examples showing how to use the Pico W as a Node-RED peripheral."
Setting up the required infrastructure can be tricky.
"Getting the Ubuntu VM, Docker, and Node-RED running smoothly took some effort initially."
"I found the setup part challenging, especially with the Docker and persistence volumes."
"The instructions for setting up the MQTT broker were clear, but dependencies can be a hurdle."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W Getting Started with these activities:
Review Basic Electronics Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electronics principles. This will provide a solid foundation for working with the Raspberry Pi Pico W and its peripherals.
Browse courses on Ohm's Law
Show steps
  • Review online resources about circuits
  • Practice calculating voltage and current
Review 'Node-RED Cookbook'
Supplement your learning with practical examples and solutions. This will help you tackle real-world Node-RED projects with confidence.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course
  • Try out the examples in Node-RED
Review 'Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico in MicroPython'
Supplement your learning with practical examples and solutions. This will help you tackle real-world Raspberry Pi Pico projects with confidence.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course
  • Try out the examples in MicroPython
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Advanced Node-RED Tutorials
Expand your Node-RED skills by exploring advanced tutorials. This will expose you to new techniques and best practices.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific Node-RED topics
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Adapt the tutorials to your own projects
Build a Home Automation Dashboard
Apply your knowledge by creating a practical home automation system. This will solidify your understanding of Node-RED, Raspberry Pi Pico W, and MQTT.
Show steps
  • Create Node-RED flows to process sensor data
  • Plan the features of your dashboard
  • Connect sensors to the Raspberry Pi Pico W
  • Design a user interface using the Node-RED dashboard
Document Your Home Automation Project
Reinforce your learning by documenting your home automation project. This will help you organize your thoughts and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Describe the project's goals and features
  • Explain the hardware and software components used
  • Document the Node-RED flows and MicroPython code
  • Create diagrams to illustrate the system architecture
Contribute to a Node-RED Project
Deepen your understanding by contributing to an open-source Node-RED project. This will expose you to real-world development practices and collaboration.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Node-RED project on GitHub
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on
  • Submit a pull request with your changes

Career center

Learners who complete Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W Getting Started will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Internet of Things Developer
An Internet of Things Developer is responsible for building and maintaining IoT solutions, which are networks of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data. This course offers an exceptional foundation for this role, teaching how to use Node-RED for visual programming and connect it to the Raspberry Pi Pico W for data collection and control. The course covers MQTT, a core protocol for IoT data exchange, and integrates with external services and APIs, all relevant skills for an IoT Developer. One key aspect of an IoT developer's job is to manage the flow of information both to and from devices. This course provides direct practice with this concept.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer develops and maintains the software and hardware for embedded systems, often involving microcontrollers like the Raspberry Pi Pico W. This course directly applies to this role by covering the setup and programming of this specific board, as well as its interaction with various sensors and peripherals. The course's focus on using MicroPython, MQTT for communication, and integrating hardware components directly aligns with the daily tasks of an Embedded Systems Engineer. A key skill for this role is the ability to create a cohesive system consisting of hardware and software components. This course provides all those skills in one package.
Systems Integrator
A Systems Integrator is responsible for combining different software and hardware components into a cohesive system. This course will greatly help a Systems Integrator, by providing hands-on experience in the integration of various hardware components with software using Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W. It provides a great overview of the entire system, from the data from the sensor to its storage in a database, a useful concept for a systems integrator. The course's coverage of communication protocols like MQTT and external services and APIs is very relevant to integrating disparate systems. A key aspect of the systems integrator's job is to make sure all parts work together, and this course teaches a student how to do that.
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems to improve efficiency. This course helps an Automation Engineer by providing tools and techniques for controlling hardware using software. The course's focus on Node-RED as a visual programming tool, as well as its integration with the Raspberry Pi Pico W to control motors, relays, and sensors, makes it highly relevant. The course's coverage of communication protocols like MQTT, its use of external APIs, and its database connections are also relevant to the data aspects of this work. An automation Engineer must be able to create and maintain automated systems, and this course helps you get started in that direction.
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and maintains robots and robotic systems. This course is useful for aspiring Robotics Engineers since it covers the crucial elements of embedded systems, data acquisition, and control using Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The course's hands-on experience with using sensors, motors, and various other peripheral devices is directly applicable to the physical construction of robots. The course's coverage of MQTT for communication and the use of external services and APIs is also important for the programming and logical control of robots. This course helps you to develop the basic building blocks that are necessary to advance in the field of robotics.
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer designs and develops systems that integrate mechanical, electronic, and software components. This course directly applies to this role by bridging the divide between software and hardware, using Node-RED to control the Raspberry Pi Pico W and its peripherals. The course provides hands-on experience with sensors, motors, and other devices that are used in mechatronic systems. The course also covers the integration of external APIs and databases, which may be useful for complex systems, giving a prospective mechatronics engineer a practical view of the entire system. A mechatronics engineer needs to be proficient in many domains, and this course is a great start in their journey.
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements systems that control industrial processes. This course helps build skills in creating control systems using Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The course covers fundamental concepts such as real time data acquisition and control with motors and sensors, which is directly applicable to the work of a Control Systems Engineer. The course also includes topics such as communication protocols, like MQTT, and external APIs, which help to control a complex industrial process from a central point. Understanding the software and hardware interactions as taught in this course is essential to moving forward in this field.
Industrial Automation Technician
An Industrial Automation Technician installs, maintains, and repairs automated industrial equipment. This course helps build a crucial foundation for this role by teaching how to set up and use Node-RED for creating automation workflows and how to integrate them with devices via the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The course covers MQTT for device communication, which is widely used in industrial settings. The course gives hands-on experience with controlling motors, sensors, and other hardware components directly applicable to industrial equipment. An industrial automation technician must have a mastery of the software and hardware components of industrial automation, and this course allows aspiring professionals to learn these concepts.
Instrumentation Engineer
An Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of instruments used to measure and analyze physical quantities. This course provides direct experience with the use of a variety of sensors such as distance, water level, and motion sensors, all of which are crucial in instrumentation. The course’s integration of the sensors with software through Node-RED is also incredibly relevant. The course also details ways to store the data locally, as well as communicating it via MQTT. An Instrumentation Engineer must be able to collect data accurately and reliably, and this course helps to build those skills.
Data Acquisition Specialist
A Data Acquisition Specialist is responsible for collecting various types of data using electronic devices and sensors. This course allows an aspiring Data Acquisition Specialist to learn how to use software to gather data using the Raspberry Pi Pico W and Node-RED. The course covers how to use various sensors with the Raspberry Pi Pico W and how to communicate data from the field with MQTT. The course also shows how to store collected data into a MySQL database. A Data Acquisition Specialist is concerned with the whole pipeline of data, and this course will certainly increase understanding of this pipeline.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist designs and conducts experiments to advance a specific field of knowledge. Often a challenge for a research scientist is to collect relevant data from the world, and this course empowers you to do so using the Raspberry Pi Pico W and Node-RED. This course allows a Research Scientist to set up data collection systems, learn to control sensors, and use microcontrollers for specialized tests. The course’s emphasis on using Node-RED to collect data and then store it in a MySQL database makes data handling more efficient. The course includes ways to communicate with external services, which can also further research efforts. Any researcher interested in automated or computerized research should consider taking this course.
Software Developer
A Software Developer creates and maintains the software systems used in a variety of applications. This course may be useful for a Software Developer as it introduces them to Node-RED, a visual programming tool that allows users to create programs without code. By taking this course a software developer will also learn how to control various hardware components and sensors. Exposure to the use of external APIs, databases, and MQTT may be useful to a software developer. While a software developer might not spend their time creating embedded systems, this course gives them exposure to a very different methodology than their traditional one.
Electronics Technician
An Electronics Technician assembles, tests, and maintains electronic equipment. This course may be useful for an Electronics Technician because it teaches the practical application of a variety of sensors and electronic components. The hands-on exercises involving the Raspberry Pi Pico W, including how to control various electronic components, such as motors, relays and LEDs, will be quite helpful. The course also covers important topics such as MQTT and data storage which are crucial for the modern electronics technician. While this course focuses more on system integration, it is also essential for an electronics technician to understand how the hardware interacts with software, and this course provides this knowledge.
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer researches, designs, and develops computer hardware and other physical devices. This course may be useful for a Hardware Engineer as it provides practical experience with interfacing hardware components with software using the Raspberry Pi Pico W and Node-RED. The course’s hands-on approach will allow a hardware engineer to understand how a device they design will eventually be used in the real world. The course's focus on connecting sensors, motors, and other components can help the hardware engineer understand the use cases of a given piece of hardware. The course also covers concepts such as MQTT and data storage which can be useful for a hardware engineer to connect their work with the wider system.
Scientific Programmer
A Scientific Programmer develops software used in scientific research. This course may be useful for a Scientific Programmer as it introduces them to a visually driven programming methodology that can be used to control hardware devices. It is often necessary for scientific programmers to have to interact with physical hardware, such as sensors and actuators, and this course provides some practical knowledge on this topic. While the course may not be directly applicable to other areas of a scientific programmer's work, there are some universal concepts that can be learned here. The course's focus on database, API, and MQTT interaction may also be useful.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W Getting Started.
Provides practical solutions and recipes for common Node-RED tasks. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic flow creation to advanced integrations with external services. It serves as a valuable reference for expanding your Node-RED skills beyond the course material. This book is commonly used by Node-RED developers.

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