One of the standout features of Raspberry Pi boards is their open-source nature, which bestows a remarkable degree of flexibility upon users. Today, we’re excited to highlight how this flexibility is being taken to a new level! We recently discovered an innovative Kickstarter project by TOP Gadgets that is capturing the interest of tech enthusiasts: the FlexPi. This exciting new board mirrors the original Raspberry Pi Pico but includes some intriguing enhancements. Unlike traditional, inflexible PCBs, the FlexPi features the ability to bend and twist in any direction, making it ideal for fitting into tight spaces and curved enclosures.
The creators initially set a funding goal of $500 USD to launch this innovative project, but they have far exceeded expectations, raking in over $5,000 USD in pledges so far. However, prospective backers should be mindful that participating in a Kickstarter initiative is akin to making an investment; support does not automatically ensure delivery of a final product. Caution is advisable when investing your hard-earned money, even for projects that look particularly appealing.
The form factor of the FlexPi is very similar to the original Pico, retaining most of its specifications while introducing notable improvements such as a programmable RGB LED and a modern USB Type-C port. The most economical package available is priced at $20 USD, which offers you not just a FlexPi but also three starter guides that delve into the realms of Raspberry Pi Pico, MicroPython, and Circuit Python.
With those differences noted, this innovative board is equipped with an RP2040 microprocessor and features 2MB of onboard flash memory. It retains the original’s 26 GPIO pins along with 264kB of SRAM, ensuring robust functionality. In terms of connectivity, the FlexPi supports USB 1.1 and accommodates voltage ranges from 1.8V to 5.5V, while the RGB LED included is a WS2812 model.
Like its predecessor, the original Pico, programming the FlexPi is straightforward and user-friendly, thanks to drag-and-drop functionality with a UF2 bootloader. It supports multiple programming languages, including MicroPython, Circuit Python, C, C++, and even Arduino code, offering users a versatile platform to work with. In essence, you’re still working with the familiar Pico, but now with enhanced flexibility and adaptability.
If you’re curious to explore this innovative Raspberry Pi project further, be sure to visit the official FlexPi page on Kickstarter.
