Hi all,
I’m working with the XRP Beta board (Pico W version) and I’d like to add a SparkFun BlueSMiRF v2 so I can use Bluetooth as a wireless serial link (REPL/file transfer) instead of being tethered by USB.
From my research, the BlueSMiRF only needs 4 connections:
• VCC → 3V3 on the Pico W (pin 36)
• GND → any ground (e.g. pin 38)
• TXO (BlueSMiRF output) → Pico W GPIO1 / UART0 RX (pin 2)
• RXI (BlueSMiRF input) → Pico W GPIO0 / UART0 TX (pin 1)
• CTS/RTS left unconnected
On the Beta XRP board, the problem is that the Pico W doesn’t have the 2×20 headers soldered in by default — the controller PCB only breaks out motor, servo, encoder, and Qwiic connectors. So to make these connections, I’d either need:
• A Pico W with headers soldered so I can jumper into pins 1, 2, 36, and 38, or
• To solder directly to the Pico W pads or any breakout holes the Beta controller provides for those signals.
Could anyone confirm this wiring setup, and ideally share a wiring diagram or photo of how they connected a BlueSMiRF (or similar UART Bluetooth module) to their XRP Beta board?
Thanks in advance!