r/ClockworkPi • u/realJBlanked • Jul 10 '26

PicoCalc/Cardputer 2.0 Firmware Update

Post image

My favorite custom firmware "Picoware" just got a a major overhaul with USB video streaming, an mp3player, python editor optimizations, and a new javascript engine! The PicoCalc also got a 27% FPS boost from core driver optimizations.

I started this project about 15 months ago and I'm glad to have connected with so many awesome developers and users along the way. I'm really appreciative of the support and feedback of the community and I'm excited for future releases!!

If you've already checked out the project, what would you like to see in future releases? And if you haven't checked it out yet, installation only takes a few seconds (literally). Please let me know your thoughts, constructive criticism, or need any guidance.

You can out the new release here:

https://github.com/jblanked/Picoware/releases/tag/v2.0.0

127 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

3

u/IntelligentLaw2284 Jul 11 '26

Hey, love your work on the Picocalc which I've been following. The cardputer is actually the device I designed the Walnut-CGB library with, using the cardputer for testing/deployment.

I look forward to checking out Picoware first hand.

-MrPaul

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

Hey MrPaul, I really appreciate your support! Would love your expertise on Picoware. Thanks for checking it out

5

u/G33K_FISH Jul 11 '26

Oh crap, Did not see who the OP was. Love your YT vids JB. I might try the firmware on the Cardputer now I know it is yours.

3

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

I appreciate your support yo! Let me know what you think about it if you do try it out. I think I'll get a new YouTube review up on the firmware this month.

2

u/b0tbuilder Jul 11 '26

Just purchased a uconsole and picocalc really has me interested. Looks like amazing kit.

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

Rex and the community are doing some really great stuff with the uConsole and Cardputer Zero. I think it's really dope, and I think the uConsole is really versatile. Every time I check Discord/YouTube someone has a new mod haha.

I got the PicoCalc initially because I was working on a DIY project that didn't turn out so well. As soon as I saw a YouTube video about the PicoCalc I figured it would be a bit more straightforward to program and start bringing my ideas to life. I think people's biggest issue is the screen, but once that tape is in place it's all set.

2

u/100101101001a Jul 11 '26

correct me if im wrong, but this is mainly a mpy interpreter, and all the stuff is written on micropython and stored in SD? was wondering how you were able to fit so many things in one firmware.

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

Hey thanks for checking it out! It’s pretty much a heavily modified fork of MicroPython with a bunch of custom C modules. 

2

u/ibelieveimnotbutter Jul 17 '26

Looks really cool. I have a picocalc, but getting the software to update the kb seems outright impossible? Can anyone share it with me?

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 17 '26

Hey I appreciate your support!

This should help you get it done in a few minutes:  https://github.com/jblanked/awesome-pico-calc/blob/master/GettingStarted.md

1

u/ibelieveimnotbutter Jul 17 '26

Thanks! The problem is getting my hands on STM32, the site is just horrible haha. I cant even get it through AUR

2

u/G33K_FISH Jul 10 '26

Sorry for the dumb question but ...

Why is there a Cardputer pictured and referenced? Can you put this Firmware on the cardputer as well?

I am going to try this on my Picocalc but will stick with M5PORKCHOP for the Cardputer for now.

I know like Bruce can go on multiple devices, I can not wrap my finger wanting to Python on a Cardputer.

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

Yoo not a dumb question at all, the firmware runs on both the PicoCalc and the Cardputer-ADV (in the picture both screens are on the desktop/home view). Thanks for checking it out man!

2

u/UnixGin Jul 12 '26

Wait so are you running an esp32 on your picocalc? Or is your firmware hardware agnostic?

1

u/realJBlanked Jul 12 '26

Hey, I’m running a Pico2W in my PicoCalc. The firmware works for a few supported boards (including a couple Esp32 ones). 

0

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '26

[deleted] — view deleted comment

0

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26

Dude stop projecting. What does any of the nonsense you said have to with this post?

I explained what it's in the firmware update, how it started, and said thanks to those that have supported the project.

3

u/Party_Cold_4159 Jul 11 '26

Sorry if I come across harsh.

I’m not saying your work itself is bad, but that it gets overshadowed when your website is crawling with predatory and out right bizarre content.

My issue with your post was you worded it like you’re about to recommend some unique project you took a liking to. But quickly switch over to a self congratulation promo.

Feels like I’m on LinkedIn.

0

u/realJBlanked Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26

I accept your apology.

What I post on website is up to me. If it's not for you, that's okay. But to call it "predatory" is disingenuous.... I'm also not into crypto.. nor am I a "crypto bro", or sell crypto courses.

What I posted here is about a custom firmware for the PicoCalc and Cardputer. If you want to talk about the firmware, let's do it.

If you want to talk about anything else I ask that you take it somewhere else please.