The Brain of the SIK for MicroPython
Let's talk about the hardware of the new SparkFun Inventor's Kit.
Last week, we talked a lot about the new SparkFun Inventor's Kit for MicroPython and its open-source, browser-based learning guides. But now it's time to do a deep dive into the hardware that powers it all. At the core of every SIK, the "brain" of the operation, is our flagship IoT development board: the SparkFun RP2350 IoT RedBoard.
$39.95
This board is a powerful and versatile wireless development platform, and we didn't just choose it by accident. It’s the perfect engine for your MicroPython journey, and it has a fantastic feature that we’ve included on every single board, regardless of if you purchase the SIK, or the board on its own.
Why the RP2350 IoT RedBoard?
When we designed a new SIK for MicroPython, we needed a board that was beginner-friendly but also incredibly capable. It had to have a low floor for entry but a very high ceiling for future projects. For us, the RP2350 IoT RedBoard hit every single mark.
Power and Simplicity
The next generation RP2350 Microcontroller from Raspberry Pi is a powerful, modern chip. It’s more than capable of handling complex projects, but it’s also perfectly suited for running MicroPython, which brings the simplicity and readability of Python to hardware.
Built-in IoT
The "IoT" in the name is the key. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth on the included Radio Module 2, this board is ready for connected projects right out of the box. While the SIK projects focus on the fundamentals, this hardware gives you a clear path forward into the Internet of Things.
Expandability
As a RedBoard, it’s designed for easy prototyping. And of course, it features a Qwiic connector, giving you simple, solder-free access to our entire ecosystem of hundreds of sensors, actuators, and displays. This means your learning path doesn't stop when the guide ends.
The SIK Now Comes Standard
Here’s the most exciting part, and it's a feature we're incredibly proud of. We believe the SIK for MicroPython guide is the absolute best way to get started with this board. So, we decided to pre-load the SIK guide files onto every single SparkFun RP2350 IoT RedBoard we ship. That's right, whether you buy the full Inventor's Kit or just the RP2350 RedBoard by itself, all SIK guide files are already on the board.
When you plug the board into your computer, it will show up as a USB mass storage drive. Just open it, and you have immediate access to every file that will help you have a complete learning experience.
This means if you're an educator, a hobbyist with a bin full of parts, or just someone curious about MicroPython, you can pick up an RP2350 RedBoard and instantly have a powerful, guided curriculum to work with. It makes this board one of the most accessible and well-documented platforms for learning MicroPython available today.
The SIK for MicroPython is a complete package, but it all starts with great hardware. The RP2350 IoT RedBoard is the perfect foundation—powerful, connected, expandable, and now, it comes with a full learning guide built-in right out of the box.
We can't wait to see what you build with it.
