main.py isn't running when Pico connected to external power

[ssfel]

I think I'm missing a step somewhere. Can't get Pico to run when it isn't being powered by the micro-USB.

Have a main.py to blink the on board LED. Trying to power it by connected 5 VDC to VSYS. I'm using Thonny with the Micropython interpreter to save the program onto the Pico. Program just doesn't seem to be running at all.

Is there a guide somewhere or a simple tutorial that anybody can link me where the Pico isn't being powered through the USB port? I think I must be missing something

Thanks in advance

[dhylands]

That seems to work fine for me.

I created main.py with the following:

Code: Select all

import blinky

and blinky.py with

Code: Select all

from machine import Pin, Timer
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)
tim = Timer()
def tick(timer):
    global led
    led.toggle()

tim.init(freq=2.5, mode=Timer.PERIODIC, callback=tick)

I verified that powering up via USB worked. Then I disconnected the USB cable and connected VSYS and GND to a 5V source and the blinky program is running.

[Roberthh]

Since you are using Thonny: Are you sure that you really copied the main.py file to the board? Just running the files with Thonny dos nto copy it permanently to the boards file system.

[HermannSW]

I used rshell to copy files onto Pico MicroPython flash filesystem (cp main.py /pyboard).
Today I copied boot.py and main.py, and both get executed, on powering as well as on soft reboot:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view ... 3#p1830113

[ssfel]

Since you are using Thonny: Are you sure that you really copied the main.py file to the board? Just running the files with Thonny dos nto copy it permanently to the boards file system.

At the moment I'm doing;
Save As --> Raspberry Pi Pico --> "main.py", save

Is that correct?

[aivarannamaa]

At the moment I'm doing;
Save As --> Raspberry Pi Pico --> "main.py", save

This should do.

Does it start running again when you reconnect USB? Can it be powering issue?

[fdufnews]

Can you post your main.py?
Are you sure, you are not missing any import or pin setting in your software?

[reiska]

Hi,
i have faced the same problem as ssfel. Unfortunately none of the suggestions has been helpful.
At least for my application I found a workaround:
I start main.py as usual having the pico connected via an USB cable. Then connect an external 5V source to VSYS. Now I can unplug the USB connection and the pico continues to run.

Any better solution is still welcome.

[karfas]

As @roberthh did suggest:

Don't trust thonny or any fancy, colorful gui.
Verify that main.py is really on the device using pyshell or the like. You can also check with a small uPy program whether main.py is really where it belongs (next to boot.py).