Uploading Code

Transfer Fabrica control software to your Raspberry Pi Pico 2W

Before You Start

✓ MicroPython installed on Pico 2W
✓ Thonny IDE installed and connected
✓ Fabrica source code downloaded
✓ USB cable connected to Pico

Step 1: Download Fabrica Source Code

Visit GitHub Repository

Go to github.com/buildair-ai/fabrica

Download ZIP

Click the green Code button, then select Download ZIP

Extract Files

Unzip the downloaded file to a convenient location (e.g., Desktop or Documents)

Fabrica File Structure

The extracted folder contains the following MicroPython files:

fabrica/
├── main.py                    # Main program entry point (runs on boot)
├── config.py                  # Configuration settings (edit for your setup)
├── button.py                  # Button handler with polling & LED blinking
├── servo_controller.py        # PCA9685 PWM driver control
├── motion_plan_executor.py    # Execute motion sequences
├── motion_plan_storage.py     # Persistent storage for sequences
├── config_mode.py             # Interactive configuration mode
├── logger.py                  # Centralized logging system
├── Readme.md                  # Comprehensive documentation
└── fabrica.code-workspace     # VS Code workspace configuration

Core Files (Required)

• main.py: Entry point, initializes hardware
• config.py: All hardware & timing settings
• button.py: Short/long press detection
• servo_controller.py: Parallel motor execution
• motion_plan_executor.py: Sequential steps
• motion_plan_storage.py: JSON persistence
• config_mode.py: Record new sequences
• logger.py: Debug output control

Supporting Files

• Readme.md: Detailed usage guide
• fabrica.code-workspace: VS Code setup
• motion_plans.json: Created on device

Note: motion_plans.json is created automatically when you save sequences.

Step 2: Upload Files to Pico

Using VS Code? →

Open Thonny's File Manager

In Thonny, go to View → Files to open the file browser panel

💡 You should see two sections: "This computer" (your PC) and "Raspberry Pi Pico" (the device)

Navigate to Fabrica Folder

In the "This computer" section, navigate to where you extracted the Fabrica files

Upload Files

Select all 8 .py files, right-click, and choose "Upload to /"

✓ main.py
✓ config.py
✓ button.py
✓ servo_controller.py
✓ motion_plan_executor.py
✓ motion_plan_storage.py
✓ config_mode.py
✓ logger.py

⚠️ Upload to the root directory (/), not a subdirectory. This ensures files are found at runtime.

Verify Upload

Check the "Raspberry Pi Pico" section—you should see all 8 .py files listed

✓ Upload complete when all files appear in the device file list

Alternative: Manual File Upload

If Thonny's file browser doesn't work, you can upload files individually:

Open each .py file in Thonny (File → Open, select file from your computer)

With the file open, go to File → Save as...

Select "Raspberry Pi Pico" as the destination

Keep the original filename and save to the root directory

Repeat for all 8 Python files (.py extension)

Step 3: Test the Upload

Quick Import Test

In Thonny's Shell (bottom panel), type these commands to verify files are accessible:

>>> import main
>>> import config
>>> import servo_controller
>>> import button
>>> print("All files loaded successfully!")

If no errors appear, all files are uploaded correctly.

Understanding Auto-Run Behavior

How MicroPython Boots

When powered on, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2W automatically runs main.py if it exists.

Development Mode (Current State)

While connected to Thonny, main.py won't auto-run. This lets you test code interactively without reboots.

To manually run: Open main.py in Thonny and click Run (▶️)

Standalone Mode (After Setup)

Once you disconnect USB and power the Pico via external power supply, main.py will automatically run on boot. No computer needed!

How to trigger: Simply power cycle the Pico (unplug/replug power)

📁 File Management Tips

1. Keep backups: Save a copy of your working config.py on your computer before making changes.
2. Version control: If making major modifications, append version numbers to filenames (e.g., sequence_v2.py).
3. Disable logging: Set ENABLE_LOGGING = False in config.py for production use to improve performance and reduce serial output.
4. View storage usage: In Thonny Shell, run import os; print(os.statvfs('/')) to check available space.

✅ Code Upload Complete!

All Fabrica software is now on your Pico 2W. Before running, you need to configure your specific hardware setup.

Next: Proceed to Configuration to customize settings for your panel layout and servo channels.