The device comes fully assembled, so all you need to do is turn it on and load up the latest version of the software from Pimoroni’s GitHub page. Installation is a case of holding down the BOOT button to mount RP2040 onto the destkop, and copying the UF2 file to the mounted storage.
There’s an app
There is a clock app, ebook app (pre-loaded with Wind in the Willows), an image app, interactive list app, badge app, along with a QR code, info, and help information displays.
As with many projects, the fun begins when you start exploring what you can do with Badger 2040 in a coding environment. Pimoroni’s documentation is, as typical, excellent, including a Getting Started with Badger 2040 guide. The tutorials take you through writing ‘Hello Badger’ to the screen and customising the default apps. This is done by exploring a range of text files in Thonny (using View > Files). Images can be converted using Pillow and the convert.py file
An optional accessory kit includes a AAA battery holder and batteries, Velcro square, lanyard, and cable. You can also power Badger 2040 by connecting a lithium battery to the JST-PH connector.
Moving on from the default Badger OS and test projects, Badger 2040 has a Qwiic/STEMMA QT port for connecting breakouts with a JST‑SH cable and STEMMA QT adapter. With this, you can explore integration with a variety of sensors, breakout boards, and accessories.
Verdict
8/10
Badger 2040 is a fun accessory that integrates nicely with Raspberry Pi thanks to its RP2040 base. Simple to set up, but a lot of potential for integration with your projects.
SPECS
Screen:
2.9-inch black and white e-ink display (296 × 128 pixels)
Processor:
RP2040 (dual Arm Cortex-M0+ running at up to 133MHz with 264kB of SRAM); 2MB of QSPI flash supporting XiP
I/O:
Five front user buttons; Reset and boot buttons; White LED USB-C connector for power and programming; JST-PH connector for attaching a battery (input range 2.7 V – 6 V)
