Connect Raspberry Pi Pico W to AWS IoT Core

This project demonstrates how to connect a Raspberry Pi Pico W to AWS IoT Core using MicroPython and MQTT.

Project Requirements

• Hardware
  • Raspberry Pi Pico W x1
  • Push buttons x4
• Software
  • AWS IoT Core
  • MicroPython
  • Thonny IDE

Overview

Using AWS IoT Core’s message broker, this setup enables secure message transmission between AWS IoT Core and the Pico W.

The application:

• Publishes button status to the picow/button topic when buttons are pressed or released.
• Subscribes to the pico/led topic to control the Pico W’s onboard LED based on received messages (on, off, toggle).

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Hardware Setup

1. Connect each button between the GND and GP3 pins on the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

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AWS IoT Core Setup

1. Create an AWS Account and Access IoT Core

   • Sign in to AWS, search for IoT Core, and open it.

2. Configure Policies

   • Go to Security > Policies and create a policy to control access.
   • Add the necessary policy actions, including the ability to publish and subscribe.
   • AWS IoT Core Policies Documentation

3. Register Your Device

   • Go to All devices > Things > Create thing to register your Pico W device.
   • Name the thing and generate a new certificate for authentication.
   • Download the certificates for later use.

4. Endpoint Configuration

   • Under Settings, note the Endpoint URL, as it will be used to set up the MQTT connection.

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Code Setup

1. Upload Certificate and Key Files

   • In Thonny IDE, navigate to View -> Files and locate the AWS IoT Core certificate and key files you downloaded earlier.
   • Upload them to the Pico W using Upload to /.

2. Update Code with AWS Information

   • Use the AWS IoT Endpoint URL and certificate filenames in your MicroPython code to configure the MQTT client.

3. Download the mainAWS.py file

• Move to Raspberry Pico or prefered location in Computer and open in Thonny.
• Run script.

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