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DoodlePi is a do-it-yourself pixel-art drawing toy inspired by Etch A Sketch. It uses a Raspberry Pi Pico, a small monochrome OLED and six buttons; you assemble the hardware and upload its Arduino firmware yourself. The project has two documented versions: V1 is a breadboard or perfboard prototype, while V2 uses a custom PCB and adds a rechargeable-battery circuit.
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What DoodlePi does—and what you need to build it
The six buttons act as four directional controls, a pen up/down toggle and a clear or eraser control. The display is a 1.3-inch SH1106 monochrome OLED with 128×64 resolution. DoodlePi is documented as a maker build, not a finished off-the-shelf product: the project pages provide parts, code and assembly directions.
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Choose the revision before sourcing parts. V1 is the simpler route if you want to wire a prototype; V2 is intended for a more finished handheld build, with a custom PCB and battery charging parts. The project documentation does not establish a verified total build cost, battery runtime or independent compatibility testing.
#1 Best Overall
- 【RP2040 Development Platform】It uses the Raspberry Pi Pico development board and is equipped with the RP2040 microcontroller, making it suitable for e-learning, programming instruction, and embedded project development.
- 【Multiple programming methods】Supports MicroPython, C/C++, and Piper Make graphical programming to meet the needs of users at different learning stages.
- 【Rich experimental modules】Includes common electronic components such as LCD1602 display module, SG90 servo motor, human body sensing module, WS2812 RGB LED strip, buzzer, and buttons, covering basic applications such as display, input, sensing, and execution control.
- 【Comprehensive learning tutorial】The kit provides detailed project tutorials and sample code to help users quickly complete circuit connections, program downloads, and experimental verification.
- 【Suitable for STEM education】Ideal for electronics beginners and school lab teaching. Through hands-on project practice, it effectively improves practical skills, logical thinking and innovation ability, making it a great choice for programming enlightenment and hobby cultivation.
V1 vs. V2: which build should you choose?
| Version | Assembly | Power and portability | Parts sourcing |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1 | Breadboard wiring, with perfboard as an optional alternative | USB-powered prototype; no battery circuit is listed | Pico or Pico W, SH1106 OLED, six generic push buttons, wiring and breadboard or perfboard |
| V2 | Custom PCB with components soldered in place | Includes a 1000 mAh Li-ion battery and TP4056 charging module; runtime is not stated | In addition to the Pico and OLED, requires the DoodlePi PCB, specified buttons, JST connector, slide switch and charging module |
V1 is the more approachable choice if you want to try the controls without ordering a custom board. V2 is the documented choice for a more integrated handheld assembly, but its additional battery and connector parts make matching components to the instructions especially important.
Parts for each revision
V1 prototype
- Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W (the V1 parts list names a Pico W)
- 1.3-inch SH1106 128×64 I2C OLED
- Six generic push buttons
- Jumper wires and a breadboard, or perfboard as an alternative
- Micro-B USB cable and a soldering iron if you use perfboard
The V1 wiring directions connect OLED VCC to Pico VSYS, GND to GND, SDA to GP4 and SCL to GP5. Follow the V1 instructions for button wiring and placement; perfboard mounting is optional.
Rank #2
- IoT Starter Kit for Beginners: The SunFounder Raspberry Pi Pico W Ultimate Starter Kit offers a rich IoT learning experience for beginners aged 8+. With 450+ components, 117 projects, and expert-led video lessons, this kit makes learning microcontroller programming and IoT engaging and accessible, RoHS Compliant
- Expert-Guided Video Lessons: This kit includes 27 video tutorials by the renowned educator, Paul McWhorter. His engaging style simplifies complex concepts, ensuring an effective learning experience in microcontroller programming
- Wide Range of Hardware: The kit includes a diverse array of components like sensors, actuators, LEDs, LCDs, and more, enabling you to experiment and create a variety of projects with the Raspberry Pi Pico W
- Supports Multiple Languages: The kit offers versatility with support for three programming languages - MicroPython, C/C++, and Piper Make, providing a diverse programming learning experience
- Dedicated Support: Benefit from our ongoing assistance, including a community forum and timely technical help for a seamless learning experience
V2 PCB and battery build
- Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W
- 1.3-inch SH1106 128×64 OLED and the DoodlePi custom PCB
- Six 6×6×5 mm momentary push buttons
- 2 mm-pitch JST connector and a 3-pin, 2.54 mm-pitch slide switch
- TP4056 charging module with battery protection; the project author prefers a Type-C module
- 1000 mAh Li-ion battery
- Soldering iron and solder
Check the display controller, resolution and physical size against the chosen revision’s parts list. For V2, also verify the battery protection feature and connector details; similar-looking modules are not established as interchangeable by the project pages.
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V1: wire the prototype
- Set up the Pico, OLED and six buttons on a breadboard, or use perfboard if you want a soldered prototype.
- Wire the OLED: VCC to VSYS, GND to GND, SDA to GP4 and SCL to GP5.
- Wire the six buttons as four directional inputs, pen up/down and clear/eraser, following the V1 build directions.
V2: populate the custom PCB
- Solder the Pico, TP4056 charging module, slide switch and JST connector to the DoodlePi PCB as directed in the V2 guide.
- Solder the six momentary buttons and OLED in their specified positions.
- Connect the listed Li-ion battery through the JST connector and follow the V2 instructions for the charging and switch circuit before powering the build.
These are the project author’s assembly directions, not independent verification of either circuit. In particular, the published pages do not establish battery runtime or validate every substitute module.
Rank #3
- This complete kit comes with variety and quality of modules and components that you need compatible with raspberry pi pico.
- It is designed for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts to learn Python programming, embedded learning, through display modules and Pi Pico development boards .
- In addition to the demo code provided, each experiment also provides more space for learners to play. This is a very valuable learning tool!
- Free Detailed Manual Included.You can also download the tutorials form our wiki or contact us by Email to get documents.
- wiki.52pi.com/index.php?title=K-0586
Upload the Arduino firmware
The project code uses Wire.h, Adafruit_GFX.h and Adafruit_SH110X.h, and defines a 128×64 SH1106 display at I2C address 0x3C. The V2 guide directs builders to upload over USB with Arduino IDE, install Earle Philhower’s Pico core and the Adafruit GFX and Adafruit SH110X libraries, then check the display’s I2C address. If your display does not respond, confirm its controller and address rather than assuming every 1.3-inch OLED uses the same configuration.
The V1 firmware is labeled version 1.0.0 and lists August 15, 2025 as its last-modified date. V2 firmware is labeled version 2.0.0 and lists November 11, 2025 as its last-modified date. For current code and the complete pin or assembly instructions, use the matching revision’s project page: Arduino Project Hub and Hackster.io.
Rank #4
- ALL-IN-ONE INTERACTIVE DEVELOPMENT KIT: Combines a 3.5-inch 320×480 capacitive touchscreen, Mini PSP joystick, RGB LED, buzzer, and two buttons for interactive Pico projects.
- WIDE PICO COMPATIBILITY: Designed for Raspberry Pi Pico, Pico W, Pico 2, and Pico 2W series boards. Plug in a compatible Pico and start developing without soldering.
- TOUCHSCREEN & CONTROLS: Create calculators, menus, control panels, games, and graphical interfaces using the 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, joystick, and dual buttons.
- GPIO & POWER EXPANSION: Provides full 40-pin GPIO access plus 3.3V and 5V power interfaces, making it convenient to connect additional hardware for DIY projects.
- BUILT FOR STEM & DIY: Equipped with online documents and video tutorials for comprehensive guidance; suitable for STEAM classrooms, allowing students to make their own Pico small computer in 10 minutes, perfect for programming learning and project practice.
What is planned beyond drawing?
The V2 project page describes a progression from the breadboard V1 to a custom PCB. It also states plans for optimized firmware for Pong, Tetris and Space Invaders; those games should be treated as planned work, not as documented shipped functionality.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- 3 Sets of Codes: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java), Processing codes run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- 767-page Detailed Tutorial in Total: Provides step-by-step guide with basic electronics knowledge (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- 119 Projects from Simple to Complex: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 224 Items in Total: Includes commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
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