Build Guide
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Our AI build assistant is available to enrolled FusedFormations students. The editor, device connection, and examples are free for everyone.
See private engineering plans → Welcome to FusedFormations IDE!
I'm your Build Guide, here to help you learn by building. I can assist with:
• Writing Python code for your projects
• Understanding programming concepts
• Debugging your builds
• Connecting hardware devices
Connect your device to start building something amazing!
I'm your Build Guide, here to help you learn by building. I can assist with:
• Writing Python code for your projects
• Understanding programming concepts
• Debugging your builds
• Connecting hardware devices
Connect your device to start building something amazing!
Start Building:
description main.py ×
terminal Console Output
Welcome to FusedFormations IDE!
Connect your device to start building...
FusedFormations IDE Help
Getting Started
- Connect your MicroPython device (RP2040, ESP32, etc.) via USB
- Click "Connect Device" and select your device
- Write or load Python code in the editor
- Click "Run" to execute on your device
Keyboard Shortcuts
- F5 - Run code
- Ctrl+S - Save file
- Ctrl+O - Open file
- Ctrl+N - New file
Supported Boards
Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040), ESP32, ESP8266, and any board running MicroPython
Need Help?
Enrolled students get coding help from the Build Guide AI assistant. Questions? Email info@staging.fusedformations.com.
⚙️ Motor Control Guide
Standard Servo (0-180°)
Wiring:
| Servo Wire | Connect To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown/Black | GND | Ground |
| Red | 5V (NOT 3.3V!) | Use VBUS on Pico, VIN on ESP32 |
| Orange/Yellow | GPIO Pin (15) | Any PWM-capable pin |
Working Code:
# Servo Control (Tested & Working)
from machine import Pin, PWM
import time
servo = PWM(Pin(15))
servo.freq(50) # MUST be 50Hz
# Move to specific angle
def move_servo(angle):
duty = 1638 + (angle * (8192 - 1638) // 180)
servo.duty_u16(duty)
# Test it
move_servo(0) # Far left
time.sleep(1)
move_servo(90) # Center
time.sleep(1)
move_servo(180) # Far right💡 Tips:
- Servos need 5V power, not 3.3V from GPIO
- Can draw 500mA+ when moving - use good power supply
- Add 100-1000µF capacitor across power for stability
- duty_u16() range: 1638 (0°) to 8192 (180°)
DC Motor with H-Bridge
L298N/L293D Wiring:
| H-Bridge Pin | Connect To | Function |
|---|---|---|
| IN1 | GPIO 12 | Direction 1 |
| IN2 | GPIO 13 | Direction 2 |
| ENA | GPIO 14 (PWM) | Speed control |
| OUT1, OUT2 | Motor wires | To motor |
| 12V | External supply | Motor power |
| GND | Common ground | IMPORTANT! |
Working Code:
# DC Motor Control
from machine import Pin, PWM
import time
# Setup pins
IN1 = Pin(12, Pin.OUT)
IN2 = Pin(13, Pin.OUT)
ENA = PWM(Pin(14))
ENA.freq(1000)
# Forward at 50% speed
IN1.on()
IN2.off()
ENA.duty_u16(32768) # 50% of 65535
time.sleep(2)
# Backward at 75% speed
IN1.off()
IN2.on()
ENA.duty_u16(49151) # 75% of 65535
time.sleep(2)
# Stop
IN1.off()
IN2.off()
ENA.duty_u16(0)Stepper Motor (28BYJ-48)
ULN2003 Driver Wiring:
| ULN2003 | GPIO | Color |
|---|---|---|
| IN1 | Pin 16 | Blue |
| IN2 | Pin 17 | Pink |
| IN3 | Pin 18 | Yellow |
| IN4 | Pin 19 | Orange |
Working Code:
# Stepper Motor Control
from machine import Pin
import time
# Define pins
pins = [Pin(16, Pin.OUT), Pin(17, Pin.OUT),
Pin(18, Pin.OUT), Pin(19, Pin.OUT)]
# Half-step sequence
sequence = [
[1,0,0,0], [1,1,0,0], [0,1,0,0], [0,1,1,0],
[0,0,1,0], [0,0,1,1], [0,0,0,1], [1,0,0,1]
]
# Rotate
for _ in range(512): # One full rotation
for step in sequence:
for i, val in enumerate(step):
pins[i].value(val)
time.sleep_ms(2)🔧 Troubleshooting
Servo Not Moving?
- ✅ Check 5V power (multimeter on red wire)
- ✅ Verify ground connection
- ✅ Test with simple code:
servo.duty_u16(4915) - ✅ Try different GPIO pin
- ✅ Ensure freq is exactly 50Hz
Servo Jittering?
- ⚡ Power issue - add capacitor (100-1000µF)
- ⚡ Use external 5V supply for servo
- ⚡ Check for loose connections
- ⚡ Add delays between movements
DC Motor Issues?
- 🔌 Verify motor power supply is connected
- 🔌 Check common ground between board and driver
- 🔌 Test motor directly with battery first
- 🔌 Remove ENA jumper on L298N for PWM control