PicoCalc – DIY handheld powered by Raspberry Pi Pico

Clockwork Pi PicoCalc – DIY handheld powered by Raspberry Pi Pico. Retro 4″ IPS screen, backlit QWERTY keyboard, dual speakers, SD storage, open-source, perfect for BASIC, Lisp, Fuzix, and firmware development.

The PicoCalc brings the charm of the golden age of computing into the modern world—combining nostalgic design with hackable flexibility. It’s a compact, card-sized handheld device built around a Raspberry Pi Pico (or Pico W / Pico 2) microcontroller, mounted on a custom ClockworkPi v2.0 mainboard. Think of it as an evolution of the classic pocket computer—but upgraded for today’s maker and coding enthusiast.

• Retro inspiration, modern power: A rubber QWERTY keyboard under a vibrant 4-inch, 320×320 IPS display brings tactile input and sharp visuals in one stylish package.

• Expandable and open by design: Includes 8 MB PSRAM, full-size SD card slot, dual speakers, USB-C (charging/debug), audio jack, and exposed GPIO for creative expansion.

• Software support: Comes preloaded with interactive tools like BASIC and Lisp, a Fuzix UNIX-like environment, and even MP3 playback. Plus, you can develop using C/C++, MicroPython, Rust, Lua, Golang, and more via supported SDKs and IDEs.

• Lightweight DIY-ready build: All housed in a high-quality ABS enclosure with tempered glass. A 2.5 mm hex key is included for easy assembly—or disassembly if you’re hacking it.

What’s in the Box

• ClockworkPi v2.0 mainboard (designed for Pico modules)

• Raspberry Pi Pico 1 H core module (ARM Cortex-M0+, 264 KB RAM, 2 MB flash)

• 4-inch, 320×320 IPS display (SPI interface)

• Backlit QWERTY keyboard (I2C interface)

• Dual amplified speakers

• ABS plastic shell with tempered glass cover

• 2.5 mm hex key for assembly

• 32 GB SD card, preloaded with an optimized BASIC firmware

Specifications at a Glance

Why PicoCalc Stands Out

• Affordable & Insanely Portable: Under $80, yet delivers retro-inspired creativity with rich I/O and storage options.

• Flexible Microcontroller Platform: Swap in different Pico variants for added power, Wi-Fi, or RISC-V capabilities.

• Creator-Friendly: Perfect for BASIC, Lisp, Unix-like tinkering, or modern firmware development.

• DIY & Open-Source Spirit: Full schematics and design files will be released under GPL v3—ideal for makers and modders.

Who Will Love It

• Retro computing fans: Relive the thrill of BASIC and early programming experiences.

• Coders & makers: A compact, powerful tool for workshops, note-taking, or lightweight development.

• Educators & Learners: Great for teaching fundamentals—compact, visible, and fun.

• Hardware hackers: A solid base for hacking, tinkering, and extending with sensors or custom interfaces.

Community Buzz

Enthusiasts are already impressed:

“It feels like the original GameBoy with a good keyboard.”
“Having a handheld that boots into an interactive interpreter almost instantly is a game-changer.”