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RC522 RFID Kit

Kit photo needed

We don't have a photo of the assembled kit yet. The image below shows a key part.

Key part: RC522 RFID reader module

Key part: RC522 RFID reader module

A popular 13.56 MHz RFID card reader with strong MicroPython support, wired to a Pico.

Source book: Learning MicroPython
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/learning-micropython/kits/rfid-rc522/
Printable one-pager: rfid-rc522-one-pager.html

Features

  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
  • Uses the RC522 RFID Reader

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the Learning MicroPython textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Real-world data: students read sensors and turn measurements into decisions.
  • Budget: about $10 (RC522 reader about \(1.40–\)2 on eBay; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
  • RC522 RFID Reader — Sensor
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable