Hello,

The Pico Computer 3 is the ultimate platform for MMBasic, but those of us on the other side of the globe have to take on the challenge of building the board from scratch – ordering it from a manufacturer, sourcing the components and assembling it – as it’s quite difficult to get hold of a pre-assembled one.

Today I received a promotional leaflet for a board from Adafruit, the Fruit Jam, which is similar to the Pico Computer 3 and is available from Pimoroni for £55.80, including a keyboard, mouse and gamepad. Although it will be slightly more expensive for us in Spain (Brexit), it’s still a good price. We can also buy the board on Amazon for €63.59.

Would it be possible in any way to run MMBasic on this board? What similarities might it have with the Pico Computer 3?

Greetings from the other side of the world!!!

I raised this same question a few months ago. The answer is this board probably will not work with MMBasic https://thebackshed.com/forum/ViewTopic.php?TID=18953&PID=256782#256782#256693

Would run MMbasic with appropriate setup but:
no USB host as it uses PIO USB so no keyboard/mouse/gamepad
Audio may work but no guarantees < 50/50
wifi definitely won't work

Won't run my Micropython port

Won't run the Fuzix code

Good for a paperweight though

There are some almost-PC3 boards from members here but they look quite hard to build, so maybe it's just a case of waiting until JLCPCB can make them reliably and completely.

John

My own humble attempt isn't too bad to build, I don't think. If you are going to use the RM2 module you can't escape some SMD soldering really. I've kept the SMD work down and, of course, the wiring is sorted out by it being a PCB. :)

I've got an email telling me that my boards are out of manufacture now. I get to build a prototype soon. :)

The inexpensive Olimex board works fine with the latest firmware with a Pico2 board installed https://thebackshed.com/forum/ViewTopic.php?TID=18959&PID=256803#256803#256803

IIRC the audio is screwed up pn that Olimex board. It uses PWM but on two different ports so MMBasic can use one channel or the other but not both.

  al18 said  

The inexpensive Olimex board works fine with the latest firmware with a Pico2 board installed https://thebackshed.com/forum/ViewTopic.php?TID=18959&PID=256803#256803#256803

It will run Fuzix fully?

John

Olimex PR2350 board 24.95 EUR



"RP2350B all in one computer with 16MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM, DVI / HDMI display 4 USB hosts Stereo Audio and UEXT connector"

Is it otherwise compatible?

Better than some -but....
PSRAM on GP8
No RTC
No console
Audio wires I2S MCLK if needed then audion won't work

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Edited 2026-08-23 23:23 by Mixtel90