WebSocket Start Error for RPiPicoW

[SC Spaeth]

Trying to use the WebSocket Library using RPiPicoW. Other network functions that use PicoW’s WiFi seem to work. But the [net:WebSocketStart] block throws and error that blocks use of Web Sockets.

Libraries/Network/WebSocket_server

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[John Maloney]

WebSockets are not yet supported on the PicoW. There is not yet an official Arduino for Websockets, so it is not a quick addition. However, we do plan to add Websocket support eventually.

[SC Spaeth]

Thanks, I look forward to it.

[John Maloney]

WebSockets are now supported on the Pico-W.

[SC Spaeth]

Thank you for this effort. Unfortunately, after I load the new library, I get the same error message that I reported earlier when I try to start the “start WebSocket server” block. Tried on both the browser and app versions of MicroBlocks IDE. Do I need to clear a cache or something to get it to recognize the Pico-W?

[SC Spaeth]

It occurred to me that you might have made these changes in a branch.

I am currently using v191 RP2040.

Do I need to change to pilot or websockets branch to test this development?

[John Maloney]

Yes, these changes are in the pilot release, which you can run at:

https://microblocks.fun/run-pilot/microblocks.html

You will need run the pilot, then install the latest firmware RP2040 (currently v209) on your board.

As I'm sure you know, you can only use WiFi on a Pico-W board.

In case you have an ELECFREAKS Wukong2040, WiFI does NOT work with that board.

Due to an unfortunate hardware limitation, the ELECFREAKS Wukong2040 board does not support WiFi, even if you plug a PicoW into it. You can install the MicroBlocks "RP2040 (Pico or PicoW)" firmware on your PicoW board and it will work with WiFi when not plugged into the Wukong2040. This hardware issue impacts other languages like MicroPython and Arduino, as well as MicroBlocks. I told Elecfreaks about the issue but, unfortunately, it was too late to change the hardware.

[SC Spaeth]

That solved the problem. I’m working with Pico-W boards so the ELECFREAKS issues are not a problem. Thank you.

[John Maloney]

Great! Thanks for letting me know.