PiShop

08/06/2026

Looking for your next weekend maker project? 🛠️ Why buy a generic alarm clock when you can code and build your own WiFi-synced version?

In our latest blog post, we walk you through a highly rewarding, beginner-friendly build: a custom smart alarm clock powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

- How it works: It boots up, hooks into your local WiFi, and fetches the precise time automatically using NTP, meaning it will always stay perfectly accurate.
- The Setup: An I2C LCD display handles the readout, tactile buttons let you navigate menus, and a passive buzzer handles the wake-up call with custom tone controls.

We’ve laid out everything you need: the component list, clean wiring pins, and MicroPython code to get it running smoothly.

👉 Read the full tutorial here: https://links.pishop.io/track/6a26910411c6d40a5cbe0df9

30/04/2026

Hobby-X 2026 Day 1 has been a blast, looking forward to seeing everybody in the coming days!

20/04/2026

Got a spare weekend and R500? That’s all you need.
These five Raspberry Pi Pico projects are affordable, fun, and easy to complete, from practical tools to retro gaming builds.

Which one would you try first? 👇

https://links.pishop.io/track/69e6061aa7d4bb34762352c0

14/04/2026

What a weekend! The PiShop team had a blast at Rand Show 2026. From our custom builds to watching the maker community show up in full force. 🙌 Read our full recap here

https://blog.pishop.co.za/rand-show-2026-recap/

08/04/2026

Exciting news, makers and hobbyists! PiShop is heading to Hobby-X 2026! Come find us from 30 April - 3 May and get hands-on with the latest Raspberry Pi products. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, there's something for everyone. See you there! 🛠️

https://links.pishop.io/track/69d619bba7c23cad14339040

02/04/2026

30/03/2026

Ever lose your dice mid-session because they rolled off the table... again? We've been there. So we built our own digital dice roller using a Raspberry Pi Pico and a MAX7219 LED matrix - and it slaps. 🎲

It supports D4, D6, D8, D10, and D20, displays each result as pixel art on an 8×8 LED matrix, and has a satisfying animated roll before locking in your fate.

It's a beginner-to-intermediate build with a short parts list and everything breadboard-friendly.

Check out the full build guide on the blog and let us know - would you add this to your gaming table? 👇

https://links.pishop.io/track/69ca6aa6ed3a1ecc5471e29f

25/03/2026

Can a microcontroller host a website?

We used a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W and MicroPython to create a tiny web server for our Rand Show 2026 pamphlet page.

It’s compact, fast, and perfect for demos! 🔧

Would you build something like this? Let us know in the comments

23/03/2026

Getting started with a Raspberry Pi is exciting, but a few common mistakes can quickly turn that excitement into frustration.

From power supply issues to messy breadboards and skipped updates, we’ve rounded up the most common beginner pitfalls, and how to avoid them.

Set yourself up for success from the start 👇
🔗 Read the full article: https://links.pishop.io/track/69c10f00d475e646858bba52

17/03/2026

Arcane magic? Nah… just Raspberry Pi 🧙‍♂️

Turn your tabletop into an immersive experience with these clever builds.

https://blog.pishop.co.za/arcane-electronics-raspberry-pi-projects-for-tabletop-rpgs/