added first 4 lessons (#13)

Author: GabrielPavaloiu

docs/iot/getting_started.md

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+---
+id: setup
+title: Install & Set Up MicroPython
+sidebar_label: Setup
+sidebar_position: 1
+description: Step-by-step guide to flash MicroPython on a Raspberry Pi Pico W with the Pimoroni Explorer extension board, using the official Raspberry Pi Pico extension for VS Code.
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+* **Hardware**
+
+  * Raspberry Pi **Pico W** (RP2040 + Wi-Fi)
+  * **Pimoroni Explorer Pico W** extension board
+    (provides motors, analog sensors, capacitive touch, LEDs, and more)
+  * USB data cable (USB-A/USB-C to micro-USB)
+* **Software**
+
+  * [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) installed
+  * **Raspberry Pi Pico** extension for VS Code
+
+:::tip Why use the extension?
+The official Raspberry Pi Pico extension streamlines:
+
+* Creating a MicroPython project
+* Opening a REPL
+* Uploading files to the Pico W
+:::
+:::note
+Alternatively, you can use [Wyliodrin Studio](https://ecothings.wyliodrin.studio/).
+:::
+
+---
+
+## 1) Install the Raspberry Pi Pico extension
+
+1. Open **VS Code**.
+2. Go to **Extensions** (left sidebar) -> search for **"Raspberry Pi Pico"**.
+3. Install the extension published by **Raspberry Pi**.
+
+---
+
+## 2) How to open the VS Code Command Palette
+
+The **Command Palette** is where you access all extension commands.
+
+* **Windows / Linux:** Press `Ctrl + Shift + P`
+* **macOS:** Press `Cmd + Shift + P`
+
+You can also open it from the menu:
+**View -> Command Palette...**
+
+---
+
+## 3) Create a MicroPython project (via the extension)
+
+1. Open the **Command Palette** (`Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P`).
+2. Search for and select: **`Pico: New Project (MicroPython)`**.
+3. Choose a folder for your project.
+4. When asked for **Board**, pick **Raspberry Pi Pico W**.
+
+---
+
+## 4) Flash the MicroPython firmware
+
+If firmware was already flashed, skip to step 5.
+
+1. **Unplug** the Pico W from USB.
+2. **Hold down** the **BOOTSEL** button on the Pico.
+3. While holding, **connect** the USB cable to your computer.
+4. Release the button when a USB mass-storage drive (e.g., `RPI-RP2`) appears.
+5. Download the latest release for pimoroni **picow** micropython from the [releases](https://github.com/pimoroni/pimoroni-pico/releases) page.
+6. Copy the `.uf2` file to the `RPI-RP2` drive.
+
+---
+
+## 5) Common VS Code commands for Pico W
+
+Open the **Command Palette** and look for:
+
+* **`Pico: New Project (MicroPython)`**
+* **`Pico: Flash MicroPython (UF2)`**
+* **`Pico: Open REPL`**
+* **`Pico: Upload Project to Pico`**
+
+---
+
+## 6) Troubleshooting
+
+### The `RPI-RP2` drive doesn't appear (BOOTSEL)
+
+* Try a **different USB cable** (some are charge-only).
+* Hold **BOOTSEL**, plug in, then release **after** connecting.
+* Use a direct USB port (avoid hubs).
+
+### REPL/serial port not found
+
+* **Windows**: Check **Device Manager -> Ports (COM & LPT)**.
+* **macOS**: Look for `/dev/tty.usbmodem*`.
+* **Linux**: Look for `/dev/ttyACM*`. You may need to add your user to the `dialout` group and re-login:
+
+  ```bash
+  sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
+  ```
+
+  If still blocked, confirm your **udev** rules allow access to `ttyACM`.
+
+### Upload succeeds but nothing runs
+
+* Open the **REPL** to see exceptions printed at startup.
+
+## 7) Useful links
+
+* [rp2 micropython documentation](https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/rp2/quickref.html)
+* [Pimoroni examples and libraries](https://github.com/pimoroni/pimoroni-pico)
+
+---