The Tool Desk
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What PICAXE is—and what this lesson covers
A microcontroller reads inputs, executes stored instructions, and controls outputs. In a PICAXE project, an LED is an output device, while a button or sensor can be an input. You write a program on a computer, download it to the PICAXE, and the chip runs that program whenever it has suitable power.
PICAXE is made by Revolution Education Ltd. Its system combines a simplified BASIC language with Blockly and flowchart tools for graphical programming. BASIC syntax, available commands, pin names, and memory differ between chip families, so PICAXE BASIC is not interchangeable with Arduino C/C++ or desktop BASIC. See the official PICAXE site and manuals for device-specific details.
Part 1 concentrates on the programming model: digital output, delays, repetition, downloading, simulation, and first-line troubleshooting. It is a foundation rather than a complete command reference.
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What you need
Minimum equipment
- A PICAXE chip or compatible PICAXE project/experimenter board
- A suitable power supply for that exact chip or board
- A compatible PICAXE download cable or programming interface
- A computer or supported device running PICAXE software
- An LED and typically a 330 Ω current-limiting resistor
- A breadboard and jumper wires if your board does not already provide an LED and prototyping connections
Check the hardware before wiring
- Find the exact chip pinout and board manual.
- Distinguish logical labels such as
B.1from physical leg numbers. - Check whether the LED is active-high or active-low.
- Check whether the output is directly connected or passes through a transistor, Darlington buffer, or other board circuitry.
- Confirm the board’s voltage and ground requirements. The 4.5 V battery mentioned in PICAXE’s example applies to that example setup, not to every PICAXE circuit.
The official LED tutorial gives different wiring arrangements for a bare breadboard circuit and several project boards, so do not copy one diagram indiscriminately. Read the instructions for your hardware at PICAXE’s first-program tutorial.
Choose the programming software
| Platform | Current options | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | PICAXE Editor | Text-based BASIC, on-screen simulation, and step-through work |
| macOS | AXEpad, Visual Studio Code, or Blockly | Text editing or graphical programming |
| Linux | AXEpad, Visual Studio Code, or Blockly | Text editing or graphical programming |
| Chromebook | Blockly | Browser-based educational workflow |
| iPad or Android tablet | Blockly Cloud | Browser-based graphical programming |
PICAXE says its BASIC programming software is free; hardware, cables, and optional tools are separate. The editor must be set to the actual PICAXE model and, where required, the correct serial or USB port. Platform labels and menus can vary by software release. Consult the current software-selection guidance rather than relying on an old manual version.
BASIC, Blockly, or flowcharts?
- BASIC: compact, easy to copy and modify, and a direct route to textual programming; it requires learning syntax and device-specific pin conventions.
- Blockly: lowers the syntax barrier and works well for younger learners or browser-only devices, but hides some text and compiler details.
- Flowcharts: make sequence and branching visible and are useful for planning, although large programs become less compact.
Build the LED circuit safely
- Choose an output identified in your chip or board documentation.
- Connect that output to the LED through a current-limiting resistor; 330 Ω is the value used in PICAXE’s basic self-built example.
- Connect the other side of the LED circuit to the documented supply rail or 0 V, observing LED polarity.
- Connect the PICAXE power and ground exactly as the board or chip instructions specify.
- If you are using an onboard LED or buffered output, follow the board’s circuit diagram instead of adding a second generic LED circuit.
Do not copy B.1 blindly. Replace it with the logical label for the output physically connected to your LED. A physical leg number and a logical port/bit name are not automatically the same thing.
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Write the first PICAXE BASIC program
do
high B.1 ; switch on output B.1
pause 1000 ; wait 1 second
low B.1 ; switch off output B.1
pause 1000 ; wait 1 second
loopChange every occurrence of B.1 to your actual output label before programming.
What each line does
dostarts a repeating block.high B.1drives that output high. In a direct, active-high LED circuit this normally lights the LED; an active-low or buffered board may behave oppositely.pause 1000delays for 1,000 milliseconds—approximately one second. The command reference definespausein milliseconds.low B.1drives the output low, normally extinguishing the LED in the same direct arrangement.- The second
pause 1000keeps the LED off for approximately one second. loopreturns execution to the start of thedoblock.
With the usual wiring, the visible result is about one second on and one second off, repeating continuously.
Comments and formatting
A semicolon begins a comment. Indentation is for readability rather than a substitute for correct syntax. Keep one instruction per line, indent nested code, use meaningful names, and save a working copy before changing the program.
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Simulate, then download
Use simulation as a logic check
PICAXE Editor includes on-screen simulation and step-through support. Simulation can show program order, looping, branches, variable changes, and apparent stalls. It cannot detect a reversed LED, a missing resistor, a wrong physical pin, inadequate power, cable faults, electrical loading, or the behavior of a real sensor. A simulated success is not proof that the hardware is wired correctly.
- Simulate or step through the program if your software supports it.
- With power disconnected, inspect the LED polarity, resistor, pin label, and ground connections.
- Select the exact PICAXE model or compiler mode.
- Select the correct serial/USB port when the software requires one.
- Open a new BASIC program and enter the code.
- Save the file.
- Insert the download cable fully into the programming socket.
- Connect the required battery or external power. A cable does not necessarily power every board.
- Click Program, or use the relevant
PICAXE > Programcommand. - Wait for the download to finish, then observe the LED.
PICAXE’s documented procedure and expected result are described at Downloading your first program.
Change one thing and observe the result
Change the speed
pause 250 ; approximately a quarter-second
pause 2000 ; approximately two secondsReplace both delays with the same value to make a regularly timed blink faster or slower. Keep in mind that frequency-sensitive behavior can depend on the selected device and operating frequency.
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Use toggle
do
toggle B.1
pause 500
looptoggle changes the current output state. Confirm that the command and pin are supported by your particular chip.
Introduce an input
Only after the LED circuit works, try a button or other digital input:
do
if pinC.3 = 1 then
high B.1
else
low B.1
endif
loopThe exact input syntax and available pins depend on the chip. The program-flow reference documents if, else, endif, and digital input tests.
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Add a variable later
symbol count = b0
count = 0
do
inc count
pause 500
loopsymbol, inc, and related variable commands are covered in the BASIC command index. Variable memory and command support are device-dependent.
Troubleshoot by symptom
| Symptom | Checks to make |
|---|---|
| Program will not download | Confirm the chip model, fully insert the cable, select the correct port, install the appropriate driver, connect power, verify battery voltage for the setup, use the programming socket, close other serial-port applications, check chip orientation, and inspect the download wiring. |
| Download succeeds but the LED is dark | Check the code’s logical pin, LED polarity, resistor, supply rail, common ground, board-specific wiring, LED condition, and whether the program went to the intended chip or slot. |
| LED behaves backwards | The board may be active-low or buffered. Test short programs containing only high and only low, then consult the board schematic. |
| LED remains on or off | Verify the pin label, reduce the circuit to one LED and resistor, and measure the output voltage with a multimeter when appropriate. |
| Timing is unexpected | Remember that pause uses milliseconds; check operating frequency, unintended nested loops, repeated delays, and any board circuitry affecting what you see. |
| Syntax error | Check spelling, indentation for readability, pin syntax, missing then or endif, and whether the command is supported by the selected chip. |
For unresolved download problems, use PICAXE’s technical-support resources, manuals, FAQ, and support community.
Choose hardware that matches your learning goal
Starter or experimenter board
A board usually reduces wiring errors by providing a download socket, power connection, labeled pins, an onboard LED, or a prototyping area. It is the easiest route through this lesson, but its buffered or inverted outputs still require the board manual.
Bare chip and breadboard
A bare chip teaches more about electronics and suits a custom embedded design, but you must provide correct power, the download interface and associated wiring, LED polarity, resistor selection, and accurate pin mapping.
Recommended Free Tools
Buy hardware only after identifying the exact chip or board. The PICAXE hardware pages and PICAXE Store list compatible products; connector type, pinout, supply arrangement, kit contents, country, and availability affect suitability. Avoid generic Arduino kits, undocumented USB-serial cables, or a bare chip without the supporting circuit.
What to learn next
Once the blink program is reliable, continue with variables and symbol, if...then, for...next, analog inputs, sensors, serial output, servos, motors, and debugging tools. PICAXE recommends working through the introductory tutorials, studying command examples, and using project kits or experimenter boards. Its learning guidance is at Learning PICAXE commands; the full command and tutorial manuals are linked from PICAXE manuals.
Quick Recap
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