WicdPico: A modular CircuitPython framework for affordable, web-based instrumentation and control in scientific research

Scientific research, particularly in fields like the Plant Sciences, often requires specialized instrumentation and control (I&C) systems that may be prohibitively expensive or inflexible. We introduce WicdPico, an open-source CircuitPython framework for the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W that transforms the microcontroller into a standalone I&C device. It functions as a wireless access point and integrated web server, accessible by connecting a browser-enabled device directly to its local network. This provides a real-time dashboard for monitoring and control, eliminating the need for custom client software, mobile applications, or external network infrastructure. The modular architecture accelerates research by enabling direct, PCF8523-timestamped data logging to an SD card. Researchers can rapidly develop custom modules for new sensors and actuators by implementing a few predefined methods. We demonstrate WicdPico's utility with the "DarkBox Growth Chamber,” a fully replicable system integrating modules to monitor CO 2 , temperature/humidity (SCD41), and ambient light (BH1750), while managing ventilation (EMC2101). By providing a complete, documented platform, WicdPico significantly lowers the financial and technical barriers to creating customized, web-enabled research tools, offering a powerful, accessible alternative to commercial equipment.