If you love Arduino but want to build your own microcontroller board, the Pinguino Egypt project is perfect for you. It takes a PIC microcontroller (PIC18F4550) and turns it into a board that behaves just like an Arduino — programmable with an easy Arduino-style language and USB connection.
This guide walks you through what you need, how it works, and where to get all the tools and files.
What Is Pinguino?
Pinguino is an open-source project that lets you use Microchip PIC microcontrollers with the Arduino programming language and USB bootloading. It includes its own software (IDE), bootloader files, and community support.
Instead of using an Arduino board like the Uno, you build your own board around a PIC chip — and program it just like an Arduino.
Parts & Materials You’ll Need
Here are the main parts you’ll need for the Pinguino Egypt board:
- PIC18F4550 microcontroller
- Copper or stripboard (vero board)
- USB Type-B connector
- 20 MHz crystal oscillator
- Capacitors (220 nF, 100 nF, 22 pF ×2)
- 7805 voltage regulator
- DIP switch and push button
- Resistors (e.g., 10 kΩ)
- 1N4001 diode (or similar)
- Female pin headers
- IC socket
- Power source (example: 9 V battery connector)
These parts are inexpensive and easy to find online or in electronics stores.
Tools You’ll Need
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Breadboard (optional, for testing layout)
- USB cable (Type-B)
Software & Resources
To build and program your Pinguino, you need some software and files. Here are all the official resources you’ll use:
1. Pinguino IDE (Programming Environment)
This is where you write and upload sketches (Arduino-style code):
https://pinguinoide.github.io/
Here you can download the IDE for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. Bootloader Files (Install on the PIC)
Before your board can receive code over USB, you have to install a bootloader on the PIC chip.
You can find bootloader files here:
https://github.com/PinguinoIDE/pinguino-bootloader
Look for the .hex file that matches your chip (for example, a bootloader for PIC18F4550 at 20 MHz).
3. USB Drivers (Windows)
After you program the bootloader and plug your board in, your computer may need drivers:
Example USB driver pack (older Pinguino drivers):
http://www.hackinglab.org/pinguino/download/driver
If your board doesn’t show up on Windows, install these.
4. PIC Programmer Software
To install the bootloader on the PIC chip, you’ll need a PIC programmer like PICkit-2 or PICkit-3.
Here’s one example software for PICkit-2:
http://pickit2.software.informer.com/download/
Use that tool with a PICkit programmer to burn the bootloader .hex to the PIC.
5. Getting Started Tutorials
These help you learn how to use the IDE and set up Pinguino:
Pinguino IDE “Getting Started” guide:
https://pinguinoide.github.io/getting-started/
Pinguino Wiki (hardware info):
http://wiki.pinguino.cc/index.php/PIC18F4550_Pinguino
How It Works
- Assemble the Hardware
Solder all components onto your board. Many makers start by testing on a breadboard first. - Install the Bootloader
Use a PIC programmer to flash the PIC18F4550 with the bootloader.hexfile. - Connect Over USB
After bootloading, plug your board into your computer using a USB cable. - Open Pinguino IDE
Write Arduino-style sketches and upload them to your board just like you would with an Arduino.
What You Can Build
Once your board is working, you can:
Blink LEDs
Read sensors
Control motors
Make USB devices
…and anything else Arduino can do!
Pinguino opens up DIY electronics with the flexibility of PIC chips and Arduino-friendly programming.
Why This Project Is Worth It
Learn microcontroller hardware and USB bootloading
Save money by building your own development board
Use Arduino-style coding on new hardware
Customize your design for future projects
Final Tips
Test before soldering: Try your layout on a breadboard first.
Check your bootloader file: The correct .hex matters!
Keep links handy: Bookmark the downloads page and bootloader repo.
See this project on instructables https://www.instructables.com/Pinguino-Egypt-PIC-Based-Arduino/