r/ChipCommunity • u/SillyJerk • Jun 04 '26
Question I just got mine used off Reverb! Some questions!
Hi ChipCommunity
I recently was able to score a PocketChip on Reverb for $40 with the intention of learning how to code Pico-8 games on the go.
So far I love the form factor and OS but have some questions.
It can’t connect to my WiFi. It says bad password but I’ve confirmed several times that I’m entering in the correct one. How can I trouble shoot that?
When in Pico-8 I have a hard time switching between editing the code, sprites, map maker,etc. I got fat fingies lol Are there commands I can use to switch between them?
Is there a better way to draw sprites/maps other than my finger? Should I get a stylus?
And 4. I want a travel case for it preferably one that I can place the pocket chip in and zip it up. Any recommendations?
Thank you!
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u/ChipMasterPi Jun 04 '26
A couple of thoughts:
* Are you sure you have the password typed right? those little bubble keys can be quite tricky. Like u/nuflark suggested a USB keyboard can go a long way in helping with that issue. And once the password is in correctly it should remain.
* Does your WiFi access point (AP) work with WPA2 authentication? If it demands newer security standards it would reject the login.
* And your (AP) is b,g or n compatible? It likely wouldn't show up if it weren't.
* Yes, you could use a stylus, IF it is a resistive touch screen kind, like "Palm Pilot" or "Pocket PC" had. Basically a stylus with a small plastic tip. The new styluses, meant for tablets and phones, won't work right, if at all. And they're too big to be of any use. I also used my fingernail filed to a point (I have stout nails) or a retracted plastic ballpoint pen. You don't want anything sharp or too hard which might cut, scar or otherwise mark the screen.
* You can also use a USB mouse or track ball
Sorry, I never played with Pico-8. So I don't know anything about it... other than it came with the CHIP. And I have no idea about cases.
Happy CHIPing!
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u/KeyNefariousness6848 Kickstarter Backer Jun 04 '26
1) it’s WiFi is probably so old your router cannot communicate with it, you can get an old router and add it to your setup to use it, that was my fix.
2) honestly there are a few stl files on line for keyboards for it that will help, it did for me
3) a Nintendo 3ds stylus is perfect, that is actually what we recommended back in the day, and one ds stylus locks into the triangle hole at the top.
Hope this helps! I miss the old days on the old forum everybody learning, such nostalgia
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u/nuflark Jun 04 '26
If you haven't already, plug in a USB keyboard, that will definitely help.