badger-quickstart

# Universe 2025 (Tufty) Badge Quickstart Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to go from zero to creating your first app for **MonaOS** on the Universe 2025 (Tufty) Badge. Perfect for absolute beginners!

## About the Badge

The Universe 2025 Badge is a custom version of the Pimoroni Tufty 2350, created for GitHub Universe 2025. It comes pre-loaded with **MonaOS**, a MicroPython-based operating system with an app launcher.

### Hardware Specifications
- **RP2350** Dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 @ 200MHz
- **512kB SRAM** and **16MB QSPI XiP flash**
- **320x240 full colour IPS display** (framebuffer pixel doubled from 160x120)
- **2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 5**
- **1000mAh rechargeable battery** (up to 8 hours runtime)
- **IR receiver and transmitter** for beacon hunting
- **Five front-facing buttons** (A, B, C, UP, DOWN)
- **4-zone LED backlight**
- **USB-C** for charging and programming

## About MonaOS

Your badge runs **MonaOS**, which provides:
- An app launcher that auto-discovers apps in `/system/apps/`
- Each app is a directory containing `__init__.py`, `icon.png` (24x24), and optional `assets/`
- Apps implement `update()` function called every frame
- Navigate apps using physical buttons

## What You'll Need

### Hardware
- ✓ Universe 2025 (Tufty) Badge
- ✓ USB-C cable (data capable, not just charging)
- ✓ Computer (macOS, Linux, or Windows)

### Software (we'll install together)
- Python 3.8 or newer
- Development tools (mpremote)
- Text editor or IDE

### Time Required
- First-time setup: 30-45 minutes
- Your first app: 20-30 minutes

## Step-by-Step Setup

### Step 1: Install Python on Your Computer

**Why**: You need Python on your computer to run the tools that communicate with your badge.

**macOS:**
```bash
# Install using Homebrew
brew install python3

# Verify
python3 --version  # Should show 3.8 or higher
```

**Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):**
```bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv
python3 --version
```

**Windows:**
1. Download f