5 simple projects using Raspberry Pi

Summary

This article talks about the various projects as well as benefits of Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi is a small computing device that enables students and aspirants to build personalised and simple projects at an inexpensive rate. Its variety of advantages makes it easier to use when compared to most of its competitors. It is extremely easy to configure and used widely for various tech projects around the globe. A better way to get skilled in Raspberry Pi is by building hands-on projects.

Here are some of the simple Raspberry Pi projects that you can build to gain hands-on experience:

1. Smart weather monitoring using Raspberry Pi
2. Surveillance Robot
3. Surveillance camera using Raspberry Pi
4. Raspberry Pi Robot
5. Wi-Fi extender using Raspberry Pi

What are the advantages of Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computer introduced by the Raspberry Foundation. It aims to provide computing knowledge for everyone. It runs on Linux and thus it is open source and quite affordable. It allows the users to explore the IoT (Internet of Things) and control the objects for physical computing.

Raspberry Pi offers certain advantages which are listed below:

• Cost: Cost is one of the eminent advantages of Raspberry Pi as it is available at a relatively optimum price. It works as a low-cost server to handle light web traffic and also comes with a RAM of 512 MB.
• Power consumption: Raspberry Pi consumes less power when compared to similar devices. It consumes about five to seven watts of electricity.
• Free of moving parts: It comes in the size as small as the size of a credit card. Raspberry Pi uses SD Card as the storage and has no external parts to worry about.
• It can be expanded: There are various devices available for Raspberry Pi to expand its memories and features. It already has two USB ports which can be taken as a support to create a USB hub.
• HDMI graphics: The display port of Raspberry Pi has a resolution of 1920x1200 and supports HDMI. Thus, it can easily be converted to a video player box.

Is Raspberry Pi better than Arduino?

Raspberry Pi and Arduino both are quite different devices. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. To figure out which is better, a comparison is made below:

While Raspberry Pi is a computer for general purposes that comes with Linux based OS, Arduino is an open-source microcontroller programming board.

1. Power: In comparison to Arduino, Raspberry Pi is capable of doing multiple tasks at the same time like a computer. It can be used as a web server, print server, database server, VPN server, etc. Whereas, Arduino can be used to perform monotonous and repetitive tasks.
2. Network connectivity: While Arduino takes a lot of hassle to connect to any network as there needs to be a proper address to connect and a separate Wi-Fi module is required. Raspberry Pi possesses the built-in Ethernet port which enables it to connect to networks directly.
3. Battery life: It can often be difficult to support Raspberry Pi on a battery pack; it is quite easy to do so in Arduino.
4. Number of USB Ports: Raspberry Pi has the advantage of having 4 USB ports while Arduino has just 1 USB port to connect with the computer.
5. Cost: In comparison to Raspberry Pi, Arduino is inexpensive.

Raspberry Pi might have certain disadvantages in comparison to Arduino but still Raspberry Pi is a better option for users looking forward to performing multiple tasks simultaneously. If users have a better knowledge of Linux it is easier for them to operate Raspberry Pi. It can also be used by operators involved in complex projects and networking.

How to configure Raspberry Pi?

There are certain steps that need to be followed to configure Raspberry Pi. They have been mentioned below:

• Step 1: To begin with we have to install the micro SD card into the Raspberry Pi.

Note: Before installing the micro SD card into the Raspberry Pi you need to copy NOOBS (New Out Of Box Software) to the micro SD card. NOOBS is an operating system install manager for the Raspberry Pi.

• Step 2: The USB Keyboard has to be plugged into one of the USB Ports.
• Step 3: Then the USB mouse needs to be plugged into one of the USB ports.
• Step 4: The television or monitor needs to be switched on to ensure that the device has been connected properly and securely.
• Step 5: Next, to make the visual available, the HDMI or the video component cable needs to be connected to the TV or monitor.
• Step 6: The other end of the cable needs to be connected to Raspberry Pi.
• Step 7: It is not compulsory but if you wish to connect to the internet, the router needs to be connected to an Ethernet cable. The other end of the cable needs to be connected to Raspberry Pi.
• Step 8: The power supply needs to be connected to Raspberry Pi.
• Step 9: After the power supply is switched on, a red light will indicate that the Raspberry Pi has been connected. After this configuration is done, a screen should appear on the TV or monitor.
• Step 10: Now you will get a list of different operating systems that you can install as per the requirement.

5 simple projects using Raspberry Pi

Many projects can be made using the Raspberry Pi. It can be used to implement an unimaginable number of projects. Raspberry Pi acts as a brain and also serves as a device for computing as well. If you want to try some of the best Raspberry Pi projects, you can start it from the platforms that we provide. The projects that we provide in Skyfi Labs, range from basic to the most advanced ones.

Listed below are some of the simple Raspberry Pi projects that we offer in Skyfi Labs:

1. IoT using Raspberry Pi: This Raspberry Pi project enables you to create a smart weather monitoring device by understanding IoT and Raspberry Pi. In this project, you will be taught the concept and application of IoT, processes to develop Raspberry Pi platforms and analysis of data with a cloud platform.

2. Surveillance Robot: Through this Raspberry Pi project you will learn how to build your own surveillance robot that uses Raspberry Pi to transmit live footage and act as a microcontroller. Robot locomotion, working of DC motor and motor driver circuit is a bonus that comes with the project. Along with this, you will also learn Raspberry Pi architecture and its programming.

3. Surveillance Camera: You will be taught to use Raspberry Pi which will enable you to view a live transmitted video on your screen. You will learn Image processing and its algorithms, matplotlib, splitting image channels and Raspberry and Python programming.

4. Raspberry Pi Robot: This Raspberry Pi project teaches you to build a robot using Raspberry Pi. It can be controlled using your laptop and Raspberry Pi is used as a microcontroller.

5. Wi-Fi Extender: Raspberry Pi helps you make a project that enables your Wi-Fi to cover a big area. It extends the range of your device and it is quite a simple project to execute.

6. Time Lapse Camera: Raspberry Pi can be used as a time-lapse camera when connected with Blinkt addon of the Raspberry board. This quick project can be used to showcase your skills with Raspberry Pi.

7. VPN Server: In this Raspberry Pi project you will create your own VPN server from scratch. It helps you to save money and also ensures that it will be completely personalised.

All these projects are offered in Skyfi Labs at nominal rates and ensure that you learn your course in a detailed manner. Skyfi Labs promotes students to gain expertise in any technology by providing courses on almost every technology. Excellent mentorship from the prodigious mentors along with the transportation of kit (if required) right to your place. So, you need not compromise with your dream and spare no pain in pursuing your dreams.

So, Enrol now, you are just a click away to grab the opportunity.

Hope you are clear with what you should choose now!

We wish you all the best for future endeavors.

Still, have some queries? Comment below and we will get back to you in a gist.