A cost-effective computer with a size of a credit card is what you can refer to as Raspberry Pi. This system is plugged into the monitor of a computer or television. Along with this, a standard mouse and keyboard are utilized. This compact device is capable and it lets people of all age group to explore the world of computing. Raspberry Pi helps one to learn how to program specific languages like python and Scratch.
Basically, it does all those things that one expects a desktop computer to perform, including Internet browsing, creating spreadsheets, playing high-definition video and games and also word-processing.
The Raspberry Pi seems extremely interesting, isn’t it? Well, let’s find out more.
A great ability of Raspberry Pi is that it can interact with the outside world. As a result, it has been utilized in several kinds of projects by digital makers like weather stations, parent detectors, music machines, and so on.
The Raspberry Pi consists of single computer board, and it has been officially announced for the consumption of the public since the year 2012. It is an excellent educational, low-cost and portable microcomputer for children and students. One of the main goals of this Raspberry Pi board is to encourage innovation, learning, and experimentation. Studies have shown that many Raspberry Pi computers are used in mobile devices.
Now, let’s focus on,
What is the Raspberry Pi Technology?
The technology of Raspberry Pi comes in two kinds of models, for instance, Model A and B. Among these two models; the main difference lies in the USB port that is used. In the case of Model A, it has a Raspberry Pi board will use less amount of power, and it doesn’t need the use of an Ethernet port. On the other hand, the Model B Raspberry Pi board makes use of an Ethernet port. Raspberry Pi uses an open-source technology that means they are multimedia web and communications technologies.
Moving on, let’s find out,
What are the Benefits of Using Raspberry Pi?
It has been seen that many engineers make use of Raspberry Pi for the development of their products. This is because there are certain benefits of using Raspberry Pi and some of them are listed in the following:
- First and foremost, Raspberry Pi can be extremely cost-effective.
- The compact board of Raspberry Pi has a tremendous processing power that is hugely beneficial.
- Raspberry Pi makes it easy to build applications as it supports Python and Linux.
- It has got examples that are readily available and has hit community support.
So, these are the main benefit of using the technology of Raspberry Pi.
Now that the definition and benefit of Raspberry Pi is clear let’s focus on,
How to Setup and Start Raspberry Pi?
The board of Raspberry Pi includes an SD card. This SD card acts as the primary storage system of the Raspberry Pi board. Onto this card, a Linux Operating system, which is bookable in nature, is loaded. It is essential to mention here that along with Linux; Raspberry Pi supports Qtonpi, Mac and ARM operating systems as well. First, one will have to select one specific Operating system and then write it on the SD card with the help of a Disk Manager Application. Apart from this, one can make use of other forms of storage mechanism like an external USB hard drive or a USB drive. The SD card that is supported by Raspberry Pi is up to 64 GB. So, these fundamentals that one must remember before using a Raspberry Pi technology.
Before beginning to use Raspberry Pi, one will have to connect a keyboard, display, mouse, just like it is done for a PC. The Raspberry Pi supports 3 different kinds of Outputs such as composite video, DSI video, and HDMI Video. However, in the case of DSI video, there is a requirement of specific hardware. Upon buying a Raspberry Pi board, one might find the board to be sold without or with an SD card, which is a crucial specification in the board of Raspberry Pi. This is because of the fact that the SD card helps in keeping the operating system, programs and documents.
One of the most significant benefits of using Raspberry Pi is that it can work as a usual computer, comes in small size and is a cost-effective server that can correctly handle greater web traffic.
Some applications of Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi boards are found to use in several kinds of applications that includes Arcade machine, Media streamer, Tablet computer, Carputer, Internet radio, home automation, controlling robots, and so on.
1. Motor speed control based on Raspberry Pi
The motor speed control that is based on Raspberry Pi is generally developed with the intention of controlling the speed of a DC motor. For this application, the hardware and software requirements are – a DC motor, a television set, PC monitor, motor driver IC, LED, resistors, capacitor, diode, voltage regulator, PHP program, transformer, and last but not least, the Raspberry Pi model.
In this application, to control the DC motor, the Raspberry Pi board is utilized by connecting a keyboard to it for running the motor at different speeds.
2. Use Raspberry Pi for auto intensity control of street lights
Another fascinating application of Raspberry Pi is auto intensity controlling of street lights. The hardware and software required for performing this project are – transformer, capacitors, diodes, resistors, LEDs, Raspberry Pi board, a PC monitor or TV and MOSFET, crystal, PHP program and white LEDs. To control the intensity, the Raspberry Pi board is utilized for developing pluses width modulation signals for driving a MOSFET that turns on the LEDs to get the desired function. After this, one will observe that the intensity of the LEDs will vary from evening to next day morning, especially during the peak hours.
So, these are two of the best applications of Raspberry Pi.
So far, it has been well-established that Raspberry Pi is an exciting technology and concept. Therefore, let’s find out more regarding,
What are the Best Uses of Raspberry Pi?
1. It is possible to replace one’s old Desktop PC with a brand new Raspberry Pi
One of the simplest ways to Raspberry Pi is utilizing it as a desktop computer. In addition to the Raspberry Pi, power supply and micro SD card, one will require a suitable display and HDMI cable. The Raspberry Pi 3 and all the other later versions are equipped with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi. However, in case if one is using an older version of Raspberry Pi model, then he or she will have the requirement of a compatible USB dongle. In fact, if one prefers to use the Ethernet, they can utilize almost all kinds of Raspberry Pi models, except the Pi Zero, as they all come with Ethernet ports.
With a Raspberry Pi, one will find a pre-installed LibreOffice in addition to a Chromium browser.
Moving on,
2. Enjoy easy printing with Raspberry Pi
Sometimes it becomes tough to use an old printer as it cannot be adequately connected or used wirelessly. In such scenarios, the best solution is to introduce the technology of Raspberry Pi in the printing technique. For this, one will only require a Raspberry Pi connection to the home network and the usage of some kind of print server software.
3. Possibility to add AirPrint support to the Pi print server
If one is looking for printing with phones and tablets, the use of AirPrint support to the Pi Print server is exceptionally beneficial.
4. Raspberry Pi Media Center
One of the primary purposes of a Raspberry Pi is a Kodi media centre. It is straightforward to install on Raspbian, and it is possible to add it to retro gaming systems.
5. Use Raspberry Pi to set a retro gaming machine
Another great use of Raspberry Pi is that it can be used as a retro gaming machine because it is sturdy and compact, which makes it suitable for use in various kinds of ways.
6. Use Raspberry Pi to control a robot
Robot-controller Raspberry Pi applications are amazing. It is always an excellent choice to go for a robotics package that is dedicated and comes with a battery-powered device system. It helps with communicating and controlling the robot.
7. Create a Time-Lapse Video with Raspberry Pi
By combining a Raspberry Pi camera with several kinds of scripts can help to capture time-lapse movies.
Raspberry Pi Greatest Application – Raspberry Pi Spy
Till now, it has been well established that Raspberry Pi is an inexpensive and powerful company that can be used by anyone. Only a bit bigger than a credit card is size, the Raspberry Pi is extremely beneficial to fulfil all kinds of computing needs of one person.
One of the most significant applications of this technology is the Raspberry Pi Spy, which is specially designed for spying purposes. Due to the fact that Raspberry Pi is sturdy and small at the same time, they can be significantly used as a spying device. Also, the Raspberry Pi runs on a full version of Linux, including Kali, so they have the capability to have systems remotely.
To do so, one will need to follow these steps:
1. Make the right choice to get started
To develop a Raspberry Pi Spy, it is always an excellent choice to opt for the latest version like the Raspberry Pi model 3, which has got built-in Bluetooth and WiFi. Also, it is much faster.
2. Install the Raspbian Image
The Raspberry operating system is well adequate for a remote spying device. The micro SD card stores all the data in case of Raspberry Pi, and it will not boot if the card is not there.
3. Raspbian Image Downloading
Sometimes, a Raspberry Pi can come without an operating system. In such a scenario, the operating system must be downloaded and installed.
4. Installation of Raspbian to the SD card
Once the operating system is downloaded, the Raspbian must be connected to the SD card.
5. Boot up the Spy Pi
It is necessary to login once the bootup process of the Raspbian operating system on the Spy Pi is complete. The default sets of credentials are –
- Login: pi
- Password: raspberry
After successfully completing the login procedure, one will be greeted with a GUI.
6. Connect to the Spy Pi
After the bootup procedure is complete, it is time for remotely connecting to the Spy Pi. For this purpose, one can use Secure Shell or SSH.
7. Install a Camera
If one is using a Raspberry Pi Model 3 or the new Raspberry Pi Zero, he or she will be able to install a tiny camera that will be beneficial for spying.
The camera is connected to the camera serial interface port of the Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi Spy – the Best Way to Spy on Pets
Leaving their pets alone whole going for work or for running errands, is a nightmare for many. However, it is possible to keep an eye on the pet by using the Raspberry Pi Spy approach.
For building such a project, the requirements are:
- Raspberry Pi that has Raspbian operating system
- A USB keyboard, mouse, Ethernet cable and an HDMI equipped screen.
- Pi camera / Pi camera NoIR
The steps that are needed to be followed are:
- First and foremost, it is required to install the camera on the Pi
- Then, the configuration of the camera on the Pi should be enabled.
- After this, it is essential to configure the motion.
- One can save motion detection pictures as well.
- It is essential to test the camera server through a local computer
- And lastly, the network interfaces need to restart.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic technology that has several applications and benefits, among which the Raspberry Pi Spy is fascinating and innovative. By creating a Raspberry Pi Spy, you can achieve several things, and it is one of the best applications of present-day technology.