First of all, we need a Raspberry Pi. The newest model is Raspberry Pi Model 3B, which is what I am using. Here is the specification:
- A 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-core ARMv8 CPU
- 1GB Memory
- 100Mbps Ethernet Port
- 802.11n Wifi
- Bluetooth 4.1 BLE
- 4 USB ports
- Micro SD card slot
- HDMI output
- 3.5mm audio output
- Micro USB power input
- 40-pin GPIO
- CPI (Camera) input
Note that there is no hard drive in Raspberry Pi, everything is stored in the Micro SD card. A 8GB Class 4 Micro SD card is sufficient. However for the best performance, a 16GB class 10 Micro SD card is recommended.
Also, a power supply is required. The official power supply is 5V 2.5A Micro USB. Most of the Android mobile chargers are 5V 2A and sufficient.
Last but not least, there are a few options for initial connect and setup. A keyboard (wired or wireless, but not bluetooth) and a monitor (and a HDMI cable) can be used, or simply an ethernet cable connect to the router.
You may also want a case to protect you Raspberry Pi. You can buy one online, or print one with 3D printer. Nevertheless, you can always make one with card board.
Also, a low end Raspberry Pi Zero is available. I recently purchased a Zero W, W for wireless. It has a weaker processor and a lot less connectors, and much smaller in size and cheaper.
Here is what Pi Zero has:
- A 1 GHz 32-bit ARMv6Z CPU
- 512MB Memory
- Micro SD card slot
- Mini-HDMI output
- Micro USB power input
- On-the-go Micro USB (require adaptor)
- 40-pin GPIO
- Mini-CPI (Camera) input
In addition, Pi Zero W has a chip for wifi and bluetooth:
- 802.11n Wifi
- Bluetooth 4.1 BLE
Any one of these is all we need for hardware. Let’s start our system.