Raspberry Pi Hardware

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.

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