How
to Build a Raspberry PI development system
The
Raspberry PI is a versatile platform that can provide many useful
functions. It can be; a WiFi hot-spot, a media player, a programming
device or controller or be used for many of the functions of a
personal computer or tablet PC. The most amazing thing about it is
that even for the basic purchase price, it can do many things that a
PC can do!
This
is just a guide to get you started, please use YouTube and Google to
find out more. It is written from personal
experience Your experiences may be different as things get updated
and moved. I will be happy to correct any inaccuracies or credits
where due.
Which
PI to buy?
The
Pi comes in various models, but the most versatile solution in 2016
has to be the PI 3. It has; build in WiFi, 4 USB ports, HDMI video
output, line out audio output for amplified speakers, headphones or
HiFi. The genuine power supply can provide a heady 2.5 amps. I would
not recommend buying anything other than a genuine Raspberry PI kit
as by doing so
-
you are assured of quality
-
the best support forums anywhere
-
reliability
-
compatibility with the most software
-
the biggest range of hardware add-ons
If
you choose to buy a clone you may save a few pounds but you will lose
at least some of these advantages, but that is your choice. The best
value has to be the Official Raspberry PI 3 starter kit. These vary
in accessories and price. You may want to consider the following
advice from my personal experience.
- A case is mandatory in my opinion. One false move could short circuit the PCB and destroy your pride and joy
- If you plan to use it as a media player, consider buying a case and fan combo. They are cheaper and will cool the PCB better
- Do buy a heatsink kit. This will help cooling even if you do not build a media player or have a standard case. Media players run hotter!
- Not all starter kits are the same, make sure you get a genuine 5.1 volt 2.5 amp power supply and a NOOBS SD card pref 8GB or 16GB
- Preferably buy one or more extra SD cards like 16GB Mode 10, for about £5 on ebay. Then you will always have one working distro and a few others to play with. You will also need a HDMI cable of the desired length
All
these things will help to ensure that you PI works ‘out of the box’
first time. There will be plenty of opportunity to experiment later.
That is what Micro-computing is all about.
Do
bear in mind that once you have the PI running, it is not a power PC,
it does not really like having multiple apps open and a zillion tabs
in a browser, leaner is better!
Assembling
your case is straightforward, if somewhat fiddly. The end with the
power LED on normally slides in first and the rest should follow.
Most PI cases either clip together, or may have screws. It should be
self evident but maybe refer to the instructions or YouTube videos
for your particular case if you are not clear.
Tasks
that I have covered in detail
These
are based on what most people will need to do. That said not all may
apply to you, the whole point is to do what you need
to do.
- Install operating system(s)
- Install packages (programs)
- Update the repo’s and distro
- Install a case and heatsink
- Program a fan for temperature control
- Access the PI from your PC/Laptop
- Install a media player like Kodi or OSMC
Newbie
NOOBS
The
joy of NOOBS SD card is that in less than 30 minutes or so you can have a
working platform.
Firstly
please note there is no power switch so you may want to use a 4 way
block that has switches on, or invest in a PI power switch from
Adafruit, Amazon or Ebay.
