The following are required to complete this chapter:

• Late-model Raspberry Pi, such as the Raspberry Pi 5 4/8 GB model or Raspberry Pi 4B 4/8 GB model
• Keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Raspberry Pi Sense HAT is optional but encouraged; we will be making use of the Sense HAT software emulator

The GitHub repository for the chapter is located at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/-Internet-of-Things-Programming-Projects-2nd-Edition/tree/main/Chapter1.

For those that have access to a 3D printer or 3D printing service, there are .stl files available in the Build Files directory of this chapter’s GitHub repository for the construction of the optional custom case. Files are available for the Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4B versions of the case.

A general knowledge of programming is also required. We will be using the Python programming language in this book. We will start with basic code and work our way toward more advanced coding as...

Every Raspberry Pi model, from the initial Raspberry Pi 1 to the current Raspberry Pi 5 and the compact Pi Zero, possesses distinct characteristics and functionalities that make it an exciting choice for IoT developers. Each model excels in different areas, such as processing power, size, and energy efficiency.

The Raspberry Pi models have evolved significantly over time, with each iteration bringing notable advancements in processing power, memory, and capabilities.

In the following list, we compare the various models of the Raspberry Pi, starting with the first one:

• Raspberry Pi 1: Launched in February 2012, the Raspberry Pi 1 changed the world of computing with its affordability and accessibility. Equipped with a 700 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and a $35 price point, the first model of the Raspberry Pi spurred digital innovation and highlighted the potential of single-board computers.
• Raspberry Pi 2: Released in February 2015, the Raspberry...

The IoT landscape is filled with a variety of single-board computers and microcontrollers, each offering unique specifications that cater to specific project needs. By comparing these alternatives with the Raspberry Pi, we can make informed decisions about the ideal platform for our unique requirements. The following is a breakdown of some of the alternatives to the Raspberry Pi that we may consider for our IoT projects. We will only focus on the Raspberry Pi and not the Raspberry Pi Pico as we will be using the former for this chapter’s programming projects:

• BeagleBone Black: The BeagleBone Black features a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB DDR3 RAM, 4 GB flash storage, and many connectivity options. Its distinct feature, the Programmable Real-Time Units (PRUs), allow for precise real-time processing, ideal for applications such as robotics or industrial automation. Despite this, the Raspberry Pi remains popular due to its...

Raspberry Pi HATs are add-on boards that extend the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi, offering a wide range of functionality for various applications. These HATs provide an easy and convenient way to enhance the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities by adding features such as sensors, actuators, displays, communication interfaces, and more. In this section, we will explore two notable HATs: the Pibrella HAT and the Raspberry Pi Sense HAT.

Pibrella HAT

The Pibrella HAT is an excellent beginner-friendly board designed to introduce electronics and programming concepts to users of all ages. It features buttons, LEDs, and a buzzer, providing a hands-on experience for physical computing projects with the Raspberry Pi. With its intuitive interface and Python library, the Pibrella HAT offers a great starting point for learning and prototyping.

Despite being designed for the first version of the Raspberry Pi and thus having only a 26-pin GPIO connection, the...

While the official Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) is the most widely used operating system for the Raspberry Pi, there is also support for various other operating systems. These options range from specialized systems tailored for specific applications, such as audio players including Volumio, and more general-purpose systems, such as Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS itself. In this section, we explore a selection of these operating systems and their unique features. They are as follows:

• Volumio: For those of us aiming to build a networked audio system accessible via a computer or smartphone, Volumio is a fitting choice. It transforms the Raspberry Pi into a headless audio player, rendering a keyboard or mouse unnecessary. This system connects to our audio files via a USB or network, with the option to enhance the audio output quality through an add-on HAT. Notably, Volumio includes a Spotify plugin, letting us stream music...

IoT has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, giving everyday objects the ability to communicate, automate tasks, and generate invaluable data for use over the internet. The Raspberry Pi is central to many of these systems. Its versatility and robust processing capabilities enable this powerful single-board computer to function both as a data processor and a controller for physical devices.

Uniquely equipped with features such as GPIO pins, USB ports, and Wi-Fi capabilities, the Raspberry Pi is a cost-effective and instrumental tool in implementing IoT solutions. The Raspberry Pi is especially valuable for processing real-time data and managing hardware. The following is a look at examples of Raspberry Pi-based IoT systems.

Utilizing web services for IoT applications

One of the distinct advantages of using the Raspberry Pi in IoT applications is its capacity to process real-time data and control other hardware elements based on...

Our Raspberry Pi can serve as a robust development platform ideal for various programming environments. The default Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS is equipped with Python, Scratch, and many other tools that cater to both beginners and seasoned programmers. It’s particularly effective for IoT projects and edge computing, thanks to its small form factor. As developers, we can use it for software development, web hosting, home automation projects, and prototyping, making it a versatile and accessible tool for innovation.

In this book, we will develop IoT projects using the Raspberry Pi, specifically utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB of RAM for optimal performance. While other versions of the Raspberry Pi may be sufficient, the Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB of RAM is currently the most powerful model available. Our projects will encompass an array of exciting applications, including an analog metered weather dashboard, an internet-connected...

In this chapter, we began our journey into the world of IoT projects with the Raspberry Pi. We explored the various Raspberry Pi models, their distinct characteristics, and their significance in IoT development. We took a brief look at the alternatives to the Raspberry Pi for IoT applications and explored Raspberry Pi HATs, such as the Pibrella HAT and the Raspberry Pi Sense HAT.

Additionally, we looked at operating systems compatible with the Raspberry Pi, outside of the official Raspberry Pi OS. We highlighted the versatility and power of the Raspberry Pi in IoT applications, emphasizing its ability to process real-time data and control physical devices. The chapter also introduced the Raspberry Pi as a robust development platform, equipped with pre-installed tools for software development.

At the end of the chapter, we engaged in practical programming projects that utilized Sense HAT and explored its potential in IoT applications. These projects included a scrolling...