We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Dr. Peter Dalmaris

9.2.

The new content includes 15 new lectures (2 new hours of instruction) in two sections.

I have not changed the bench computer hardware in this update.

Read more

9.2.

The new content includes 15 new lectures (2 new hours of instruction) in two sections.

I have not changed the bench computer hardware in this update.

You will also learn how to use a GPIO breakout board that makes it very easy to secure wires to your Raspberry Pi.

This Raspberry Pi project course will show you how to integrate a variety of components into a gadget that you can use to automate your work bench.

I call it "The Bench Computer".

With the Bench Computer, you will be able to control any device and appliance on your electronics work bench, like turn on and off your bench lights, soldering iron and fume extractor.

The Bench Computer provides a great framework on which you can build your own home automation projects Out of the box, you will be able to control anything with a simple on/off switch, like lights, fans, heaters etc. 

I have designed this course to help you get started. What you get the Bench Computer to do is entirely up to you.

Here are the main components (software and hardware) that you will learn about by taking this course:

  • The Raspberry Pi (I use a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B for historical reasons, you can also use a Raspberry Pi 4).

  • The Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen.

  • The Raspberry Pi Camera v2.

  • The Piface Relay+ HAT (contains the small relays used to control 12V devices) OR a Keyestudio 4 Channel Relay board.

  • A GPIO board breakout.

  • Larger external relays used for controlling mains appliances like lights and your soldering iron.

  • Python 3 and the Tkinter framework for building the application.

  • Things that you want to control, like low-power 12V LED strips and fans, and mains appliances like a soldering iron.

Scroll further down for a list of learning objectives for this course.

All code is available on Github, and is free to download and use as you wish.

A list of parts is available in the first section of the course (free to view).

In 11 hours of video content and over 70 lectures, you will learn the necessary skills for interfacing you Raspberry Pi with your workbench. 

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create graphical applications on the raspberry pi
  • Understand the basics of controlling mains appliances using relays
  • Learn how to use a low-cost relay board to control large loads with your raspberry pi
  • Understand how to use a relay board to control large loads with your raspberry pi
  • Control dc devices
  • Use the camera to take snapshots, interval snapshots and videos.
  • Create a python application that allows you to control external devices and appliances, and interact with sensors
  • Manipulate still images and video taken by the raspberry pi camera
  • Design a driver circuit for the external relays
  • Control mains appliances safely
  • Create an enclosure for your mains controller circuit
  • Setup a remote working environment for your raspberry pi
  • Design a printed circuit board for the relay circuit
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

What is this course about? How to make the most out of it? What software and hardware will you need?
[0005] - Watch me first! A study guide


Read more
[0020b] - Required hardware, Part 2

As of October 2017, Raspbian Jessie has been replaced by Raspbian Stretch. Everything I show in this course will work fine in Raspbian Stretch.

[0030] - Things to drive on your bench with the Bench Computer
[0040] - Residual current device
[0045] – Update 2022 briefing
A list of parts
Setup the Raspberry Pi with the touch screen and the Piface Relay Plus HAT
Introduction

As of October 2017, Raspbian Jessie has been replaced by Raspbian Stretch. Please download Stretch instead of Jessie. Everything I show in this course will work fine in Raspbian Stretch.

[0060] - Attach the touch screen on the Raspberry Pi
[0070] - Boot your Raspberry Pi for the first time

NOTE the address configuration of the Piface board is controlled by a set of jumper wires. By default (i.e. as you receive your Piface in the box) those jumpers maybe arranged differently, and this will cause the I2C address of your Piface board to be different to what I show you in these videos. 

To avoid any confusion, please ensure that the address jumpers on your board match mine, or remember to change the I2C address in the software accordingly.

Look at the section "jumper settings" in the Piface Relay Plus Getting Started Manual (linked in the Resources).

Conclusion
Test your new knowledge
[0090] - Make the enclosure for the Bench Computer
[0098] - Connect a Bluetooth keyboard
[0100] - Setup Wifi using a keyboard
[0110] - Setup Wifi using Ethernet
[0120] - SSH without password
[0130] - Setup Remote Desktop
Setup the RPi Camera and learn how to take still images and video
[0140] - Connect the Raspberry Pi Camera
[0150] - Taking still images
[0160] - Taking video
[0170] - Converting H264 video to MP4
[0180] - Splitting video files to smaller files
Learn how to use the Piface Relay Plus
[0190] - What is a HAT?
[0200] - The Piface Relay Plus
[0210] - Piface Relay Plus software setup and demo
[0220] - Piface Relay Plus blink script walkthrough
[0230] - Piface Relay Plus connect and control an LED strip
[0235] - Shrink tubing to protect a wire join
[0240] - Piface Relay Plus Connect and Control a 12V Fan
[0245] - Improving the wiring
Learn how to use the DHT22, including how to access it without being a superuser

You will need to download Adafruit's DHT module from Github with this command:

git clone https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit/Adafruit_Python_DHT.git

[0260] - PIGPIOD deamon
[0270] - Getting the PIGPIOD to auto start
Learn how to control mains appliances with an appropriate external (to the Piface Relay+) relay
[0300] - Using a 5V relay with the Raspberry Pi
[0310] - Calculate the relay driver circuit
[0320] - Test the relay driver circuit on a breadboard
[0330] - Design the relay PCB
[0340] - Test the relay driver PCB
Learn how to make a relay controller box so that you can safely drive mains appliances
[0350] - Create an enclosure Part 1: Walkthrough
[0351] - Create an enclosure Part 2: Testing
[0352] - Create an enclosure Part 3: Tools
[0353] - Create an enclosure Part 4: Demonstration
[0360] - Relay box controller external wiring
[0370] - Test the finished relay controller box with software
Learn how the basics of creating graphical Python applications using the Tkinter library
[0380] - Introduction to Tkinter
[0381] - The Tkinter Label widget
[0382] - The Tkinter Event
[0383 ] - The Tkinter Entry Box widget
[0384] - The Tkinter Image widget
[0385 ] - The Tkinter custom styling
[0386 ] - The Tkinter Notebook widget
[0387 ] - The Tkinter grid layout
Write the touch Bench Computer application, step by step
[0390 ] - User Interface design with a wireframe
[0400 ] - Step 1: Create the skeleton application
[0 410 ] - Step 2: Implement Tab 1 - The control Tab
[0420] - Step 3: Implement Tab 2 - The camera Tab
[0430] - Step 4: Implement Tab 3 - The environment Tab
[0440] - Test the Bench Computer application
Bench Computer Mk II using the Keyestudio 4 Channel Relay (or similar)
[1001] - Introduction
[1010] - RPi Bench Computer Mk II demonstration
[1030a] - Disassembly planning

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Is ideal for electronics hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and people who work on electronics work benches
Develops skills for interfacing a Raspberry Pi with external components and devices
Teaches skills and knowledge that are relevant to home automation projects
Emphasizes practical application with real-world examples
Covers a wide range of topics, including programming, hardware interfacing, and circuit design
You need to purchase additional hardware and equipment to complete the projects in this course

Save this course

Save Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Informative raspberry pi course

According to students, this Raspberry Pi course offers excellent walk-throughs and instruction from a knowledgeable subject-matter expert.
Students enjoyed instruction from an expert instructor.
"Excellent subject matter expert"
The course includes in-depth, well-explained demonstrations.
"walk throughs where extensive and well explained"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer with these activities:
Compile Essential Course Materials
Start by collecting course-related resources, like syllabi, lecture notes, and assignments.
Show steps
  • Gather syllabi, lecture notes, and assignments
Join a Raspberry Pi Study Group
Connect with fellow learners and engage in group discussions to reinforce concepts, share insights, and expand your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find or create a Raspberry Pi study group
  • Participate in online or in-person study sessions
Contribute to the Raspberry Pi Community
Deepen your understanding and practice by actively participating in open-source Raspberry Pi projects, contributing to the community's knowledge base.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source Raspberry Pi projects to contribute to
  • Make code contributions or provide feedback
  • Collaborate with other community members
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and control projects. They may work in a variety of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and software development. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Project Managers learn about the basics of project management, which can be useful for planning and managing new projects.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They may work in a variety of industries, such as computer software, telecommunications, and financial services. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Software Engineers learn about the basics of programming and software development, which can be useful for designing and building new software applications.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware, such as processors, memory, and storage devices. They may work in a variety of industries, such as computer manufacturing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Computer Hardware Engineers learn about the basics of computer hardware, which can be useful for designing and building new computer systems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. They may work in a variety of industries, such as software development, manufacturing, and healthcare. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Technical Writers learn about the basics of technical writing, which can be useful for creating and maintaining new technical documentation.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design, develop, and test control systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Control Systems Engineers learn about the basics of control systems, which can be useful for designing and building new control systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment. They may work in a variety of industries, such as power generation, distribution, and manufacturing. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Electrical Engineers learn about the basics of electricity and electronics, which can be useful for designing and building new electrical systems.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, develop, and test robots. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Robotics Engineers learn about the basics of robotics, which can be useful for designing and building new robots.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers design, develop, and test mechatronic systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, robotics, and healthcare. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Mechatronics Engineers learn about the basics of mechatronics, which can be useful for designing and building new mechatronic systems.
Teacher
Teachers plan, organize, and teach classes. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Teachers learn about the basics of teaching, which can be useful for planning and teaching new classes.
Researcher
Researchers conduct research in a variety of fields, such as science, engineering, and social sciences. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Researchers learn about the basics of research, which can be useful for conducting new research projects.
Automation Engineer
Automation Engineers design, develop, and test automated systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Automation Engineers learn about the basics of automation, which can be useful for designing and building new automated systems.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Embedded Systems Engineers learn about the basics of embedded systems, which can be useful for designing and building new embedded systems.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers design, develop, and test products and systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and software development. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Test Engineers learn about the basics of testing, which can be useful for designing and building new test systems.
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineers design, develop, and test quality systems. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and software development. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Quality Engineers learn about the basics of quality, which can be useful for designing and building new quality systems.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic devices, systems, and equipment. They may work in a variety of industries, such as telecommunications, aerospace, and manufacturing. The Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer course can help Electronics Engineers learn about the basics of electronics and programming, which can be useful for designing and building new electronic devices.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Raspberry Pi, including its history, hardware, and software. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Raspberry Pi and how to use it.
Provides a collection of recipes for using the Raspberry Pi to build a variety of projects, including home automation systems, media players, and retro video game consoles. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the Raspberry Pi for practical applications.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Tkinter, a graphical user interface library for Python. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Tkinter to build custom graphical user interfaces for their Raspberry Pi projects.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to GPIO programming for the Raspberry Pi. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use GPIO to control external devices and build custom projects.
Provides a collection of projects for the Raspberry Pi, including home automation systems, media players, and retro video game consoles. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the Raspberry Pi for practical applications.
Provides a gentle introduction to the Raspberry Pi for beginners. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics of the Raspberry Pi and how to use it for simple projects.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Computer.
Getting Started with Your Raspberry Pi
Most relevant
Computer Vision on Raspberry Pi - Beginner to Advanced
Most relevant
Raspberry Pi Home Server
Most relevant
Raspberry Pi Bootcamp : For the Beginner
Most relevant
The Raspberry Pi Platform and Python Programming for the...
Most relevant
Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python
Most relevant
Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python
Most relevant
Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi
Most relevant
CPS Design with ARM Core using MicroPython for Industries
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser