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Dr. Peter Dalmaris

Welcome to Raspberry Pi Full Stack Upgrade Project.

In the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course, you learned how to build an application that integrates microcomputers, microcontrollers, sensors, radio transceivers, web servers, a database, and Cloud services.

This course will teach you how to upgrade this application with new hardware and software.

The upgraded Full Stack application utilises the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W single-board computer and the ESP32 microcontroller - although you can use any Raspberry Pi and Arduino-compatible board.

Read more

Welcome to Raspberry Pi Full Stack Upgrade Project.

In the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course, you learned how to build an application that integrates microcomputers, microcontrollers, sensors, radio transceivers, web servers, a database, and Cloud services.

This course will teach you how to upgrade this application with new hardware and software.

The upgraded Full Stack application utilises the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W single-board computer and the ESP32 microcontroller - although you can use any Raspberry Pi and Arduino-compatible board.

The two nodes communicate via a modern radio transceiver. They can sense their environment, show their status on an organic LED display and a web interface, log data on the Cloud, and trigger notifications when specific conditions arise.

By completing this course, you will gain and improve soft and hard knowledge and skills. You will become better at the analysis, design, and planning required when working on large projects.

And you will learn how to integrate sensors, displays, and local and Cloud communications using Raspberry Pi and ESP32 or Arduino boards.

This course will stretch your skills.

I designed it for intermediate-level Makers that, ideally, have completed the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course.

Please review the free lectures in the first section to find out more details about the course.

I'm looking forward to seeing you on the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Become better at the analysis, design, and planning required when working on large projects.
  • Improve your ability to build a full-stack application based on the raspberry pi, the esp32 and a combination of software tools and technologies.
  • You will gain new skills in maintaining, modifying, and extending a full-stack application.
  • Improve your understanding of the the linux operating system and the command line.
  • Learn how to use the hc12 transceiver to allow communications between a raspberry pi and esp32 (or any arduino compatible) boards.
  • Show raspberry pi status information on an oled screen.
  • Get environment data from a bme280 sensor on a raspberry pi and esp32.
  • Use google charts and plotly graph object in a raspberry pi web application.

Syllabus

01 - Introduction
01.10 - What is this course about
01.20 - Parts you will need
01.30 - Code repository
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course, making it ideal for learners looking to expand their existing knowledge and skills in this specific area
Focuses on upgrading an existing application with new hardware and software, providing practical experience in project maintenance and evolution
Employs the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and ESP32, which are modern and widely used components in the maker community
Requires learners to have completed the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course, which may limit accessibility for some
Covers the HC12 transceiver, which replaces the nRF24 used in the original course, so learners should be prepared to adapt to new hardware
Involves restoring the application to its original state before upgrading, which may seem redundant to some learners

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Reviews summary

Raspberry pi full stack project upgrade

According to students, this course is a solid follow-up to the original Full Stack project, offering a practical, hands-on approach to upgrading the application with new hardware like the ESP32, BME280 sensor, OLED display, and HC12 radio. Learners find the explanations clear and the hardware integration well-explained. While praised for its project focus, some encountered challenges with software environment setup and felt that troubleshooting guidance could be more detailed. It is recommended for intermediate Makers familiar with the previous course.
Best suited for those with prior project experience.
"This course builds really well on the original Raspberry Pi Full Stack course."
"Highly recommend if you've done the original."
"Designed for learners with existing foundational skills."
Covers integrating new sensors, displays, and radio.
"explains the new hardware (ESP32, BME280, OLED, HC12) integration thoroughly."
"Loved working with the ESP32 and the OLED display."
"Detailed instructions for wiring the BME280 and OLED were very helpful."
Complex topics explained well for intermediate level.
"It's well-structured and explains the new hardware (ESP32, BME280, OLED, HC12) integration thoroughly."
"Explanations for why certain components were chosen or how they work are clear."
"Instructor clearly knows their stuff and presents the information concisely."
Builds hands-on skills through project application.
"The project-based approach is fantastic and helps solidify the concepts."
"Excellent practical integration of hardware and software."
"The practical application is the best part. Integrating ESP32 and RPi with the new sensors and radio feels like a real project."
Learners may need to self-debug minor issues.
"Sometimes felt the troubleshooting parts could be a bit more in-depth..."
"The course doesn't hold your hand through extensive debugging..."
"a dedicated troubleshooting guide or section would be beneficial."
Some learners faced difficulties with setup.
"However, I struggled a bit with getting the software environment set up correctly on my RPi."
"Some dependencies caused issues that took time to debug."
"encountered multiple issues setting up the software environment, particularly with Python versions and dependencies."

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 Full Stack Upgrade Project with these activities:
Review Raspberry Pi Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of Raspberry Pi fundamentals to ensure a smooth transition into the upgrade project.
Browse courses on Raspberry Pi
Show steps
  • Review the basics of Raspberry Pi setup and configuration.
  • Practice basic Linux commands.
  • Review Python syntax and programming concepts.
Brush up on Flask and Web Development
Strengthen your Flask and web development skills to better understand the web application component of the project.
Browse courses on Flask Framework
Show steps
  • Review Flask documentation and tutorials.
  • Practice building simple web applications with Flask.
  • Familiarize yourself with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Review "Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python"
Reinforce your understanding of Raspberry Pi and Python programming with a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to GPIO and sensor interfacing.
  • Experiment with the example code provided in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Linux Command Line Exercises
Improve your proficiency with the Linux command line, which is essential for managing the Raspberry Pi.
Show steps
  • Complete command line exercises on websites like OverTheWire Bandit.
  • Practice navigating the file system and manipulating files.
Document Your Project Upgrades
Documenting your upgrade process will help solidify your understanding and provide a valuable reference for future projects.
Show steps
  • Create a blog post or video series detailing your upgrade process.
  • Include photos, diagrams, and code snippets.
  • Share your documentation with the online community.
Contribute to a Raspberry Pi Project
Contributing to an open-source project will provide valuable experience and expose you to different coding styles and project management techniques.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Raspberry Pi project on GitHub.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Review "ESP32 Development with Arduino"
Deepen your understanding of ESP32 development with a practical guide.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to sensor interfacing and wireless communication.
  • Experiment with the example code provided in the book.

Career center

Learners who complete Raspberry Pi Full Stack Upgrade Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Internet of Things Developer
An Internet of Things Developer creates applications to connect devices to the internet and to each other. This course, which upgrades a full stack application with new hardware and software on a Raspberry Pi and ESP32, is directly relevant to this role. It explicitly covers the integration of sensors, displays, and local and cloud communications, which are core tasks for an Internet of Things developer. The course also covers sending data to the Cloud and triggering notifications, which are essential parts of many IoT systems. The hands-on work on hardware and software in this course, especially concerning radio transceivers, makes it a great experience for someone looking to work as an Internet of Things developer.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests software and hardware for embedded systems. These systems often involve microcontrollers and sensors, just as this course does. This course provides practical experience in integrating sensors, displays, and local and cloud communications using Raspberry Pi and ESP32 boards, which is highly relevant to this role. An engineer in this position should also have skills in the Linux operating system and the command line, which this course also aims to improve. The course specifically tackles upgrading hardware and software and involves the analysis, design, and planning of large projects, all of which are essential skills for an embedded systems engineer.
Robotics Software Engineer
A Robotics Software Engineer writes software to control robots. This often involves integrating microcontrollers, sensors, and communication systems, all of which are central to the content of this course. The skills developed in this course such as the use of Linux, the command line, sensor integration, and data logging are directly applicable to a career in robotics. This course specifically teaches how to use both wired and wireless communication protocols to interface between a microcomputer and a microcontroller which is an essential skill for a robotics engineer. This course, focused on hardware and software upgrades, will benefit someone seeking to become a robotics software engineer.
Research and Development Engineer
A Research and Development Engineer is involved in creating new products and systems, often requiring hardware and software integration skills. This course, centered around upgrading an existing application with new hardware and software on the Raspberry Pi and ESP32, is relevant. The course directly addresses the integration of sensors, displays, and communication technologies. The experience in analyzing, designing, and planning projects and in the use of Linux, the command line, and cloud services will serve an engineer in research and development very well. The hands-on approach of the course may make an engineer in R and D a more effective and practical problem solver. This course is well suited for someone pursuing a career in research and development.
Systems Integrator
A Systems Integrator combines different components or subsystems into a single system. This course aligns well with a career as a Systems Integrator, especially with its emphasis on the integration of various technologies - microcontrollers, sensors, radio transceivers, web servers, and cloud services. The course teaches how to combine Raspberry Pi and ESP32 boards and how to make them communicate with each other. An integrator will also benefit from the skills of analysis, design, and planning when working on large projects. A systems integrator will find this course helpful due to its focus on connecting different components of a system.
Full-Stack Developer
A Full Stack Developer works with both the front and back ends of a web application, and this course upgrades a full stack application. This course will be useful because it explicitly states that it upgrades an existing application and that it integrates microcomputers, microcontrollers, sensors, radio transceivers, web servers, a database, and cloud services. The course aims to build skills maintaining, modifying, and extending a full-stack application, which is critical for a full stack developer. It also builds skills in the Linux operating system and the command line, which helps make a candidate a more well-rounded full stack developer. The focus on both hardware and software, in this course, makes it unique for a full stack developer.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops low-level software that controls hardware. This course, focused on upgrading a full stack application with new hardware and software, provides valuable experience. The course covers the use of microcontrollers like ESP32, sensor integration, and the use of communication protocols, such as radio transceivers, all of which are relevant to firmware development. The course’s practical approach will expose students to how to handle hardware interactions. A firmware engineer needs deep knowledge of how hardware communicates with software which is what this course helps develop. Those seeking a firmware engineer position may find this course helpful.
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems. This course, with its focus on the integration of sensors, displays, and communication systems using Raspberry Pi and ESP32 microcontrollers, has some overlap with this role. The skills learned, including working with Linux, the command line, and data logging, are beneficial in the field of automation. Although this course focuses on a specific full stack application, the general approach toward system design and integration and the experience with sensors and embedded systems make it a good stepping stone for someone who wants to become an automation engineer. This course may be useful for an automation engineer.
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests hardware components and systems. While this course focuses more on the software side, the detailed work with the Raspberry Pi and ESP32, its exploration of interfacing with sensors, displays, and transceivers, and its hands-on approach to wiring and hardware integration provides very helpful insight for a hardware engineer. Specifically, the course covers working with the BME280 sensor, OLED displays, and HC12 transceivers and it also explores some system design and planning. Even for a Hardware Engineer who focuses on board design, understanding the software and communication needs around a component is a huge asset. This course may be useful for those seeking a hardware engineering role.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst evaluates and designs information systems. This course provides exposure to how various hardware and software components are integrated, which can be useful in systems analysis. The skills in Linux, the command line, and the experience in how sensor data flows through a system, will be helpful for a systems analyst. This course covers the planning and design of a large project, which may be useful for a systems analyst who designs and evaluates information systems. A systems analyst, therefore, may find this course useful.
Software Developer
A Software Developer writes code for various types of applications and systems. Although this course focuses heavily on embedded systems and hardware, the software development skills learned can be transferrable. In particular, the course teaches how to set up a full stack application. Developers also need to know how to use the Linux operating system and the command line, which this course provides. Also the course will make a software developer more familiar with integrating sensors and devices. A software developer who wishes to learn more about how software runs on hardware will find this course useful.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful to a network engineer because it covers local and cloud communication and it uses radio transceivers to make devices communicate. A network engineer will benefit from a better understanding of how devices communicate with each other, and the course has some overlap with this topic. This course also requires familiarity with the Linux operating system which is also useful for a network engineer. This course may be valuable for a network engineer.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes data to gain insights and make predictions. This course may be useful if a data scientist needs to work with data from hardware sensors. The course teaches how to integrate sensors and how to log data to the cloud. The course uses tools like Google Charts and Plotly which can expand a data scientist's toolkit. Data scientists sometimes work with data from Internet of Things devices and this course provides useful experience with that. A data scientist will find that this course will make them more versatile and effective.
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager oversees projects involving technology and engineering. This course may be useful for a project manager as it focuses on the analysis, design, and planning required when working on large projects, and it covers the integration of various hardware and software components. The course is valuable because it also teaches how to maintain, modify, and extend an existing application. Although technical project managers do not do hands-on work, this course will give them a grasp of what their teams are doing. A technical project manager looking for a more solid understanding of hardware and software can improve their skillset by taking this course.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst helps protect computer systems from threats. This course may be beneficial for an information security analyst who is interested in learning how systems work at a low level. The course covers the Linux OS and command line which are both needed skills within this sector. The course also may be useful for information security analysts who wish to learn about securing IoT devices in particular. An information security analyst may find some value in the content of this course.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Full Stack Upgrade Project.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to programming the Raspberry Pi using Python. It covers essential topics such as setting up the Raspberry Pi, using the GPIO pins, and working with various sensors and actuators. It is particularly useful for those who are new to Raspberry Pi or Python programming. This book valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals required for the course.
Practical guide to developing applications for the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE. It covers a wide range of topics, including setting up the ESP32 development environment, working with sensors and actuators, and implementing wireless communication protocols. It is particularly useful for those who want to learn how to use the ESP32 in their projects. This book provides additional depth on the ESP32 microcontroller.

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