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Interfacing with the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi uses a variety of input/output devices based on protocols such as HDMI, USB, and Ethernet to communicate with the outside world. In this class you will learn how to use these protocols with other external devices (sensors, motors, GPS, orientation, LCD screens etc.) to get your IoT device to interact with the real world. Most physical devices use analog signals; however computer hardware is digital so in this class you will learn how these signals are converted back-and-forth and how this must be considered as you program your device. The basic design of a sensor-actuator system will also be covered. You will also learn how to build more sophisticated hardware systems using Raspberry Pi expansion boards to create fun and exciting IoT devices. Please note that this course does not include discussion forums.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1

This module presents the use of the Raspberry Pi to connect to the Internet, from a user perspective. The first way to use the Raspberry Pi as a networked device is to use it as a general-purpose computer rather than as a programmed IoT device. Using networking with a Raspberry Pi in this way is similar to using the network from any Linux machine, and we present its use in this module. We also present the standard Internet protocols that must be understood in order to develop network programs.

Module 2

This module introduces the networking socket interface that is used to transfer data across the network programmatically. An essential aspect of the Internet of Things is for your IoT device to send and receive data on the Internet, and the socket interface is key to enabling that. We describe how to use socket in Python to act as both a client and a server.

Module 3

This module focuses on how to have your Raspberry Pi interact with online services through the use of public APIs and SDKs. Many interesting and useful services are available in the cloud and this module describes how to write code that accesses those services. We define what an Application Programming Interface (API) is and what a Software Development Kit (SDK) is. We present some API examples and we show the use of the Twitter API in detail using the Twython package.

Module 4

In this module we show how to use the Raspberry Pi to interface with more complicated sensors and actuators. We explore the use of the Raspberry Pi camera module and the use of a servo. The Raspberry Pi camera module is used through the picamera library, which we describe. Servos are controlled by generating pulse width modulated signals and varying their pulse width using library functions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Utilizes Python, which is industry-standard for IoT

Develops networking skills, which are essential for IoT devices

Covers analog and digital signals, which are crucial for IoT

Focuses on hardware systems using Raspberry Pi expansion boards

Exploration of the Raspberry Pi camera module and servo control

Teaches the use of the Raspberry Pi camera module

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Reviews summary

Introduction to raspberry pi

Learners say this beginner-friendly course on the Raspberry Pi is a good introduction to interfacing with the device. While tech terminology is used, it is not overly difficult to understand. If you are new to Raspberry Pi or microcontrollers in general, it may be helpful to first take the intro course in this series or seek other experience first.

Course is accessible to those new to Raspberry Pi.

"This course is great for a beginner in Raspberry Pi."

Course uses some technical language.

"you will be dealing with some tech terminology"

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 Interfacing with the Raspberry Pi with these activities:

Review Raspberry Pi Commands

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Refreshing these skills may make learning the skills in this course easier

Browse courses on Raspberry Pi

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Make a list of the basic commands needed to be successful in the course
Practice running these commands until use becomes more comfortable

Practice Installing and Uninstalling Python Packages

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Becoming familiar with installing and uninstalling packages can make the course materials easier to work through

Browse courses on Python

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Open a terminal or command prompt
Use the correct package manager to install a package
Run your Python program and verify the package has been installed successfully
Use the correct command to uninstall the package
Run your code again to verify the package is not installed

Read an Introduction to Raspberry Pi

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This book can assist in solidifying concepts learned in the course as it explains the fundamentals of Raspberry Pi

View Raspberry Pi User Guide on Amazon

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Review the book independently
Make a list of questions about the content
Discuss the book with a peer

Five other activities

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Review Course Materials

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This step can help the student become more comfortable with the materials and format of the course

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Review the full syllabus to get an idea of the coursework
Take notes on any unfamiliar terms or concepts
Review any pre-recorded lectures or videos

Join a Raspberry Pi User Forum

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Networking with others using Raspberry Pis can help you learn about the best uses for this device

Browse courses on Raspberry Pi

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Do some research and find a forum or community that is relevant to your interests and skill level
Create an account and join the forum or community
Introduce yourself to the community
Ask questions and participate in discussions
Share your own knowledge and experiences

Writing Python Code

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Coding more outside of the course can help cement the concepts from the course

Browse courses on Python

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Think of a small project you can create using Python
Write the code for the project
Test and run the code
Refactor the code to improve efficiency and structure

Follow Raspberry Pi Documentation

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The official Raspberry Pi documentation contains lots of potentially useful information

Browse courses on Raspberry Pi

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Identify the concept you need more information on
Search for the concept in the documentation
Read and understand the provided resource

Build a Simple IoT Device

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Creating a simple IoT device can help a student see the practical use of course materials

Browse courses on IoT

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Decide what type of IoT device to build
Gather the necessary materials
Build the device
Test the device and make any necessary adjustments

Career center

Learners who complete Interfacing with the Raspberry Pi will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

IoT Developer

An IoT Developer connects devices to the Internet and to each other, creating interconnected systems to monitor, control, and automate processes. With a background in interfacing with devices through protocols such as HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, you can develop systems for managing and interpreting data from sensors and other IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IoT Developer

Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics Engineer blends electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to design, build, and maintain systems combining these elements. This course provides a foundation for understanding the electrical and computer components of mechatronic systems, as well as the protocols used to communicate with and control them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots, which are increasingly used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. This course provides a foundation for understanding the electrical, mechanical, and computer components of robots, as well as the protocols used to communicate with and control them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers develop, test, and maintain software and hardware for embedded systems, which are computing devices designed for specific functions within larger systems, such as medical devices or automotive systems. This course will help you understand how to interface with sensors and actuators, as well as how to design and implement embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, build, and maintain computer systems. With a background in interfacing with devices, you can design computer systems for specific applications, such as embedded systems or robotics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain systems for collecting, storing, and processing data. With a background in interfacing with devices, you can develop systems for collecting data from sensors and other IoT devices and managing their storage and processing.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, build, and maintain complex systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of systems engineering, as well as the protocols and technologies used in systems engineering.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of electrical engineering, as well as the protocols and technologies used in electrical systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course provides a foundation for understanding the principles of software engineering, as well as the protocols and technologies used in software development.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for learning about the protocols and technologies used in cloud computing, as well as how to interact with cloud-based services.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain mechanical systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of mechanical engineering, as well as the protocols and technologies used in mechanical systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of project management, as well as the protocols and technologies used in project management.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of business analysis, as well as the protocols and technologies used in business analysis.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of technical writing, as well as the protocols and technologies used in technical writing.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to customers. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of technical support, as well as the protocols and technologies used in technical support.

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Reading list

We've selected 25 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 Interfacing with the Raspberry Pi.

Exploring Raspberry Pi

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Practical guide to interfacing the Raspberry Pi to the real world through sensors and actuators. It covers topics such as interfacing with sensors, controlling motors, and using the Raspberry Pi as a data logger.

Interfacing with the Raspberry Pi

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Introduction to raspberry pi

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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