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Digital Media Concepts/Uses of the Raspberry Pi

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Raspberry Pi

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Raspberry Pi 5

Developed in the UK and released in 2012, the Raspberry Pi is a micro computer board meant to execute different technological demands. This device is meant to be the gateway for beginner programmers to express their digital creative desires. The powerful performance combined with the small size aims to make projects accessible and cost-efficient.

Uses of the Raspberry Pi

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Retrogaming Console

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The Raspberry Pi can function as an emulator and store games such as the NES, Atari 2600, Sega Genesis, Super NES, Game boy, and Playstation. The build requires the Raspberry Pi, a case, power supply, storage, and a keyboard or controller.[1]

 
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Bare-minimum build[1] as of 2017 according to pcworld.com:

  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ – $39.99
  • Official Raspberry Pi 3 Case (black/gray) – $8.05
  • CanaKit 5V 2.5A Raspberry Pi 3 Power Supply $9.99
  • SanDisk Ultra 16GB Ultra Micro SDHC Card – $6.40
  • Buffalo Classic USB Gamepad for PC – $18.99
  • HP K1500 Wired USB Keyboard – $14.99
  • AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable – $6.99

“RetroPie” is a software that can turn a Raspberry Pi into a retro-gaming system.[2] Once boot up a pop up will appear prompting the user to plug in any wired or wireless gamepad. A blue screen will appear and the final step is copying the game files into the Raspberry Pi.


Retropie aims to support many platforms and relive the classics. Here are the consoles that support it by pcworld.com:

  • Atari 2600
  • Atari 7800
  • Atari Lynx
  • GCE Vectrex
  • NEC TurboGrafx-16
  • Nintendo 64
  • Nintendo Entertainment System
  • Nintendo Super NES
  • Nintendo Game Boy
  • Nintendo Game Boy Color
  • Nintendo Game Boy Advance
  • Nintendo Virtual Boy
  • Sega 32X
  • Sega CD
  • Sega Master System
  • Sega Genesis
  • Sega Game Gear
  • Sega Saturn
  • SNK Neo Geo
  • SNK Neo Geo Pocket Color
  • Sony PlayStation
  • Sony PSP

Security Cameras

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A homemade HD surveillance camera can be built with the Raspberry Pi. Powered by the Linux OS, this project can be low as $120.[3] The Raspberry Pi Model B is the core. Other hardware components by instructables[3] include the Raspberry Pi Camera Module, housing, power supply, and an SD card.

 
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Raspbian is the main OS (operating system) used to setup the camera. This enables camera settings and a catalyst for motion detection softwares.

Smart Fridge

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A refrigerator can transform and operate as a smart device.[4] The hardware components from hackster.io consists of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. Raspbian OS, bluetooth speaker, USB LED light, and a power bank. Built-in, DIY wiring is not recommended. The alternative is having the external components be attached onto the fridge and position the camera in front of the items.

RaspiCam-Remote is a mobile app that allows the user to view their fridge from any device. Users would have an accurate perception of the items in their fridge and the quality of the food. The constant upkeep can save a lot of time and make grocery shopping more efficient.

LinkMeter / HeaterMeter

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LinkMeter and HeaterMeter aims to make grilling a light task by monitoring your grill while receiving real time updates[5]. The tools required for the HeaterMeter Kit are the Raspberry Pi, Wifi adapter, SD card, 12V Power supply, Pit probes, and a 3D printed case.[5]

HeaterMeter

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HeaterMeter is an AVR/ Arduino microcontroller-based automatic BBQ controller.[6] This allows you to monitor the temperature and make manual adjustments anywhere. It has the dual purpose of being an independent function or an extension with a Raspberry Pi.

Different versions
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There are two versions of the software using the Raspberry Pi with the notable difference being the latest version (HeaterMeter v4.3) supports modern Raspberry Pi PCBs.[7]

HeaterMeter version Compatibility
Heatmeter v4.2 Raspberry Pi Model A or B (original), Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W, or Raspberry Pi Model A+ (with modification)
Heatmeter v4.3 Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3A+, and 3B+, Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, Raspberry Pi Model B+, Raspberry Pi Model A+, Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W

LinkMeter

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LinkMeter is an extension of HeaterMeter by providing necessary data and immediate feedback. LinkMeter is what tracks the current status of the temperature, fan speed, and other data.[8]

Weather Station

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The DIY weather station can be assembled with the Weather HAT, Raspberry Pi Zero W, and the anemometer.[9] This project aims to be a remote forecast that offers immediate readings in your vicinity, multiple data, and customizable display. Adaptation to daily weather conditions can play out in anyone's favor due to receiving accurate information and immediate shifts from the comfort of their home.

The software is installed in the Terminal window to access the Weather HAT library:[9]

git clone https://github.com/pimoroni/

weatherhat-python cd weatherhat-python

sudo ./install.sh

Testing

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Testing the device outside is the only method to ensure honest feedback. There are some factors to consider when mounting it. Rain and trees can be obstacles that can disrupt readings which can cause inaccuracy. An accurate compass is important for displaying the wind pressure and calculate air movements. This is acquired by using a physical (or smartphone) compass and align it with the device.

Adafruit IO

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Adafruit IO is a web dashboard that lets you view real time weather reports. The design dashboard can display real time temperature and change the values to your preference.[9]

Minecraft Server

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Creating a private Minecraft server is doable with the Raspberry Pi and can be a cheap alternative. The materials are skewed towards software than hardware so with only the Raspberry Pi 3 (or 4) and 2GB of RAM, you're able to make the the project cost friendly.[10] This guide is catered towards Minecraft Java Edition.

 

Installing the Minecraft Server in the Raspberry Pi takes a few steps. The JDK (Java Development Kit) is the prerequisite to run a server. The jar file (the ZIP file) is needed which can be found in the Minecraft.net server's download page. By entering the jar file in the wget (command-line tool), the server is created.

Online Multiplayer

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The server is only linked to the user's local internet, anyone connected under the same network and home can access it. However, it is possible to have a multiplayer experience with other users under different networks by the process of setting a Static IP address on the Raspberry Pi[11] and port forwarding.

References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "How to build a Raspberry Pi retrogaming emulation console". PCWorld. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  2. ↑ "RetroPie". RetroPie. 2022-03-14. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 GmbH, scavixScavix Software; KG, Co. "Raspberry Pi As Low-cost HD Surveillance Camera". Instructables. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  4. ↑ "Smart Fridge". Hackster.io. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "HeaterMeter: Control your Grill Using a Raspberry Pi! – Howchoo". Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  6. ↑ "An Introduction to LinkMeter HeaterMeter". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  7. ↑ "HeaterMeter v4.2 or v4.3". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  8. ↑ "LinkMeter Home". GitHub. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/build-a-weather-station-with-a-web-dashboard-hackspace-58/
  10. ↑ updated, Avram Piltch last (2022-09-07). "How to Make a Minecraft Server on Raspberry Pi". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  11. ↑ updated, Avram Piltch last (2022-09-06). "How to Set a Static IP Address on Raspberry Pi". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
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