The extensive array of diverse projects employing Raspberry Pi unequivocally positions it as the ultimate multitool in the realm of computing.
Raspberry Pi, a diminutive, cost-effective computer resembling a credit card, functions akin to a standard computer, facilitating the attachment of peripherals such as an external display, keyboard, and mouse.
Comprising three board models—Pi, Pi Zero, and Pi Pico—each variation of the Pi series offers distinct features. Ranging from the minimalist Pico to the more comprehensive Pi, these models cater to varying user needs.
Presently, the highest-tier model available in the series is the Raspberry Pi 4, offered in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB RAM configurations.
Unlike the Pi boards, the Pi Pico doesn't operate as an independent computer but rather serves as a microcontroller.
Enthusiasts have leveraged Raspberry Pi boards for an eclectic array of applications, constructing wearables, web servers, smart mirrors, digital picture displays, and LED lighting control systems.
Amid an expanding repository of creative endeavors centered around this compact computer, here are several additional captivating Raspberry Pi projects contributing to its ever-growing repertoire.
Media server
If the idea of purchasing an Android media box doesn't appeal to you, you have the alternative option of crafting your personalized media server with a Raspberry Pi.
Numerous software choices are available for media streaming purposes, such as ReadyMedia, Kodi, Plex Media Server, and OpenMediaVault.
Recent assessments by MyBroadband indicate that Plex delivers commendable performance when utilized as a media server.
Additionally, Plex's capability to aggregate streaming services presents an appealing feature for individuals uninterested in managing their individual media servers.
Internet tracking and ad blocker
Linus Tech Tips presented a demonstration employing a Raspberry Pi Zero alongside Pi-hole software to create a network-level blocker, effectively halting online trackers and advertisements.
Utilizing Pi-hole enables the obstruction of ads within mobile applications and smart TVs, enhancing network speed by intercepting and blocking ads prior to their download.
This project is compatible with any Raspberry Pi model, necessitating additional hardware components like a microSD card and a 2.5A micro USB AC power supply.
Depending on the specific Raspberry Pi model employed, there might be a need for supplementary components, detailed on the LTT blog for further reference.
Air Raid Siren Monitor
The inventor, identified as Dr2mod, ingeniously combined an e-ink display with a Raspberry Pi Zero W to devise an air raid siren monitoring system amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Functioning on the principle of extracting information from Telegram messages, this system populates a map showcasing the areas where reports of air raid sirens have surfaced.
Detailed on the project's Github page, the creator demonstrates the setup of the application, configuring it to retrieve data at 10-second intervals from https://sirens.in.ua/.
To assemble the air raid siren monitor, components such as a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a Waveshare e-ink 2.13 display, a microSD card, and a micro-USB cable for power were requisites.
SNES Pi: Zero
This undertaking involves housing an entire retro console within the confines of a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) cartridge.
The designer chose the Raspberry Pi Zero W due to its sufficient power to handle “virtually any game predating the N64” and its compact size.
Dubbed the SNES Pi: Zero, the system operates on the RetroPie operating system, which provides emulation for a diverse array of classic video games encompassing titles from NES, Sega Genesis, Gameboy, and Nintendo 3DS.
MyBroadband has a history of engaging in retro gaming endeavors. In a previous project, we successfully played Doom on a Raspberry Pi Pico equipped with a mere 2MB of storage.
Intruder alarm
A basic intruder alarm can be constructed by utilizing a Raspberry Pi alongside components such as a laser sensor, a sound sensor, an LED, an active piezo buzzer, and jumper wires.
This alarm system functions by issuing alerts upon detecting a disruption in the laser beam or detecting sound.
The laser sensor's receiver specifically reacts to the light emitted by the laser beam, ensuring that it remains impervious to any other visible light sources.
For comprehensive instructions, a step-by-step guide is available in The MagPi's tutorial.
Sun Tracker
Dr2mod has developed an additional e-ink-based project, this time focusing on a sun tracker.
This particular project is designed to compute and exhibit the sun's angle concerning the user's location on Earth, including details such as sunrise and sunset times, as well as the Earth's position in its orbit around the sun.
Additionally, it showcases the current time and the moon's position relative to Earth, all based on the user's specific geographical coordinates.
To bring this project to life, the creator utilized a Raspberry Pi Pico, a precise real-time clock module (DS3231), a Waveshare e-Paper 3.7 display, a Pimoroni lithium polymer SHIM battery charge controller, and a lithium polymer 2000mAh 103450 battery.
Robot that detects cracks in Railroad tracks
SVSEmbedded engineered a robot designed to navigate railway tracks, detecting potential cracks that might pose risks of train derailments.
The robot's construction involved the integration of various components: an infrared (IR) sensor, alarm system, GSM module, and GPS module connected to a Raspberry Pi Pico.
Upon identifying a crack using its IR sensor, the 4-wheeled robot triggers a signal to the Raspberry Pi Pico, prompting the activation of an alarm system.
Subsequently, the GSM module dispatches an SMS alert containing location data sourced from the GPS module to a specified phone number.
