Hackers are buzzing with ideas from Pi-powered arcade machines and drones to the home automation and low-cost tablets. 10 coolest uses for the Raspberry Pi article tells that TechRepublic has delved into the Raspbery Pi’s developer forums, and here’s our round-up of the best ideas so far, ranging from the eminently achievable to the massively ambitious. You can use your Raspberry Pi for example as media streamer, arcade machine, tablet computer, robot controller and home automation controller. Rasberry Pi homepage offers also some more interesting projects like Retro games and a retro joystick.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Keep tabs on your home’s energy consumption and production in real-time with this Raspberry Pi setup.
Monitor Your Home’s Power Consumption with Raspberry Pi
https://www.hackster.io/news/monitor-your-home-s-power-consumption-with-raspberry-pi-b2049340bbba
This combination of custom hardware and software allows you to keep tabs on energy consumption and production in real-time.
The system is designed around a Raspberry Pi 3B+ and uses a Microchip MCP3008 analog to digital converter, and Kill-A-Watt energy meter to monitor up to six current transformers, along with a single AC voltage reading. David then wrote some code that takes those readings and transforms them into live data on power consumption and generation.
https://www.reddit.com/r/electronics/comments/huxo96/i_designed_built_and_coded_a_custom_wholehome/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Deployable via Ansible, TinyPilot turns any Raspberry Pi with a low-cost USB HDMI capture dongle into a low-latency IP KVM.
TinyPilot Turns a Raspberry Pi Into a Low-Cost HDMI IP KVM for Browser-Based Headless Server Access
https://www.hackster.io/news/tinypilot-turns-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-low-cost-hdmi-ip-kvm-for-browser-based-headless-server-access-55690c660662?b6af2c9703f203a2794be03d443af2e3
Deployable via Ansible, TinyPilot turns any Raspberry Pi with a low-cost USB HDMI capture dongle into a low-latency IP KVM.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/07/24/a-complete-raspberry-pi-power-monitoring-system/
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Machine Shoots Chocolate into Your Mouth with a Simple Alexa Voice Command
Harrison McIntyre built a machine that will automatically launch M&M candies into his mouth when he asks Alexa for chocolate.
https://www.hackster.io/news/this-machine-shoots-chocolate-into-your-mouth-with-a-simple-alexa-voice-command-78217953e709
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/07/23/custom-weather-camera-feed-with-software-tricks/
Tomi Engdahl says:
TinyPilot Provides KVM-over-IP, With Low Cost And Even Lower Latency
https://hackaday.com/2020/07/24/tinypilot-provides-kvm-over-ip-with-low-cost-and-even-lower-latency/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Save your breath, this Raspberry Pi-powered machine blows bubbles over the Internet.
The Internet Controlled Bubble Machine
https://www.hackster.io/8bitsandabyte/the-internet-controlled-bubble-machine-d920e8
Blowing bubbles is a lot of fun, but it can be hard work. We can fix this problem by simply building an internet controlled bubble machine
view source says:
Wooden home furniture possesses something very organic regarding it.
There is this sense of warmth, of nature and also of luxury that could be be discovered in wood furniture.
Wood is actually born coming from the earth. It feeds the
fire, breaks down in to ashes and drafts away. It is actually very near the human existence in the world.
May be that is why it resonates a great deal along with our team.
When you touch an abundant mahogany workdesk, might
be that is why you still obtain that warm and comfortable emotion.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://blog.adafruit.com/2020/07/17/setting-up-a-wireguard-vpn-on-the-raspberry-pi-piday-raspberrypi-raspberry_pi/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://louwrentius.com/this-blog-is-now-running-on-solar-power.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Control Electronics Just by Looking at Them with Hypervisor
https://www.hackster.io/news/control-electronics-just-by-looking-at-them-with-hypervisor-66c72addf818
This wearable headset lets users with physical disabilities operate their touchscreen devices by simply looking at them and blinking.
Those who struggle to use their hands can find interacting with touchscreens to be a very difficult task. That’s why Zack Freedman created Hypervisor, which is a wearable device that is able to track a user’s eye movements and pupil positioning to place a mouse cursor on a screen. He built the head-mounted unit as an entry for the 2020 Hackaday Prize to fulfill the needs of United Cerebral Palsy.
https://hackaday.io/project/173518-hypervisor-optical-touchscreen
Tomi Engdahl says:
Surfshark is relatively new to the VPN scene but has quickly gained a lot of popularity for its privacy, security, and speed.
https://blog.adafruit.com/2020/07/24/how-to-setup-surfshark-on-the-raspberry-pi/
Tomi Engdahl says:
GardenPi is a highly-scalable and powerful controller for any sized irrigation, hydroponic or aquaponic system.
GardenPi powered by Neptune. py
https://www.hackster.io/user3424878278/gardenpi-powered-by-neptune-py-c0a691
Highly scalable and powerful irrigation / hydroponic & aquaponic control system managing up to 32 zones with automation and sensors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Bryan Dole’s clock uses Life360, Raspberry Pi, and Home Assistant to track the whereabouts of his family members.
This Harry Potter Weasley Clock Actually Works in the Muggle World
https://www.hackster.io/news/this-harry-potter-weasley-clock-actually-works-in-the-muggle-world-54cd664d28ed
Bryan Dole’s clock uses Life360, Raspberry Pi, and Home Assistant to track the whereabouts of family members
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi controlled 3D printed card shuffler that rigs the deck to deal out winning hands.
https://github.com/DDeGonge/Shuffle-o-matic
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How to replace your laptop’s optical drive with a Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi Zero Replaces Broken Laptop Optical Drive
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-zero-replaces-broken-laptop-optical-drive
Sometimes a broken laptop is an opportunity for invention. This project was created and shared by a maker who goes by Ollie242. After a malfunctioning optical drive proved to be more of a burden than a feature, Ollie242 decided to remove it completely. With a gaping hole in the side of the laptop, the decision was made to install a Raspberry Pi Zero W in its place.
The Raspberry Pi is embedded in the laptop hardware and even draws power from it. Ollie242 included a breadboard that slides out with the Pi that can be used for projects whenever you want.
Ollie242 powers the Pi using a male to female slimline SATA cable connected directly to the laptop. To access the Pi, VNC is used to remote into the system, eliminating the need for any additional peripherals. The laptop screen, cursor and keyboard can be used to control the Pi.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Plunging the temperature of the SoC well below freezing pulled up a bug in Raspberry Pi OS, too.
Sensor Equipment Creates the “Coolest” Raspberry Pi 4 with a CooliPi Case and Liquid Nitrogen
https://www.hackster.io/news/sensor-equipment-creates-the-coolest-raspberry-pi-4-with-a-coolipi-case-and-liquid-nitrogen-cfe07484d13a
Plunging the temperature of the system-on-chip well below freezing pulled up a bug in Raspberry Pi OS, too.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi Zero Project Opens Garage Door for Model Y Tesla
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-zero-project-opens-garage-door-for-model-y-tesla
Tomi Engdahl says:
5 reasons to run Kubernetes on your Raspberry Pi homelab
A new free eBook offers step-by-step instructions for creating a private cloud at home, including what you can do with it when you’re done.
https://opensource.com/article/20/8/kubernetes-raspberry-pi
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi Zero Guide: Projects, Specs, GPIO, Getting Started
https://www.tomshardware.com/features/raspberry-pi-zero
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://ptx2.net/posts/unbricking-a-bike-with-a-raspberry-pi/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.tomshardware.com/features/best-raspberry-pi-projects/4
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi calls out your custom workout routine
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-calls-out-your-custom-workout-routine/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Grillo has teamed up with IBM and The Linux Foundation to open source an earthquake early warning system, dubbed OpenEEW, with a view to deploying it more widely and potentially saving lives.
Grillo Partners with IBM, the Linux Foundation for Open-Hardware Earthquake Early Warning Sensors
https://www.hackster.io/news/grillo-partners-with-ibm-the-linux-foundation-for-open-hardware-earthquake-early-warning-sensors-ca54f7f362a8
The MEMS-based sensors, lightweight enough to report back to a Raspberry Pi, could help save lives in future earthquakes.
https://openeew.com/
Tomi Engdahl says:
“Tee se itse” -robottikoira. Raspberry Pi -ohjain, tavalliset sähkömoottorit, Thingiversestä 3D-malli tulostettavaksi ja Githubista lähdekoodi. Ja sitten vaan kävelyttämään!
Mini Raspberry Pi Boston Dynamics–inspired robot
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/mini-raspberry-pi-boston-dynamics-inspired-robot/
This is a ‘Spot Micro’ walking quadruped robot running on Raspberry Pi 3B. By building this project, redditor /thetrueonion (aka Mike) wanted to teach themself robotic software development in C++ and Python, get the robot walking, and master velocity and directional control.
And yes, this is one of those magical projects with all the code you need stored on GitHub. The software is implemented on a Raspberry Pi 3B running Ubuntu 16.04. It’s composed on C++ and Python nodes in a ROS framework.
https://github.com/mike4192/spotMicro
Tomi Engdahl says:
YouTuber Skyentific answers the question of how you can use a Raspberry Pi-powered robot arm mounted on your shoulder.
Why Mount a Robot on Your Shoulder?
https://www.hackster.io/news/why-mount-a-robot-on-your-shoulder-7fe04267d9cf
YouTuber Skyentific answers the question of how you can use a Raspberry Pi-powered robot arm mounted on your body.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://blog.arduino.cc/2020/08/19/24h-sunrise-sunset-displays-real-time-sunsets-and-sunrises-via-unsecured-cctv-cameras/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Build a Raspberry Pi robot buggy with your kids
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/build-a-raspberry-pi-robot-buggy-with-your-kids/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Good Luck Beating This Air Hockey Robot
A team of students built a robotic air hockey table that runs on Arduino and Rasbperry Pi — and (almost) never loses!
https://www.hackster.io/news/good-luck-beating-this-air-hockey-robot-8cf50d70eb0f
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi-Powered Feeder Puts Pigeons’ Intelligence to the Test
David Pride’s food dispenser also features a motion-activated camera.
https://www.hackster.io/news/raspberry-pi-powered-feeder-puts-pigeons-intelligence-to-the-test-ba69e9dae355
Tomi Engdahl says:
Where No Raspberry Pi Has Gone Before
https://www.hackster.io/news/where-no-raspberry-pi-has-gone-before-5939fa00cdf2
This tricorder-inspired device sniffs out clandestine alien communications and detects unknown lifeforms.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mini Raspberry Pi Boston Dynamics–inspired robot
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/mini-raspberry-pi-boston-dynamics-inspired-robot/
This is a ‘Spot Micro’ walking quadruped robot running on Raspberry Pi 3B. By building this project, redditor /thetrueonion (aka Mike) wanted to teach themself robotic software development in C++ and Python, get the robot walking, and master velocity and directional control.
Mike was inspired by Spot, one of Boston Dynamics’ robots developed for industry to perform remote operation and autonomous sensing.
What’s it made of?
Raspberry Pi 3B
Servo control board: PCA9685, controlled via I2C
Servos: 12 × PDI-HV5523MG
LCD Panel: 16×2 I2C LCD panel
Battery: 2s 4000 mAh LiPo, direct connection to power servos
UBEC: HKU5 5V/5A ubec, used as 5V voltage regulator to power Raspberry Pi, LCD panel, PCA9685 control board
Thingiverse 3D-printed Spot Micro frame
Tomi Engdahl says:
Winging It with sulfuroid’s Pi-to-Feather Adapter Board
https://www.hackster.io/news/winging-it-with-sulfuroid-s-pi-to-feather-adapter-board-8b6433293e34
28 to 40-pin converter allows FeatherWings — or even entire Feather boards — to stack on the Raspberry Pi family of SBCs
Tomi Engdahl says:
Lucas Hall built a reliable private internet access point and portable local network using a Raspberry Pi with a cellular HAT.
Transforming a Raspberry Pi Into a Portable WiFi Hotspot
https://www.hackster.io/news/transforming-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-portable-wifi-hotspot-240b51930f5a
Lucas Hall built a reliable private internet access point and portable local network using a Raspberry Pi with a cellular HAT
Tomi Engdahl says:
The LEMPA HAT makes flashing new firmware onto Microchip Makes ATmega/ATtiny and Espressif Systems ESP microcontrollers as easy as possible, by turning any Raspberry Pi or compatible SBC into a standalone programmer.
LEMPA, the Lean Mean Programming Machine, Turns a Raspberry Pi Into a Standalone AVR/ESP Programmer
https://www.hackster.io/news/lempa-the-lean-mean-programming-machine-turns-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-standalone-avr-esp-programmer-210fb1e831ae
The Python-powered LEMPA software joins a custom HAT to make headless microcontroller flashing as simple as possible.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Overclock Any Raspberry Pi
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/overclock-any-raspberry-pi
Tomi Engdahl says:
Make Yourself a Video Surveillance System in Minutes
Use a single-board computer or spare laptop, a webcam and free software to build your own surveillance system.
https://www.hackster.io/phil-wilson2/make-yourself-a-video-surveillance-system-in-minutes-4fe176
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/atomic-tv-the-magpi-97/
Tomi Engdahl says:
“Arduino, I choose you!” Redditor GeneralHugo created a Nano-powered Pokéball that’s incredibly realistic: https://bit.ly/2EUjyEi
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/09/03/yarh-io-is-the-hackable-pi-portable-of-our-dreams/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Automotive engineering fan TJD has launched a new add-on for the Raspberry Pi and compatible single-board computers designed to make it easier to integrate them into vehicle projects: the CarPiHat.
https://www.hackster.io/news/carpihat-offers-multi-feature-interfaces-between-your-raspberry-pi-and-any-12v-vehicle-system-48846b7839cb
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/09/05/turning-the-raspberry-pi-into-a-mcu-programmer/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/09/05/play-a-game-of-multimeter/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/09/07/the-floppy-disk-as-a-portable-music-format/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Give Your Pi a Military-Grade Look with the 3D-Printed Mil-Plastic Enclosure
Flexible open source design with a 10-inch display.
https://www.hackster.io/news/give-your-pi-a-military-grade-look-with-the-3d-printed-mil-plastic-enclosure-d601c7a317b1
Jay Doscher makes functional electronics art. We have covered his elegant open source designs in the past, which include the Hacker-Friendly Computer Frame and the Raspberry Pi Recovery Kit. These are just a couple of unique creations. As a follow-up to a previous project, he has created a 3D-printed Mil-Plastic single-board computer enclosure.
https://back7.co/home/back7co-mil-plastic
Tomi Engdahl says:
ESA – European Space Agency’s ExoMy rover is designed around a Raspberry Pi and features a triple-bogie suspension and six steerable wheels.
ESA’s 3D-Printed Rover Brings a Friendly Face for Exploration
https://www.hackster.io/news/esa-s-3d-printed-rover-brings-a-friendly-face-for-exploration-6df412031783
The ExoMy rover is designed around a Raspberry Pi, and features a triple-bogie suspension and six steerable wheels
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/09/10/garbage-can-takes-itself-out/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Designed to turn any Raspberry Pi 4 into a touchscreen tablet, does the RasPad 3 improve on the flaws of its predecessor?
https://www.hackster.io/news/hands-on-with-the-raspad-3-an-all-in-one-tablet-conversion-kit-for-the-raspberry-pi-4-206423a3ba70
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jay Doscher Launches the Simpler, Easier-to-Build Raspberry Pi Quick Kit Rugged Portable
https://www.hackster.io/news/jay-doscher-launches-the-simpler-easier-to-build-raspberry-pi-quick-kit-rugged-portable-87b15eea2a8e
With just three 3D-printed parts, the Quick Kit is a more compact version of Doscher’s Raspberry Pi Recovery Kit — but lacks some features.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Lorraine Underwood has created a light-up face mask, powered by a Raspberry Pi, that converts the wearer’s speech into scrolling text to improve accessibility.
Lorraine Underwood’s Raspberry Pi-Powered Speech-to-Text Mask Tackles a Key Accessibility Issue
https://www.hackster.io/news/lorraine-underwood-s-raspberry-pi-powered-speech-to-text-mask-tackles-a-key-accessibility-issue-7fb3ed812c71
Designed to assist those who struggle to hear speech when someone is wearing a mask, this project is more than a fashion accessory.
https://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-95462/l/episode-463-raspberry-pi-speech-to-text-led-face-mask?CMP=SOM-YOUTUBE-PRG-E14PRESENTS-EP463-RASPBERRY-PI-TEXT-LED-FACE-MASK-COMM