If you like DIY projects and are interested in creating something useful without spending a lot of money, pairing Python with a Rasberry PI can open up a treasure trove of projects that will keep you busy for years, with each new build producing something amazing. Keep reading while we give you some ideas so you’ll know what we are talking about.
What Is Python?
Python is an easy-to-learn and use programming language that we talk a lot about here at Geeksided. If you are new to it, we recommend our guide to installing it and trying out your first programs to help get you up to speed.
What is a Raspberry Pi
A Raspberry Pi is essentially a mini computer that was originally intended for educational uses but became extremely popular with the DIY community. It is especially good at controlling other electronic equipment, thanks to its large amount of programmable pins. There are many models available ranging in cost, functionality, and size, with some being as small as a stick of gum and many being about the size of a credit card.
These tiny computers have multicore processing capabilities, up to 8 gigs of RAM, a Micro SD slot, USB ports, HDMI output, audio, an ethernet port, and even Wi-Fi. It supports various operating systems, including Windows 10, and you can use it with many different programming languages, including Python. It also comes with pre-installed development tools and software packages for coding, electronics projects, and learning at a fraction of what you might spend on a home computer or even a laptop.
What Can I Build Using Python and a Raspberry Pi?
Home Automation System
One of the best ways to get started with the Python and Raspberry Pi packages is with home automation. With Python, you can program the Raspberry Pi to use smart plugs, giving you the ability to power on and off items around your home remotely. You can also add sensors to the system to detect temperature and humidity to automate the use of sprinklers, air conditioners, and other equipment. Motion sensors added to the home automation system can help you automate lighting or trigger an alarm. Start with one automated device to learn how to do it, and add more as you feel comfortable.
Materials Needed:
- Raspberry Pi (any model)
- Smart plugs
- Sensors (motion, temperature)
Weather Station
Connecting temperature, humidity, and other sensors to your Raspberry Pi is also a great way to create a home weather station that you can use to collect data about your local environment and display it for you in real-time. It can be a great way to get a good understanding of how to set up various sensors and connect them to the Raspberry Pi.
Materials Needed:
- Raspberry Pi
- Weather sensors (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure)
- LCD display or web interface
Retro Gaming Console
While the Raspberry Pi isn’t quite up to the task of competing with the Playstation or Xbox just yet, they are strong enough to create a retro gaming system that can be a lot of fun and small enough to take anywhere. Play all of the popular titles from NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and more without needing to hut down the old hardware. It’s also a great way to learn about building a gaming console.
Materials Needed:
- Raspberry Pi (preferably Model 3 or 4)
- USB controllers
- RetroPie software
Drone
While a more advanced project, it’s still quite possible to build a drone using Python along with a Raspberry Pi. In this project, the Raspberry Pi is your flight controller, and Python scripts control flight patterns. You will also need to add sensors to detect speed, height, and tilt, set up controllers, and more.
Materials Needed
- Raspberry Pi (preferably Raspberry Pi 4 for better performance)
- Quadcopter Frame (250mm or larger)
- Brushless Motors (4)
- Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) (4)
Robot
One more project we couldn’t leave off the list, despite being better suited to more advanced builders, is the robot. It combines elements of mechanics, electronics, and programming, and the only limit is your imagination in terms of design, functionality, and complexity. A great place to start is with a wheeled robot that can navigate your home by detecting obstacles.
Materials Needed
- Raspberry Pi (preferably Raspberry Pi 4 for better performance)
- Robot Chassis Kit (including wheels, motors, and frame)
- Motor Driver Board (e.g., L298N or similar)
- Ultrasonic Sensor (e.g., HC-SR04 for obstacle detection)
Keep following Geeksided to learn more about Python and the Raspberry Pi