Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a miniaturized computer. It literally is just larger than a credit card. It now comes in three flavors. The "A" version has 256Megs for RAM, and one USB port. The "B" version comes with 512Meg of RAM, a 10/100 base LAN port, and 2 USB ports. Just recently (July 2014), it was announced a B+ version would be available. This new version boast 40xGPIO pins, 4xUSB ports, MicroSD slot, better audio, and lower power consumption.
For my current projects, I'm using the older Model B version. In all the connections on this device are the following:
Micro USB port for power - uses same cord as most Android phones
Composite Video - analog video output (RCA type connector)
3.5mm Audio jack - analog audio output (3.5mm stereo port)
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x 10/100 Base LAN port
HDMI port - digital video and audio
I/O header - for GPIO (General Purpose I/O)
SD card slot - SD flash card slot for booting the Raspberry Pi with different OS's
The size of the "Pi" is only 3.370 in × 2.125 in
The Raspberry Pi using Linux based operating systems. Of the different types available, I have used the following in the linked projects:
The Raspbian OS is based on the Linux OS called Debian. This OS comes with a GUI interface, and is a full Windows type OS. The user can download a basic Office Suite very similar to Open Office, which is capable of opening the most recent Microsoft Office attachments. It also comes with a decent web browser called Midora. The one thing lacking is an email client, but if using Gmail, it is a non issue. This is an excellent alternative for some one requiring a simple computer for doing light duties of web browsing and performing simple office tasks. All one would have to add is a monitor and external hard drive, and one is set, for a fraction of the cost of an actual full desktop or laptop.
OpenELEC is a branch of the popular XBMC. It is open source, and works very well straight up. There is a ton of information on how to create a very powerful media machine using the Pi along with this OS. It is capable of output easily 1080P via the HDMI for high def movies, and can be easily controlled by the XBMC remote app installed on any Android or Apple product. If there was an easy way to integrate Netflix into this setup, I wouldn't even have a need for my media computers anymore. Let's hope this can get developed.
The SqueezePlug OS allows for the use of different media servers to be used in streaming music, pictures, video across uPnP/DLNA clients. It comes with many different servers, ready to install, depending on what you prefer and want to use. It is primarily a headless OS, meaning it is not meant to have a monitor connected to it. It runs SSH in the background, which will allow for remote access using terminal software like Putty. More information on SqueezePlug can be found here.
Continue by clicking on the link above to see how I'm using SqueezePlug with the Raspberry Pi for an in-car video server.
The Christmas Lightshow showcases using a Pi in a project that controls general I/O to the sound or timing of music. Based on the music characteristics, I/O will turn on and off, which can control different lighting effects. This makes a very affordable light show for the different holidays (Christmas/Halloween, etc) that rivals the professionals using more expensive hardware and software.
Multi-zoning Audio using RaspberryPi's
This is a new project under development that could eventually replace my aging Xlobby multi-zoning audio setup. It consists of RaspberryPi's loaded with a Squeezelite player and used in different rooms (zones) around the home. Additionally the Pi's will be loaded with Shairport (Airplay) capabilities so one can stream audio direct from Apple devices.
My variation of the popular Lego case design to house the Raspberry Pi module.
Disclaimer:
I am not an electrical/electronics engineer, nor am I claiming to be a professional at designing electronic circuits, I am, though, an Electronics Technologist, and have a firm understanding of all the circuits that I have built. If you choose to try some of the projects that I have done, I take no responsibility to your lose of personal health or property. All projects are performed at your own risk.