Abstract
Using microcontrollers to host sensors is an economical way to build a sensor network. But what do you do when you need more computational power than a microcontroller can provide? What if you need to convert the data to a different format, incorporate the data in an application, or print a hard copy of the sensor data? In these situations, you likely need a computer that has more processing power, can allow the use of common applications, permits the use of scripting languages, and affords access to peripherals.
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- 1.
In this case, you require I/O ports that can be used as components in an electronic circuit and can be accessed (read from and written to) by programming libraries.
- 2.
Secure Digital (SD): a small removable memory drive the size of a postage stamp. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital .
- 3.
My alma mater has suffered a similar transition. I mourn for the loss of knowledge.
- 4.
My first real computer was an IBM PCjr. I followed it by building my own IBM PC AT computer, complete with a 10MB hard drive. Ah, those were the glory days of personal computers!
- 5.
Actually, there is another video option on the board. The small ribbon cable connector on the left is a DSI video connector. To date, there are no examples using this connector for video, but it is an option for the adventurous. There is also a camera connector located behind the Ethernet port.
- 6.
Places like your couch, favorite recliner, patio, coffee bar, and so on.
- 7.
Be sure to select a cable that supports device sensing. If your Lapdock does not power on when the Raspberry Pi is connected, it is most likely the HDMI cable. Try another cable.
- 8.
Be sure to get permission before “borrowing” a cable from a friend or spouse—it won’t be usable as a standard cable when you’re finished modifying it.
- 9.
They go by so fast, it is unlikely you will be able to read them anyway. Basically, they’re noise unless there is an error, and those usually appear in the last few lines displayed.
- 10.
Raspberry Pi images were generated with fbgrab. You can install it with sudo apt-get install fbgrab.
- 11.
What? Never heard of floppy drives? The original ones were indeed floppy. For bonus points, what was the storage capacity of the 8” dual-sided, double-density floppy medium?
- 12.
Python experts often refer to themselves using this term. It is reserved for the most avid and experienced Python programmers.
- 13.
In case you were curious, there is no dog command.
- 14.
Meaning it is the preferred way. Sometimes code can be described as “pythonic,” which also means it was written in the preferred Python style or with specific syntax. Learning to program Python with Pythonisms comes second to everyone who learns Python, but it is the mark of a true Pythonista to be able to know the difference.
- 15.
Hardcore code junkies and hackers alike love this stuff.
- 16.
I recommend shopping around to find the best deal. At the time of writing, demand for the Raspberry Pi is still greater than the supply, so the cost is a bit higher.
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© 2013 Charles Bell
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Bell, C. (2013). Raspberry Pi-based Sensor Nodes. In: Beginning Sensor Networks with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Apress, Berkeley, CA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-5825-4_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4302-5825-4_4
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Publisher Name: Apress, Berkeley, CA
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Online ISBN: 978-1-4302-5825-4
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