Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi

Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/beginning-custom-projects-with-raspberry-pi

Introduction

### Course Review: Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi In the ever-evolving world of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) stands out as a groundbreaking innovation, connecting everyday objects to the internet for smarter, more efficient living. If you're looking to dive into this domain, "Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi" on Coursera offers an ideal entry point for enthusiasts and aspiring makers alike. #### Overview This comprehensive online course focuses on employing the Raspberry Pi 4 to construct a complete network-connected project that utilizes sensors and motors, accessible via a smartphone. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on utilizing the Raspberry Pi as an embedded system rather than a desktop computer, equipping learners with the skills needed to transform the Raspberry Pi into the control unit for any project they dream of creating. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is thoughtfully structured into four modules, each building upon the last to ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. 1. **Installing, Configuring, and Connecting to Your Raspberry Pi Over the Network** This module serves as an introduction to the Raspberry Pi, explaining its advantages over an Arduino platform. You will install the operating system and connect to the Pi through a network. A helpful bonus covering Linux command line basics ensures that even those new to Linux can easily navigate their Raspberry Pi. 2. **Controlling Your Raspberry Pi Over the Network** With your Raspberry Pi ready to go, you'll connect to a graphical desktop session and explore electronics theory. This module emphasizes using GPIO pins to control physical elements like LEDs and creating a web API endpoint to toggle functionality. An optional bonus on Python is included for users who want to enhance their programming knowledge. 3. **Using Sensors and Motors** Delving deeper into GPIO skills, this module introduces pulse width modulation (PWM) to manipulate LED brightness and control motors. You'll learn the importance of using dedicated circuitry for complex tasks and the different types of external hardware required for advanced applications. 4. **Let's Make Our Own IoT Project** In the final module, you will apply all that you’ve learned to create your own web-enabled home automation project. This hands-on experience encourages you to explore additional security concepts while ensuring that the project remains straightforward and accessible. #### Personal Insight As someone who has dabbled in the realm of IoT and Raspberry Pi projects, I found this course intensely rewarding. The modular approach helped me build confidence, piece by piece, as I learned the necessary skills to bridge software and hardware. The clear explanations combined with a strong focus on practical applications reinforce concepts effectively. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi" for both novices and those with some prior experience. The course’s hands-on approach empowers you to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills; by the end, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your custom projects using Raspberry Pi. Whether your goal is to create smart home devices, robotics, or any IoT application, this course lays a solid foundation for your future explorations. Plus, the optional sections on Linux and Python provide valuable resources for those looking to deepen their knowledge. For anyone keen on transforming ideas into reality through technology, this course is undoubtedly a worthy investment of your time. Sign up today, and unlock the potential of your Raspberry Pi journey!

Syllabus

Installing, Configuring, and Connecting to Your Raspberry Pi Over the Network

In this module, we introduce the Raspberry Pi, and discuss how it is different from an Arduino. We will install and configure the operating system on a Raspberry Pi and connect to it via a network connection. If you’re not familiar with the Linux shell, there is an optional bonus section at the end of this module on Linux command line basics. Soon, we'll be using the pins on the Raspberry Pi to control things in the real world such as an LED.

Controlling Your Raspberry Pi Over the Network

As we enter this module, your Raspberry Pi is up and running on the network and we’ve done quite a lot on the Linux command line. In this module, we’ll connect to a full graphical desktop session over the network, learn some electronics theory and how we can use the GPIO pins to light an LED, and create a web API endpoint to toggle the LED and demonstrate how embedded devices can use simple web APIs for a control interface. At the end of this module is an optional bonus section on the Python language, which you might find useful if Python is new for you. All of this is groundwork for the next module where we create sensors and spin motors with the Raspberry Pi.

Using Sensors and Motors

In this module, we’ll build on our Raspberry Pi GPIO skills and use some of the dedicated circuitry for driving special signals, like the pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry, to vary the brightness of an LED. We’ll also access external hardware to run a motor, and discuss when external hardware is necessary, such as for real-time application or to drive power-hungry devices like motors. This is a fun module, and if you've been wondering how to control hardware with a Raspberry Pi, I think you'll find a lot of answers in this module. In the final module, Module 4, we'll take these individual skills and everything we've learned in Modules 1 and 2, along with some new ideas, and build a project together. By the end of this module, you might be surprised to see what types of complex systems you already know how to design and build.

Let's Make Our Own IoT Project

In the first three modules we got our Raspberry Pi running over the network, we interfaced to physical world items such as LEDs and motors, and we controlled our Raspberry Pi with a web API. In this module we’ll take a closer look at some security concepts, combine what we know about sensors and electronics to create our own web-enabled home automation project you can access from your phone or computer. We'll keep things simple because the goal is for you to understand how all the parts work and, when it's time for you to create your own project, you can extend these concepts to create even the wildest projects.