The Miracle of Raspberry Pi Part 2 and Exclusive Insight of the new Raspberry Pi Zero

The Miracle of Raspberry Pi Part 2 and Exclusive Insight of the new Raspberry Pi Zero

$5 Raspberry Pi Zero (RaspberryPi.org)

After discussing the Raspberry Pi in the last post, I promised to compile a list of projects worth to be checked about. See part 1 : The Miracle of Raspberry Pi (Part 1). But before we make our way to the awesome projects, I have some good news to share. The arrival of Raspberry Pi Zero. What’s the different between Raspberry Pi Zero with another model of Raspberry Pi ? The ultimate difference is the price ! You can get Raspberry Pi Zero with only $5 ! Yeah, you are not mistaken. $5 is the only money you need to buy one credit-card sized computer ! With only a slight decrease of specification from Raspberry Pi 2, it can still perform a whole load of computation. Raspberry Pi Zero is also 40% faster than Raspberry PI 1 and a lot cheaper !. Here is the comparison of specification between Raspberry Pi 1, Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi Zero. (source : element14.com)

	Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+	Raspberry Pi 2 Model B	Raspberry Pi Zero
Dimensions	85mm x 56mm x 17mm	85mm x 56mm x 21mm	65mm x 30mm x 5mm
Chip	Broadcom BCM2835 SoC full HD multimedia applications processor	Broadcom BCM2836 ARMv7 Quad Core Processor	Broadcom BCM2835 ARMv6 SoC full HD multimedia applications processor
CPU	700 MHz Low Power ARM1176JZ-F Applications Processor	900 MHz Low Power ARMv7 Quad Core Processor	1 GHz Low Power ARM1176JZ-F Applications Processor
GPU	Dual Core VideoCore IV® Multimedia Co-Processor	Dual Core VideoCore IV® Multimedia Co-Processor	Dual Core VideoCore IV® Multimedia Co-Processor
RAM	512 MB SDRAM @ 400 MHz	1GB SDRAM @ 450 MHz	512 MB SDRAM @ 400 MHz
Storage	MicroSD	MicroSD	MicroSD
USB 2.0	4x USB Ports	4x USB Ports	1x Micro USB Port
Ethernet	1x 10/100mb Ethernet RJ45 Jack	1x 10/100mb Ethernet RJ45 Jack	None
Video Connections	HDMI, Composite RCA (shared with audio jack)	HDMI, Composite RCA (shared with audio jack)	Mini HDMI
Supported Resolutions	640×350 to 1920×1200, including 1080p, PAL & NTSC standards	640×350 to 1920×1200, including 1080p, PAL & NTSC standards	640×350 to 1920×1200, including 1080p, PAL & NTSC standards
Audio	Multi-Channel HD Audio over HDMI, Stereo from 3.5 mm jack	Multi-Channel HD Audio over HDMI, Stereo from 3.5 mm jack	Multi-Channel HD Audio over HDMI
Operating Systems	Raspbian, RaspBMC, Arch Linux, Risc OS, OpenELEC, Pidora	Raspbian, RaspBMC, Arch Linux, Risc OS, OpenELEC, Pidora	Raspbian, RaspBMC, Arch Linux, Risc OS, OpenELEC, Pidora
Power	5V micro USB input. 600mA rating	5V micro USB input. 800mA rating	5V micro USB input. 160mA rating
GPIO	40	40	40 pin (unpopulated)
Other Connectivity	1x CSI-2 for Raspberry Pi camera modules 1x DSI for Raspberry Pi displays	1x CSI-2 for Raspberry Pi camera modules 1x DSI for Raspberry Pi displays	None
Power Source	1x Micro-USB	1x Micro-USB	1x Micro-USB
Highlights	• Improved power management which improves USB support and allows for high-drain devices such as external USB hard drives. • Larger bank of accessible GPIO ports compared to Model B board allows for direct hardware device control. • Smaller, compact design	• No more buffer face – boots up Raspbian in less than half the time as the Model B+ • More power for your favourite projects – create Space Progammes, Time Lapse Videos, GPS tracking, HD audio and lots more with a full ecosystem of supporting accessories. • Build your own workstation – create and manage your documents and spreadsheets with ease using LibreOffice™	• The 40 pin GPIO is unpopulated providing the flexibility to use only the connections your solution requires. • Power rating of just 160mA even when connected to a 1080P display, making this the most efficient Raspberry Pi to date. • 1 Micro USB “on the go” data port for linking to accessories and peripherals like an external USB hub.

(MagPi)

You should definitely check out Zero Essential Kit for only £6.00 provided by thepihut that contains relevant adapter cables, (aswell as a wide selection of GPIO headers) needed for the new Raspberry Pi Zero ports. It’s your choice to choose your type of Raspberry Pi to start with but Raspberry Pi Zero seems promising ! I’m currently using Raspberry Pi 2 Model B though for development process and this Raspberry Pi Zero has just launched several hours ago and sold out fast. 

Newest MagPi Magazine covering Raspberry Pi Zero

So, let’s look further what cool projects we can do with our Raspberry Pi!

• Pi In the Sky. Wanna capture our world from above the horizon? You don’t have to be a pilot or astronauts to be able to capture pictures of our beautiful earth and show it off to your friend using Raspberry Pi. Head to the blog to find out how to make your first above the horizon photo device !
• Wall-Mounted Google Calendar.  FInding ideas of how to decorate your living rooms or your office space to look cooler and tech-savvy? This project is yours. Using Raspberry Pi and several components, you have your very own wall-mounted calendar !
• Raspberry Pi Internet Weather Station. Building your own weather station looks amazing isn’t it. You won’t need to wait for the weather forecast from TV anymore. You have your own weather station !
• Home automation system. You can build your own sci-fi house using Raspberry Pi. With enough googling for related projects that you wanted to install in your house, you can have like fire alarm system, lamp management system, home intrusion system, temparature system, smart fridge, etc. The power is in your hand !
• Raspberry Pi Dog Treat Machine. Worried about your dogs or pets while you travel far from your home ? Worried no one feeds your pets? Then this project is yours. Build your own automated pet food dispenser so you won’t worry about long trip anymore!
• Voice-activated Coffee Machine. A cool concept that hack your daily Espresso Coffee Machine.

That’s for today cool Raspberry Pi projects. Some is not as easy as it looks but it definitely worth doing it ! This list is compiled from several amazing Raspberry Pi communities. What’s your thought about Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Zero? If I’m missing something, just tell me in the comment section below and I’ll do my best to answer it !