What You Need to Set up Your Raspberry Pi

A Raspberry Pi is a small, simple computer that you can use to build all kinds of creative electronics projects. It is, in itself, essentially just a motherboard, though. To get started programming it for your purposes, you need to get some other essential components, connect them to your Pi, and carry out certain initiating steps. Below is a list of what you need to set up your Raspberry Pi.

A MicroSD Card and Reader

A microSD card is a form of nonvolatile flash memory that will store all the information you’re working with as you set up your Raspberry Pi. To access that digital information, you need the corresponding memory card reader. The reader that you acquire should have a USB plug so you can connect it directly to the Pi, which has USB ports. You’ll use your SD card to store the SD card formatter, operating system installer, and operating system.

A Power Supply

This pretty much resembles a handheld device charger, except that you keep it plugged in to turn on you Pi. It converts AC (alternating current) voltage into a DC (direct current) form that is useable for computers. The minimum number of amps it should support depends on your Pi model. Three amps is the minimum for Raspberry Pi 4, and 2.5 is the minimum for Raspberry Pi 3.

A Mouse and Keyboard

Like the power supply, the mouse and keyboard you use to input commands on the Pi should have USB connectors so that you can attach them to its ports. You can go for wired or wireless Bluetooth versions, as both will function equally fine.

A Monitor and Connector

The monitor is the visual display for your computer assembly. It can be a desktop screen or a television monitor, so long as it has an HDMI or component video ports. The Raspberry Pi has an HDMI port so that you can hook it up to your chosen screen with your connector wire. Raspberry Pi 4s have two micro-HDMI ports instead so that you can connect to two monitors simultaneously.

A Way to Connect to the Internet

The last part of what you need to set up your Raspberry Pi is a means of connecting to the internet. You won’t be able to download the necessary software without it. The simplest route is to choose an ethernet cable to link your Pi directly to your router. For a cordless alternative, you could buy a wi-fi adaptor, which will serve the same function and has a USB plug.

To get a Raspberry Pi and other electronic parts, such as those included in Arduino maker kits, browse through the online selection at Chicago Electronic Distributors. We’ve partnered with some of the greatest frontrunners in the industry so you can find what you need for your projects.