As Easy as Raspberry Pi?
March 1, 2018 12:36 PM Subscribe
I'd like to purchase a Raspberry Pi kit for two kids (ages 10 & 12), but I have no idea how to begin or what other accessories they may enjoy. All I have so far is a very nice monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Assume my budget is $100-$200. Any other Raspberry Pi related links, videos, etc. that may help first time builders would be great. Suggestions to other related questions I should be asking would also be great! Thanks!
$200 is a huge Pi budget so with it you can get a subscription to MagPi magazine; you get fun bits and monthly projects for different ages. The directions are very clear and you'll get a lot of mileage out of it.
posted by DarlingBri at 1:11 PM on March 1, 2018
posted by DarlingBri at 1:11 PM on March 1, 2018
Definitely check out Adafruit’s Pi “packs” which include different kinds of accessories.
You can then head over to the Tutorials section for some project ideas.
Happy hacking!
posted by vert canard at 1:20 PM on March 1, 2018 [1 favorite]
You can then head over to the Tutorials section for some project ideas.
Happy hacking!
posted by vert canard at 1:20 PM on March 1, 2018 [1 favorite]
Agree that $200 is a huge budget for this. Without more info, I'd get them each a Pi Zero kit, something like this.
That's the basic kit, but if they have specific interests there are other Pi Zero-based kits for things like a webcam, internet radio, mood light or LED board that can scroll text, each for around the same price — if you have a thought about which of those things they might enjoy in particular, maybe pick up either a basic kit and a specialized one, or two different specialized ones.
You'll also need a soldering iron or some hammer headers if you don't want to deal with the soldering.
posted by brentajones at 1:53 PM on March 1, 2018 [1 favorite]
That's the basic kit, but if they have specific interests there are other Pi Zero-based kits for things like a webcam, internet radio, mood light or LED board that can scroll text, each for around the same price — if you have a thought about which of those things they might enjoy in particular, maybe pick up either a basic kit and a specialized one, or two different specialized ones.
You'll also need a soldering iron or some hammer headers if you don't want to deal with the soldering.
posted by brentajones at 1:53 PM on March 1, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'd think about one of the Kano computer kits. While the full kit, with display, et al, is just above your budget, you might find that to be the way to go.
posted by hanov3r at 3:26 PM on March 1, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by hanov3r at 3:26 PM on March 1, 2018 [2 favorites]
I’d get a few breadboards, some leds, a box of jumper cables, some switches, and a few sensors. So much fun to be had
posted by jasondigitized at 6:48 PM on March 1, 2018
posted by jasondigitized at 6:48 PM on March 1, 2018
Interfacing a Zero W needs tricky cables, and unplugging the USB device will cause 'em to reset, losing everything. If you do go the 2× Zero W route, the unlimited sale (~ $20 ea., as opposed to ~ $10, which are still strictly one per customer) versions come with headers fitted. Otherwise, the Zero is a bit slow as a computer.
Adafruit seem to be dropping out of the Raspberry Pi kit market, and while I love what they've done for OSHW in general, their tutorials are more "Get Our Kit Working With Your Raspberry Pi (by installing a custom driver that we've forked and might deign to maintain for a few months on this old kernel version)". The Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational resources are much more about learning outcomes than selling stuff.
Don't cheap out on the power supply, µSD card or case. Do download and install a fresh OS image, as some suppliers aren't as nice as the one I worked for that supplied all cards with the current OS. For a basic blinkenlights setup on top of the Raspberry Pi, I'd suggest: assembled/presoldered Pi Cobbler (or better, T-Cobbler) 40 pin GPIO breakout board with cable, Full size breadboard , Male jumper wires (get lots of these), 330 ohm resistors, tactile switches (get 5-10; these are so cheap that they wholesale by volume, not count), assorted red/green/yellow LEDs.
posted by scruss at 3:45 AM on March 2, 2018
Adafruit seem to be dropping out of the Raspberry Pi kit market, and while I love what they've done for OSHW in general, their tutorials are more "Get Our Kit Working With Your Raspberry Pi (by installing a custom driver that we've forked and might deign to maintain for a few months on this old kernel version)". The Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational resources are much more about learning outcomes than selling stuff.
Don't cheap out on the power supply, µSD card or case. Do download and install a fresh OS image, as some suppliers aren't as nice as the one I worked for that supplied all cards with the current OS. For a basic blinkenlights setup on top of the Raspberry Pi, I'd suggest: assembled/presoldered Pi Cobbler (or better, T-Cobbler) 40 pin GPIO breakout board with cable, Full size breadboard , Male jumper wires (get lots of these), 330 ohm resistors, tactile switches (get 5-10; these are so cheap that they wholesale by volume, not count), assorted red/green/yellow LEDs.
posted by scruss at 3:45 AM on March 2, 2018
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posted by trialex at 12:54 PM on March 1, 2018