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4 Cool Raspberry Pi Projects That Will Awaken Your Inner Inventor
The Raspberry Pi is a small computer that is portable and can be integrated into projects with limited space. It has General Purpose Input/Output pins that allow it to directly control electronic components. Unlike Mac/Windows/Linux PCs, the Raspberry Pi offers this level of control.
Now, let’s jump into some cool projects you can do with it. If you dream of being a tinkerer/inventor, the Raspberry Pi is a great platform to get started. Keep reading to learn how you can build serious tinkering skills with a Pi!
To purchase a Raspberry Pi, visit the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s website. The cheapest Pi, the Pi Zero, starts at $5 for the board only.
1. Set up a Home Security Camera
A security camera provides peace of mind and can make your home safer by providing evidence in case of a break-in. If you have a Pi or are considering getting one, a Raspberry Pi HD surveillance camera project might interest you. User scavix on Instructables has a comprehensive guide for this setup, costing approximately $120.
This setup allows you to watch a live camera stream anywhere in a browser and record motion. Unlike other cameras, it offers local storage and more storage options. You can also set up notifications for detected motion via Growl.
Wearable Camera
We just spoke about a camera, but this one is wearable! Adafruit has a guide for building a wearable time-lapse camera with a Raspberry Pi Zero. While this camera doesn’t record video or audio, it’s still very cool.
Note that the case shown above was 3D printed. However, if you have access to a 3D printer, you can construct your own case using the instructions provided on the Adafruit website.
This would be an excellent tool for action sports or vlogging.
DIY Amazon Tap
Take a moment to consider DIY Amazon Tap. This device allows access to Amazon Alexa and also functions as a wireless speaker. Alexa is a smart virtual assistant capable of controlling your smart home and conducting internet searches, among other tasks. Visit Amazon’s Alexa description page for more information. Amazon has a detailed guide on setting up the device on their Github page.
Make Your Non-Wireless Printer Wireless
Wireless printing is popular nowadays. Dealing with wired printers can be frustrating. Wireless printers provide flexibility without wires and allow you to free up space by placing them in a different area.
If you are frustrated with your wired printer, consider this Raspberry Pi Project. With the Raspberry Pi, you can set up a wireless print server to access from Mac and Windows computers.
Final Thoughts
The possibilities are endless with the Raspberry Pi, but hopefully, these 4 projects got the wheels turning. If you have any cool project ideas, come across any or have already made some, let us know in the comments below!
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.