Originally the idea of these small computers less than the size of a bill was educational, according to data provided by its creators. But this phenomenon is has exceeded sales globally and is now used in many functions, including domestic ones, for a lower price than that assembled by large manufacturers.
This innovative device, with multiple functionalities, can be used by anyone and attracts a few especially for its price and miniature. And although it has its limitations, awaits a long life cycle based on its open source, which opens up tons of creative possibilities.
I invite you to continue reading and get to know this computer tool in depth, its characteristics, performance, utilities, uses, models and projects that you can learn to do yourself from scratch with a Raspberry Pi 2.
What is the Raspberry Pi 2 and what is this development board for electronics lovers?
If we were to make a short definition of the Raspberry Pi 2, we would say that it is a mini single board computer with no hard disk or memory. It is on average six times faster than its previous models by increasing its storage capacity and the rest of missing peripherals are connected via USB.
It supports various operating systems, most of which are based on Linux. Although betas are also included in Android and Windows. This plate hit the market to replace the 1B + model, being superior in several aspects. Without any inconvenience you can perform games, calculations, open multimedia files, word processors, view graphics, carry out educational projects and work, among other things.
What are the most interesting main features and functions of the Raspberry Pi 2?
We list some of the main features that this motherboard has:
- Weight: 45 grams
- Size: 85.6mm x 56.5mm
- Architecture 32 bit
- CPU: At 900MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- SoC: Broadcom BCM2836 (CPU, GPU, DSP and SDRAM)
- 1 x Audio output 3.5 mm mini jack
- 1 x RJ45 10/100 Ethernet
- 1 x Audio / video output HDMI
- 1 x Micro USB (Feeding)
- Feeding: 5V / 600 mA (3.5 W) via micro-USB
- 3.5mm jack for Composite Audio and Video
This model It does not include the casing or the respective cables to start it up. If you carry a free operating system that goes on an SD card inside the package.
Raspberry Pi 2 performance Is it the best we can buy to develop hardware?
The new power that the card brings compared to the previous one gives it superior performance and in addition to that has support for Windows 10, looking for the way to enter the largest number of digital platforms. However, opinions are inclined to keep using them with Linux, for its creative possibilities. The installation of the software is used to make the most of the gig of RAM that it provides and its four cores for more complex projects.
One of the ways to make the most of it is using the Raspbian Linux distribution that allows you to run multiple programs at the same time. Due to its low price and the performance that is on the rise, it is positioned as a good option to start with the development.
Raspberry Pi 2 Utility What are the best uses for these boards?
The uses are diverse and the projects that can be carried out as well. In this case, the development is in your hands. I will tell you some of the utilities that you can give to this motherboard if you decide to buy one. Works as a mini desktop computer for several years, a low-cost equipment and in which medium-term jobs can be carried out.
Even if speed is not the main feature, it fulfills functions of office programs and multimedia playback, so it can easily become a content distributor. Secondly, performs the functions of an email server or for small web projects. Its consumption is very low and it can be located anywhere without major problems. And finally, among its uses we tell you that can be turned into a mobile devicel, able to make and receive calls from the computer.
Raspberry Pi 2 versions, which ones exist and how to choose the best one to use in your project?
Raspberry Pi version 2 came out in a single adaptation and came to take the place of the Pi Model B +. Although it plays videos in HD it cannot do so in 4K And it doesn’t have Gigabit connectivity either, features that would help creators a bit more.
When choosing the version, you have to see what are the utilities and projects that you have with it. The best thing to do is to consult the technical specifications table and make a good decision. It should always be considered that the price is quite accessible, going hand in hand with its characteristics.
List of the best projects with Raspberry Pi 2 that you can do yourself to learn
Simple things that you can start doing on a motherboard with little knowledge and then you will expand with your research and studies:
Weather Station
This project has raised a lot of interest in tech entrepreneurs. It is useful for measuring temperature, humidity, light levels, air pressure and ultraviolet radiation among others. It is based on preparing a sensor management center whose information can be sent to various devices on a small screen.
Feeding the pet remotely
When you have to leave the house there is the problem of how to take care of pets. But these cards can work as a food manager. The creation has a tank and a mechanical system that controls the Pi that serves the appropriate doses of food according to the schedule.
Get started in programming
And this was one of the objectives with which these devices were born: take the first steps in the programming language. The most used software is Scratch, especially aimed at the little ones in the house because it lays the foundations to fully understand the process.