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Raspberry Pi & Sensor Systems

This guide provides an in-depth, structured reference for Raspberry Pi systems, Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian), and sensor integration. It is written to help users understand not only how to deploy Raspberry Pi hardware, but why certain design decisions matter, where limitations exist, and how to build reliable, long-running systems for real-world use.

Living Reference

This page is designed as a continuously expanding technical reference. Individual sections will grow into full guides, labs, and case studies.

Raspberry Pi Fundamentals

Raspberry Pi devices are single-board computers designed around ARM-based processors. Unlike microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi systems run full Linux operating systems and support multitasking, networking, and modern software stacks. Understanding this distinction is critical when selecting hardware for sensing, automation, and radio applications.

Architecture & Design

  • ARM CPU and SoC design
  • Shared memory and I/O constraints
  • GPU and video pipeline overview
Expanded Soon

Capabilities vs Limitations

  • CPU scheduling and thermal throttling
  • USB and bus contention
  • Why Pis are not real-time systems
Expanded Soon

Model Selection

  • Pi Zero vs Pi 3 vs Pi 4 vs Pi 5
  • Memory sizing considerations
  • Power and longevity tradeoffs
Expanded Soon

Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian)

Raspberry Pi OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware. While familiar to Debian users, it includes unique kernel, firmware, and hardware abstractions that must be understood to maintain stability and performance.

Installation & Imaging

  • Imager vs manual imaging
  • Headless configuration
  • SSH and first-boot automation
Expanded Soon

Updates & Stability

  • Kernel and firmware updates
  • APT best practices
  • Preventing accidental breakage
Expanded Soon

Storage & Filesystems

  • SD card wear and corruption
  • USB boot and SSD options
  • Backup and recovery strategies
Expanded Soon

GPIO & Sensor Integration

GPIO access allows Raspberry Pi systems to interface with sensors, relays, and external hardware. Unlike microcontrollers, GPIO access occurs through a multitasking operating system, which introduces timing, latency, and reliability considerations.

GPIO Electrical Rules

  • Voltage and current limits
  • Pull-ups and pull-downs
  • Common causes of hardware damage
Expanded Soon

BME280 & I2C Sensors

  • Temperature, humidity, pressure
  • I2C bus addressing
  • Accuracy, drift, and calibration
Expanded Soon

Data Logging

  • Polling intervals
  • Database vs flat file logging
  • Long-term storage strategies
Expanded Soon

Real-World Deployments

Raspberry Pi systems are frequently used in unattended or remote environments. This section focuses on building systems that survive power loss, networking interruptions, and environmental stress.

Weather & Environmental Stations

  • Sensor placement
  • Enclosures and condensation
  • Publishing data to the web
Expanded Soon

Radio Infrastructure

  • Audio and SDR handling
  • 24/7 uptime considerations
  • Failure detection and recovery
Expanded Soon

Automation & Monitoring

  • systemd scheduling
  • Health checks and alerts
  • Remote diagnostics
Expanded Soon