Book Image

Raspberry Pi for Python Programmers Cookbook - Second Edition

Book Image

Raspberry Pi for Python Programmers Cookbook - Second Edition

Overview of this book

Raspberry Pi cookbook for Python Programmers is a practical guide for getting the most out of this little computer. This book begins by guiding you through setting up the Raspberry Pi, performing tasks using Python 3 and introduces the first steps to interface with electronics. As you work through each chapter you will build up your skills and knowledge and apply them as you progress throughout the book, delving further and further into the unique abilities and features of the Raspberry Pi. Later, you will learn how to automate tasks by accessing files, build applications using the popular Tkinter library and create games by controlling graphics on screen. You will harness the power of the built-in graphics processor by using Pi3D to generate your own high quality 3D graphics and environments. Connect directly to the Raspberry Pi’s hardware pins to control electronics from switching on LEDs and responding to push buttons right through to driving motors and servos. Learn how to monitor sensors to gather real life data and to use it to control other devices, and view the results over the Internet. Apply what you have learnt by creating your own Pi-Rover or Pi-Hexipod robots. Finally, we will explore using many of the purpose built add-ons available for the Raspberry Pi, as well as interfacing with common household devices in new ways.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Raspberry Pi for Python Programmers Cookbook - Second Edition
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewer
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Hardware and Software List
Index

Automating your home with remote sockets


The Raspberry Pi can make an excellent tool for home automation by providing accurate timing, control, and the ability to respond to commands, button inputs, environmental sensors, or messages from the Internet.

Getting ready

Great care must be taken when controlling devices that use electricity from the mains since high voltages and currents are often involved.

Note

Never attempt to modify or alter devices that are connected to mains electricity without proper training. You must never directly connect any homemade devices to the mains supply. All electronics must undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure that there will be no risk or harm to people or property in the event of a failure.

In this example, we will use remote controlled radio frequency (RF) plug-in sockets; these use a separate remote unit to send a specific RF signal to switch any electrical device that is plugged into it on or off. This allows us to modify the remote control and use the...