Book Image

Raspberry Pi Zero W Wireless Projects

By : Vasilis Tzivaras
Book Image

Raspberry Pi Zero W Wireless Projects

By: Vasilis Tzivaras

Overview of this book

The Raspberry Pi has always been the go–to, lightweight ARM-based computer. The recent launch of the Pi Zero W has not disappointed its audience with its $10 release. "W" here stands for Wireless, denoting that the Raspberry Pi is solely focused on the recent trends for wireless tools and the relevant use cases. This is where our book—Raspberry Pi Zero W Wireless Projects—comes into its own. Each chapter will help you design and build a few DIY projects using the Raspberry Pi Zero W board. First, you will learn how to create a wireless decentralized chat service (client-client) using the Raspberry Pi's features?. Then you will make a simple two-wheel mobile robot and control it via your Android device over your local Wi-Fi network. Further, you will use the board to design a home bot that can be connected to plenty of devices in your home. The next two projects build a simple web streaming security layer using a web camera and portable speakers that will adjust the playlist according to your mood. You will also build a home server to host files and websites using the board. Towards the end, you will create free Alexa voice recognition software and an FPV Pi Camera, which can be used to monitor a system, watch a movie, spy on something, remotely control a drone, and more. By the end of this book, you will have developed the skills required to build exciting and complex projects with Raspberry Pi Zero W.
Table of Contents (11 chapters)

Specifications

If you have bought a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, you will be familiar with the Cypress CYW43438 wireless chip. It provides 802.11 n wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The new Raspberry Pi Zero W is equipped with this wireless chip as well. The following are the specifications of the new board:

  • Dimensions: 65 mm × 30 mm × 5 mm
  • SoC: Broadcom BCM 2835 chip
    • ARM11 at 1 GHz, single-core CPU
    • 512 ΜΒ RAM
  • Storage: MicroSD card
  • Video and Audio: 1080p HD video and stereo audio via mini HDMI connector
  • Power: 5V supplied via micro-USB connector
  • Wireless: 2.4GHz 802.11 n wireless LAN
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth classic 4.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
  • Output: Micro-USB
  • GPIO: 40-pin GPIO, unpopulated

In the following image, we can see the new Raspberry Pi Zero W equipped with the previously mentioned specifications:

Raspberry Pi Zero W

Notice that all components are at the top of the board, so you can easily choose your case without any problems and keep it safe. As far as the antenna is concerned, it is formed by etching away copper on each layer of the PCB. It may not be visible, as it is in other similar boards, but it works great and offers quite a lot of functionalities:

Raspberry Pi Zero W Capacitors

Also, the product is limited to only one piece per buyer and costs $10. You can buy a full kit with a MicroSD card, a case, and some extra components for about $45, or choose the full kit with a camera that contains a small camera component for $55.