As I’m working on several Raspberry Pi hosted web/database/IOT projects this Christmas Season, I wanted to share my ultimate workstation.
First of all you need a Raspberry Pi. Now that version 3 is out, I got rid of all my older units and replaced them with this little wonder computer. The integrated WiFi and Bluetooth, plus the faster speed makes a useful computer into a absolute necessity!
I start with this Raspberry Pi Starter Kit which includes the Raspberry Pi 3, a 32gb SD Card, Power supply, and a HDMI cable.
Now, the case that comes in the kit is a fine case, but I wanted to mount mine on the back of my TV to keep it and the wiring out of the way. This VESA case can also mount on a wall or under a shelf.
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Again, with the minimal wiring goal, I use a Logitech wireless keyboard / mouse combo.
And did I mention I use a TV? Yes! A inexpensive HD LCD with a HDMI input for the Pi, and I can still catch a game or movie when I need a break from programming!
Last, but not least, you may need a VESA hardware kit to fit your tv. This kit covers most TV models and will make it easy to mount your Pi on the rear of the TV.
So that’s my setup, What is your preferred setup?
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Well, my setup has about 5 Pis floating around since I hate rewiring them all the time.
This T connector is worth its weight in gold: https://smile.amazon.com/Raspberry-kuman-Solderless-Breadboard-resistance/dp/B01LYN4J3B
It makes it very easy to prototype circuits.
The thing I wish I had (and need to make) is a better power supply system. The wall warts are big and always conflict with each other on my limited number of sockets. Need to rethink this.
My Pis sit in a closet next to my router, and I ssh into them when I need to do something. Not very exciting but it works.
So you have a Pi in a case on the back of your monitor. What do you do with the Pi? Being on the back of the monitor doesn't see to make it very easy to add interfaces or use for prototyping circuits. It does make a compact setup for writing software or surfing, but I find web surfing slow, even with the Pi 3. My Pis are scattered around in locations where they connect to things they control or monitor.
It's a web / database server for all my esp8266 sensor packs. It's also my arduino / esp8266 programming station.