A credit card-sized computer board has seen a rise in popularity during the worldwide Covid-19-related lockdown, with inventors, coders and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts finding a multitude of uses for the unit.

The Raspberry Pi computer board is able to function like a personal computer (PC) and offers Internet browsing, creating of documents, gaming and coding.

Its name comes from the coding language Python, which is shortened to ‘Pi’, and the word Raspberry, which is linked to the idea that many computer companies name products after fruit. Since its launch in 2012, over 30-million boards have been sold worldwide. The company states that the main attraction of the computer is its size, affordability and functional capability – making it suitable for both home and business use. The latest version of the board, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, was launched in 2019.

The miniature computer board is suitable for use as a media centre, a file server, enabling home automation, a device for streaming content, a router, robotics applications and functions that require the use of a standalone computer where cost and size are important considerations.

A number of online resources are available to support a range of possible projects, such as:

• Creating music: Sonic Pi enables music-coding, using basic programming skills to make music, ranging from sound effects and short samples to full-length songs.
• Photo booth: Created using a Raspberry Pi board, camera module and 7 inch touchscreen.
• Gaming: Building a portable arcade gaming console or building a retro gaming console with a development kit from Canakit.
• Music streaming: The Raspberry Pi can be used to stream a number of podcast, music and Internet radio channels. Online music streaming projects can also be used to build a vintage radio or jukebox.
• Creating a Smart TV: An old television can be converted into a Smart TV by using the Raspberry Pi with various software options such as Kodi, Plex, Android TV and Chromecast.
• Home automation: The board can be used to remotely control and monitor lighting, temperature, garage doors and closed circuit television cameras from a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Electronics distributor RS Components South Africa, explains that the single-board computers have gained popularity in South Africa, as they offer a practical, affordable and accessible way for novices and DIY enthusiasts to be introduced to coding and the Internet of Things.