Raspberry Pi Collection

This page is for “Raspberry Pi Collection” - full set of Pi’s from 1B to 5 used over the last decade.

Commentary

I have a complete collection of Raspberry Pi models ranging from 1B, 2B, 3B, 4, and 5, each serving different purposes throughout the last decade. These devices have been instrumental in various automation and home infrastructure projects.

Current Active Projects:

• Pi-hole: Started on Pi 3B, now successfully running on Pi 1B (downgraded setup that works flawlessly)
• Automated Wakeup Alarm: Bhajan sequence automation for morning routines
• Phone Home Device: SSH-enabled device with speakers for remote family communication via text-to-speech

Future Projects: Home Assistant, Jarvis with RPi, and Magic Mirror implementations are planned for upcoming projects.

Technical Specs

Collection Overview

• Raspberry Pi 1B: Original model, currently running Pi-hole
• Raspberry Pi 2B: Enhanced performance model
• Raspberry Pi 3B: WiFi/Bluetooth enabled, previously ran Pi-hole
• Raspberry Pi 4: High-performance model with USB-C power
• Raspberry Pi 5: Latest generation with improved specs

General Specifications

• CPU: ARM-based processor (varies by model)
• RAM: 1GB-8GB depending on model
• Storage: MicroSD card slot
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB ports, GPIO pins
• Power: 5V via micro USB or USB-C
• Operating Systems: Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, various Linux distributions

Useful Applications

Current Active Projects

• Pi-hole - Network-wide ad blocking (currently on Pi 1B)
• Automated Wakeup Alarm - Bhajan sequence automation
• Phone Home Device - SSH-enabled remote communication with text-to-speech

Planned Future Projects

• Home Assistant - Smart home automation platform
• Jarvis with RPi - Voice assistant implementation
• Magic Mirror - Smart mirror with information display

Tips and Tricks

Pi-hole Optimization

• Downgrade Strategy: Pi-hole runs flawlessly on Pi 1B, freeing up newer models
• Network Configuration: Set as DNS server for network-wide ad blocking
• Performance: Even older Pi models handle Pi-hole efficiently
• Maintenance: Regular updates and blocklist management

Automation Projects

• Wakeup Alarm: Use cron jobs for scheduled bhajan sequences
• Text-to-Speech: Configure speakers and TTS for phone home functionality
• SSH Access: Enable for remote management and communication
• Audio Setup: Proper speaker configuration for voice output

Hardware Management

• MicroSD Cards: Use high-quality Class 10 or better cards
• Power Supply: Ensure stable 5V power supply for reliable operation
• Temperature Monitoring: Use vcgencmd measure_temp for thermal monitoring
• GPIO Safety: Use proper resistors when working with GPIO pins

System Configuration

• Initial Setup: Use sudo raspi-config for system configuration
• SSH Enable: Enable SSH for headless operation
• Automatic Updates: Set up unattended-upgrades for security patches
• Model Selection: Choose appropriate Pi model based on project requirements

Reference material