Raspberry Pi A, Raspberry Pi B Getting Started Manual

Raspberry Pi

Getting Started Guide

RS Components Vsn 1.0 3/2012

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1. Raspberry Pi Basic Hardware Setup

1.1. Extra Hardware You Will Need

The Raspberry Pi board contains a processor and graphics chip, program memory (RAM) and
various interfaces and connectors for external devices. Some of these devices are essential, others
are optional. RPi operates in the same way as a standard PC, requiring a keyboard for command
entry, a display unit and a power supply.

It also requires ‘mass-storage’, but a hard disk drive of the type found in a typical PC is not really in
keeping with the miniature size of RPi. Instead we will use an SD Flash memory card normally used

in digital cameras, configured in such a way to ‘look like’ a hard drive to RPi’s processor. RPi will
‘boot’ (load the Operating System into RAM) from this card in the same way as a PC ‘boots up’ into

Windows from its hard disk.
The following are essential to get started:

 SD card containing Linux Operating system
 USB keyboard
 TV or monitor (with HDMI, DVI, Composite or SCART input)
 Power supply (see Section 1.6 below)
 Video cable to suit the TV or monitor used

Recommended optional extras include:

 USB mouse
 Internet connection, Model A or B: USB WiFi adaptor
 Internet connection, Model B only: LAN (Ethernet) cable
 Powered USB hub
 Case

1.2. Connecting Everything Together

1. Plug the preloaded SD Card into the RPi.

2. Plug the USB keyboard and mouse into the RPi, perhaps via a USB hub. Connect the Hub
to power, if necessary.

3. Plug a video cable into the screen (TV or monitor) and into the RPi.

4. Plug your extras into the RPi (USB WiFi, Ethernet cable, external hard drive etc.). This is
where you may really need a USB hub.

5. Ensure that your USB hub (if any) and screen are working.

6. Plug the power supply into the mains socket.

7. With your screen on, plug the power supply into the RPi microUSB socket.

8. The RPi should boot up and display messages on the screen.

It is always recommended to connect the MicroUSB power to the unit last (while most connections
can be made live, it is best practice to connect items such as displays with the power turned off).

The RPi may take a long time to boot when powered-on for the first time, so be patient!

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1.3. Operating System SD Card

As the RPi has no internal mass storage or built-in operating system it requires an SD card
preloaded with a version of the Linux Operating System.

 You can create your own preloaded card using any suitable SD card (4GBytes or above) you

have to hand. We suggest you use a new blank card to avoid arguments over lost pictures.

 Preloaded SD cards will be available from the RPi Shop.

1.4. Keyboard & Mouse

Most standard USB keyboards and mice will work with the RPi. Wireless keyboard/mice should also
function, and only require a single USB port for an RF dongle. In order to use a Bluetooth keyboard
or mouse you will need a Bluetooth USB dongle, which again uses a single port.

Remember that the Model A has a single USB port and the Model B has two (typically a keyboard
and mouse will use a USB port each).

1.5. Display

There are two main connection options for the RPi display, HDMI (High Definition) and Composite
(Standard Definition).

 HD TVs and many LCD monitors can be connected using a full-size 'male' HDMI cable, and

with an inexpensive adaptor if DVI is used. HDMI versions 1.3 and 1.4 are supported and a
version 1.4 cable is recommended. The RPi outputs audio and video via HMDI, but does not
support HDMI input.

 Older TVs can be connected using Composite video (a yellow-to-yellow RCA cable) or via

SCART (using a Composite video to SCART adaptor). Both PAL and NTSC format TVs are
supported.

When using a composite video connection, audio is available from the 3.5mm jack socket, and can
be sent to your TV, headphones or an amplifier. To send audio to your TV, you will need a cable
which adapts from 3.5mm to double (red and white) RCA connectors.

Note: There is no analogue VGA output available. This is the connection required by many
computer monitors, apart from the latest ones. If you have a monitor with only a D-shaped
plug containing 15 pins, then it is unsuitable.

1.6. Power Supply

The unit is powered via the microUSB connector (only the power pins are connected, so it will not
transfer data over this connection). A standard modern phone charger with a microUSB connector
will do, providing it can supply at least 700mA at +5Vdc. Check your power supply's ratings
carefully. Suitable mains adaptors will be available from the RPi Shop and are recommended if you
are unsure what to use.

Note: The individual USB ports on a powered hub or a PC are usually rated to provide 500mA
maximum. If you wish to use either of these as a power source then you will need a special
cable which plugs into two ports providing a combined current capability of 1000mA.