RPi Hardware Basic Setup

Back to the R-Pi Hub

Typical Hardware You Will Need
While the RPi can be used without any additional hardware (except perhaps a power supply of some kind), it won't be much use as a general computer. It is likely then you will need some additional hardware, like a normal PC would.

Prepared Operating System SD Card
The RPi has no internal storage or built-in operating system, it requires a SD-Card setup to boot the RPi.

You can create your own by preparing your own on any suitable SD card you have.

Pre-Prepared SD cards will also be available from the RPi Shop.

More detailed information see RPi Distributions section.

Keyboard & Mouse
Most standard USB keyboards and mice will work with the RPi (support will depend on the distribution of linux you use and the device itself).

Wireless keyboard/mice should also function (such a ones which use RF USB dongles), obviously in order to use a Bluetooth Keyboard or Mouse you would need to add a Bluetooth Dongle (again support will depend on the distribution of linux you use and the device itself)

Also, remember the Model-A unit only has a single USB port and the Model-B only has two (typically a keyboard and mouse will use a USB port each) - see USB-Hub below.

More detailed information see RPi Verified Peripherals section.

Display
There are two main connection options for the RPi display, Composite or HDMI (or DVI via an HDMI-DVI adaptor).

Modern HD TVs or LCD Monitors can be connected using HDMI or DVI inputs and will provide the best quality.

Most older TVs can be connected using Composite input (or SCART via an adaptor).

Note: There is no VGA output available, so older CRT/LCD monitors may not work.

More detailed information see Rpi Screens section.

USB-Hub
In order to connect additional devices to the RPi, you may want to obtain a Powered USB Hub, which will allow multiple devices to be used.

It is recommended that it is a powered hub is used, to provide any additional power to the devices without effecting the RPi itself (see RPi Hardware - Power section).

Power Supply
The unit uses a Micro USB connection to power itself (only the power pins are connected - so it will not transfer data over this connection). You can use a range of power sources (assuming they are able to provide enough current ~700mA):
 * 1) USB Mobile-Phone/Tablet Charger (mains or car)
 * 2) Computer USB Port (will depend on power output)
 * 3) Mobile Phone Backup Battery (will depend on power output) - needs confirmation...theory only

Suitable mains adaptors will also be available from the RPi Shop.

More detailed information about the RPi power requirements are in the RPi Hardware - Power section.

Cables
You will probably need a number of cables in order to connect your RPi up.
 * 1) Micro USB Power Cable
 * 2) HDMI or Composite cable to connect your Raspberry to the Display/Monitor/TV of your choice.
 * 3) Network Cable (if connecting Model-B RPi to a LAN network)

Case
Since the RPi is supplied without a case, it will be important to ensure that you do not use it in places where it will come into contact with conductive metal or liquids, unless suitably protected.

For many some form of a case will be worth considering.

More detailed information see Rpi Cases section .

Additional Peripherals
You may decide you want to use various other devices with your RPi, such as Flash Drives/Portable Hard Drives, WiFi adaptors (support will vary), Speakers etc.

More detailed information see RPi Verified Peripherals section.

Expansion & Low Level Peripherals
If you plan on making use of the low level interfaces available on the RPi, then ensure you have suitable header pins for the GPIO (and if required JTAG) suitable for your needs.

Also if you have a particular low-level project in mind, then ensure you design in suitable protection circuits to keep your RPi safe (details will be made available within the RPi Projects, Guides & Tutorials section).

More detailed information see Rpi Low-level Peripherals section.

Connecting Together
When you have your RPi, all your devices and your cables, you can use the diagram below to put them all together.

NOTE: 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/h/w pin connections with the power turned off).