Event

Raspberry Pi Jam: Sensors

This will be a workshop on how to read sensors with the Raspberry Pi, and builds on the setup work that was part of the "Getting Started with Raspberry Pi" workshop held in January. This workshop will specifically cover both digital sensors like contact switches and analog sensors which require an external analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Topics include:

+ GPIO-only digital sensors like contact switches
+ Interfacing with SPI-based devices using the Raspberry Pi hardware SPI interface
+ Using the MCP3008, which is a low-cost 10-bit 8 channel ADC with an SPI interface to measure:

+ Potentiometers
+ Temperature sensors
+ Photo cell
+ Hall effect sensors

+Logging data to COSM (https://cosm.com/)

Examples of SPI code will be covered in C and Python, while the COSM data logging example will only be covered in Python.

The workshop fee includes the sensor kit for the Raspberry Pi, which includes the MCP3008 Analog to Digital Converter IC, Potentiometer, Temp Sensor, Photo cell, micro-switch and hall effect sensor. To get the most out of the workshop, you should bring a Raspberry Pi with Raspbian installed, setup and up-to-date. The makerspace has monitors, HDMI cables, keyboards and mice, though working over VNC from a laptop is even better!

Please note that this event is limited to 8 participants in order to make the workshop manageable and flow smoothly. You are allowed to bring a "Plus One" with you as long as you're sharing a Pi and workshop materials.

Instructor: Thomas Tongue
Class Fee: $35/person (includes workshop supplies, see above)
Location: Tech Valley Center of Gravity (35 4th Street, Troy, NY)