User manual

6
1.1.1 Micro USB mobile charger
Any modern cell phone power supply is sufficient for the Raspberry Pi. However, older chargers from the
early days of the USB charging technology are too weak. If you intend to connect a power-hungry USB
devices such as external hard drives without a separate power supply you will need a stronger power supply.
The power supply must provide 5 V and at least 700 mA, while 1000 mA is even better. The built-in power
regulator prevents “burn out" in cases when the power supplies are too strong.
Signs of a weak power supply
The Raspberry Pi boots, but then the mouse pointer does not move or the system does not respond to
keyboard commands these are the indications that the power supply is too weak. If you cannot access
the connected USB sticks or hard drives you should also use a stronger power supply.
1.1.2 Memory card
The memory card in the Raspberry Pi acts as the hard drive. It contains the operating system. Your data and
installed programs are also stored here. The memory card should have at least 4 GB in size and according to
the manufacturer must support at least Class 4 standard. This standard specifies the speed of the memory
card. The performance of a recent class 10 memory card is clearly noticeable.
1.1.3 Keyboard
Any common keyboard with USB port can be used. Sometimes wireless keyboards do not work because they
require too much power or special drivers. If you do not have any other keyboard available, you need a USB
hub with a separate power supply to operate a wireless keyboard.
1.1.4 Mouse
A mouse with USB connection is only required if on the Raspberry Pi an operating system with graphical user
interface is used. Some keyboards feature additional USB ports for mice, so that you do not use any other
ports. You can use the port then for a USB stick, for instance.
1.1.5 Network cable
A network cable is required to connect to the router on a local network. This is definitely required for the
initial setup; later on you can also use Wi-Fi. Without Internet access many functions of the Raspberry Pi are
not very useful.
1.1.6 HDMI cable
The Raspberry Pi can be connected via HDMI cable to a monitor or a TV. For the connection to computer
monitors with DVI connector special HDMI cables or adapters are available.
1.1.7 Audio cable
The audio cable with 3.5 mm jacks can be used for headphones or PC speakers on the Raspberry Pi. The
audio signal is also available via the HDMI cable. HDMI televisions or monitors do not require audio cables.
If a computer monitor is connected via an HDMI cable to a DVI adapter, then typically at this point, the audio
signal is lost, so that you will need again the analogue audio output.