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What should I start with (Raspberry Pi or Arduino)?

Former Member

I’m a father for 11 years old carious boy and I would like to introduce him to some “electronic” based projects and code writing (he’s taking java coding at school). What is the recommendation to start with, Raspberry Pi micro-computer or Arduino micro-controller? Also are there any good projects to start with to gain experience and keep an 11 year old engaged? I’m looking to get help and ideas on how to jump start our journey.

Thanks.

  • 0

    I'm glad you asked!...

     

    I wrote an essay on the subject...

     

    Arduino or Pi... or other? - hh9bardupi

     

    My "authority"? Twenty years of teaching science and computing, to learners from 10-18, in UK schools.

     

    Oh... and GTS (Geek Tendency Syndrome)

     

    The page cited also leads to various tutorials I hope you and your learner will find useful.

     

    Picking up on what you said... curious/ learning Java at school:

     

    I really don't think it will over-strech his capabilities to divide his attention between Java at school, Java or Lazarus at home, on a PC, to do PROGRAMMING, and Arduino (or Pi), but NOT with Java, to learn computer controlled electronics. Yes, in a "perfect world", (for him) someone would do a Java programming environment for the Arduino. Not necessary, though! The "new" language, to access the Arduino Not a Big Deal.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    The Information there is too dated.

    For example:

    If you were my child, I'd give you an Arduino... in addition to showing you things you could do with "just" a laptop. But the Pi has things to commend it, too.

    It would appear that the new multi-cored Pi has reasonable performance to the point that it could realistically be used as an alternative to a desktop or laptop PC.

     

    Secondly, perhaps community size no longer makes sense for Arduino or Pi, both are huge:

    Re-read what I wrote about the Arduino, and infer the complement: Arduino- mature/ Pi- less mature; Arduino- big community/ Pi- smaller community. Etc.

     

    Also, lets not forget that the Pi runs Linux - one of the worlds most popular operating systems (not talking about desktop computing) - so there is a massive community for Linux.

     

    Anyway, back to the poster's original question, I'd really check if it actually was Java, or JavaScript that the child is currently learning if he/she is 11.

  • 0

    I have a good solution here! I found a pcDuino Model 3 that costs around $60 dollars.  Google around and you can catch them on sale image And you can use the same board to run normal Arduino IDE to program the interface. The best of both the Raspberry Pi and Arduino.

    bigbanner

     

    Here are the specs:

    Hardware Specifications

    ItemsDetails
    CPUAllWinner A20 SoC, 1GHz ARM Cortex A7 Dual Core
    GPUOpenGL ES2.0, OpenVG 1.1, Mali 400 Dual Core
    DRAM1GB
    Onboard Storage4GB Flash, microSD card (TF) slot for up to 32GB
    Video OutputHDMI 1.4 with HDCP support
    OS
    • Ubuntu 12.04
    • Android 4.2
    Arduino extension interfaceArduino sockets, same as Arduino UNO
    14xGPIO, 2xPWM, 6xADC, 1xUART, 1xSPI, 1xI2C
    Network interface
    • USB WiFi
    • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps
    Audio out
    • 3.5mm analog audio interface
    • I2S stereo digital audio interface
    LCDLVDS
    IRIR receiver
    SATASATA Host socket
    CameraMIPI
    BatteryLi-Poly Battery Interface
    USB1 x USB host, 1xUSB OTG
    Power5V, 2000mA
    Overall Size

    121mm x 65mm

    Cheers,

    Clem

  • 0 in reply to clem57

    Clem Martins wrote:

     

    I have a good solution here! I found a pcDuino Model 3 that costs around $60 dollars.

    There's also a pcDuino3Nano for US$39: http://www.pcduino.com/pcduino3nano-building-worlds-powerful-diy-project-nano-linuxandroid-single-board-computer/

     

    The Nano is pretty much the same as pcDuino3 except for WiFi and LVDS. You do get Gigabit Ethernet and SATA.  I seriously considered pcDuino3Nano as my main desktop computer but went with ODROID-C1 instead, largely because of ' success with the C1: http://www.element14.com/community/community/designcenter/single-board-computers/blog/2014/12/23/odroid--oh-boy

  • 0

    Thank you all for the valuable information, apologize for not responding in a timely manner.

     

    My son and I took the route of investigation together, reading many of your posts and reviewing the details. We decided to start with the Pi, as it is more a “PC” based and familiar platform. And as we get comfortable with our skills, needs and wants will branch out as needed.

     

    Appreciate all the time and efforts you put to provide us with guidance,

     

    Thank you!

     

    Shahar 

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Great way to work together. Please blog about your future projects together.

    Have fun,

    Clem

  • 0

    Start with the Arduino Uno.  ( Period )

     

    The RPi uses 3v3 logic (its more finiky about sensor voltages, etc). The Arduino works with 5v logic which matches most sensors out there. 

     

    The RPi does NOT have analog to digital converts on-board;  the Arduino DOES have analog to digital converts on-board; and this is a big deal for many sensors and things he'll be interested in doing.

     

    The Arduino is forgiving, the RPi is not. The Arduino IDE is easy;  the RPi Python interface is not-so-much. He's young and he's smart, so he'lll be able to learn either one... but, the Arduino will be the better platform to start with for learning electronics prototyping.

  • 0

    I think you should have a look at this comparison Arduino Vs Raspberry Pi. It will help you in selection.