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  • Author Author: dubbie
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Getting Started with an Old Raspberry Pi #1 : Its a Model B (not a B+)

dubbie

As I am thinking of taking part in the Picasso Design Challenge that uses a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and not knowing very much about any Raspberry Pi I thought I would borrow one and see what I could do. I obtained an old one from my son which I am now attempting to get going.

 

I have searched some of the Element14 older material and managed to find out that I have a Raspberry Pi Model B (but not a B+). But so far I have not been able to find out how to connect it up so that I can at least turn it on and see what happens.  I think I need an HDMI cable but what else? Can anyone point me in the right direction for this very old Pi which is way past its Best Before Date?

 

Dubbie

  • in reply to beacon_dave

    Dave,

     

    Thanks for this information. I looked up some of these links which are very helpful. Although mostly aimed at the 3B+ or 2B they are general enough to be helpful to me. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion  that the Pi might not be for me unless I can get hold of a HDMI connectable display and a USB keyboard. Still, I've learnt some stuff about Pis.

     

    Dubbie

  • in reply to dubbie

    Hello Dubbie,

     

    Ethernet yes you can use, you may need to enable incoming SSH connections and find IP address, etc. I'm aligned with: the older the Pi, the more problems you might run into and some tasks will be more challenging.

     

    To answer your last question

    If I bought all these bits would I still need them for the 3B+?


    it depends on your needs, let me elaborate:

    • If planning to use a graphical interface: yes you may need Keyboard/Mouse, this will be directly on you pi and not over a remote connection most likely.
    • For troubleshooting -recommended-: lets say you can't connect to the RPi for some reason -say network problems, your only option is to start over with your SD image and/or plug-in a Keyboard/Mouse and find out the problem.
    • If your project or whatever your plans are for your RPI can be deployed/developed/managed/etc from a SSH terminal, then you won't need a Keyboard/Mouse/Screen as you can setup the network directly in the SD card from your PC, also the 3B+ has built-in WiFi so network cable is optional.

     

    Extras

    • I forgot to mention one of the most important things: power. You will need a reliable power supply with a 3B+... it's power hungry!, older ones don't have much of a problem but also account for whatever you plant to connect. I'd recommend to go with the official power supply to play safe. In my review I cover this extensively Try out the Raspberry Pi Model 3 B Plus! - Review
    • In any case (new or old RPi), a SD card reader is needed as setting up the OS image is the very first step and will be done on your computer. Any cheap SD card reader will work

    Luis

  • in reply to luislabmo

    Luis,

     

    I looked up setting up a networked Raspberry Pi but it is for much newer Pis, plus I do not have a card reader on my laptop.

     

    I have located a USB mouse, it is very old but hopefully it will still work. I do not have a spare display but my TV has a HDMI connection although I don't even have a HDMI cable. I do not have a USB keyboard either. It is all beginning to sound a bit expensive.

     

    Can I use the Ethernet connection as I have an Ethernet cable?

     

    If I bought all these bits would I still need them for the 3B+?

     

    Dubbie

  • in reply to ralphjy

    Ralph,

     

    I was hoping to just use the old Raspberry Pi as part of my learning curve to get started with something simple in order to provide at least some possibility of being able to complete a possible Picasso Design Challenge project. If I think I might be able to do something then I was planning to buy the 3B+ as it is a requirement of the Design Challenge anyway.

     

    I've made some progress in getting my old Raspberry Pi running but still need a keyboard. And a power supply.

     

    Dubbie

  • Perhaps have a read through these MagPi official guides to get a basic overview of the R-Pi:

    https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi-issues/QuickStart_v1.pdf

    https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi-issues/Beginners_Guide_v1.pdf

    https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi-issues/Beginners_Book_v1.pdf

     

    Also take a look at the on-line help:

    https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/

     

    Just keep in mind that you are on an older model of the Pi, so there will be some differences encountered.