Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Get quick and easy answers to your most common questions on Raspberry Pi.
General Information
Q: What is a Raspberry Pi?
A: The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV or screen and a keyboard. It is a capable little computer which can be used in electronics projects, and for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing, browsing the internet and games. It also plays high-definition video. It is being used by kids all over the world to learn programming and coding. With coding coming into the curriculum in 2017, the Raspberry Pi is becoming a hot topic amongst educators.
Q: What does it do?
A: Watch this video.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: AUD $48.00 (excl GST) View Product
Q: What are the possible uses for the Raspberry Pi?
A:
- Learn how to code – the Raspberry Pi comes pre-loaded with Scratch and Python
- Learn through gaming – Students can build their very own game with Python, or create a whole new world with the pre-installed, Special Pi edition of Minecreft. This edition of Minecraft includes a Python programming interface, so with a few lines of code students can erect an entire monument out of thin air
- A mini, cost-effective computer and media centre – The Raspberry Pi is cable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, making spreadsheets, word processing and even functioning as a server
- Let’s students interact and build – The Raspberry Pi connect to the internet seamlessly and is able to interact with add-ons such as lights, sensors, switches and much more. Students can program the Pi to monitor plant life, or even create and automatic pet-feeder. The possibilities really are endless with a creative mind.
Q: What are the specs?
A:
- Broadcom BCM2836 Arm7 Quad Core Processor powered Single Board Computer running at 900MHz
- 1GB RAM
- 40pin extended GPIO
- 4 x USB 2 ports
- 4 pole Stereo output and Composite video port
- Full size HDMI
- CSI camera port for connecting the Raspberry Pi camera
- DSI display port for connecting the Raspberry Pi touch screen display
- Micro SD port for loading your operating system and storing data
- Micro USB power source
Q: What are the features?
A:
- Broadcom BCM2836 Arm7 Quad Core Processor powered Single Board Computer running at 900MHz
- 1GB RAM so you can now run bigger and more powerful applications
- Identical board layout and footprint as the Model B+, so all cases and 3rd party add-on boards designed for the Model B+ will be fully compatible.
- Fully HAT compatible
- 40pin extended GPIO to enhance your “real world” projects. GPIO is 100% compatible with the Model B+ and A+ boards. First 26 pins are identical to the Model A and Model B boards to provide full backward compatibility across all boards.
- Connect a Raspberry Pi camera and touch screen display (each sold separately)
- Stream and watch Hi-definition video output at 1080P
- Micro SD slot for storing information and loading your operating systems.
- Advanced power management:
- You can now provide up to 1.2 AMP to the USB port – enabling you to connect more power hungry USB devices directly to the Raspberry PI. (This feature requires a 2Amp micro USB Power Supply)
- 10/100 Ethernet Port to quickly connect the Raspberry Pi to the Internet
- Combined 4-pole jack for connecting your stereo audio out and composite video out
Operating System
Q: What operating system does it use?
A: New users will probably find the NOOBs installer the easiest to work with, as it walks you through the download and installation. The recommended operating system is Raspbian, which is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi and is being constantly optimised. It is, however, a straightforward process to replace the root partition on the SD card with another ARM Linux distribution. The OS is stored on the SD card.
Q: What is the Raspbian OS?
A: Raspbian is a free operating system for Raspberry Pi. Raspbian provides more than a pure OS: it comes with over 35,000 packages, pre-compiled software bundled in a nice format for easy installation on your Raspberry Pi.
It works in much the same way as Windows or Mac and is just as easy to use. The layout is the same and all the shortcuts you and your students are used to still exist.
It works in much the same way as Windows or Mac and is just as easy to use. The layout is the same and all the shortcuts you and your students are used to still exist.
Q: Can I use a Mac OS?
A: Yes, but it is quite complicated to set-up and we don’t recommend it.
Q: Will the Raspberry Pi run Android?
A: No. While a version of Android can be found in the forum, it is not stable enough for everyday use. There are no plans to continue working on it, as Android does not provide any enhancement to educational purposes that are not already fulfilled more readily with existing software – we see it as a platform for consumption, not creation.
Q: What is NOOBS?
A: NOOBS stands for “New Out of Box Software” and contains a Recovery System that loads every time you boot up your Raspberry Pi. This recovery system contains pre-loaded images for 6 operating systems that you can install on your device. These include:
- Arch Linux
- OpenELEC (Xbox Media Centre)
- Pidora
- RISC OS
- RaspBMC (Xbox Media Centre)
- Raspbian (Raspberry Pi Foundation’s preferred operating system)
Q: Why use NOOBS?
A: It is very easy to use. You do not have to seek out and find an operating system for the Raspberry Pi and then re-flash your card using 3rd party software each time you want to change operating systems. The 6 most popular operating systems are pre-loaded on the card for you and ready to install and use at the click of a button.
- Linux
- OpenELEC (Media Centre)
- Pidora
- RISC OS
- RaspBMC (another Media Centre), and
- Raspbian (the most popular and the Raspberry Pi Foundations preferred OS)
Functionality
Q: Is sound supported over HDMI?
A: Yes. The Raspberry Pi has two audio output modes: HDMI and headphone jack. You can switch between these modes at any time.
If your HDMI monitor or TV has built-in speakers, the audio can be played over the HDMI cable, but you can switch it to a set of headphones or other speakers plugged into the headphone jack. If your display claims to have speakers, sound is output via HDMI by default; if not, it is output via the headphone jack. This may not be the desired output setup, or the auto-detection is inaccurate, in which case you can manually switch the output.
If your HDMI monitor or TV has built-in speakers, the audio can be played over the HDMI cable, but you can switch it to a set of headphones or other speakers plugged into the headphone jack. If your display claims to have speakers, sound is output via HDMI by default; if not, it is output via the headphone jack. This may not be the desired output setup, or the auto-detection is inaccurate, in which case you can manually switch the output.
Q: What are the power requirements?
A: The device is powered by 5v micro USB. Exactly how much current (mA) the Raspberry Pi requires is dependent on what you hook up to it. We recommend using a 2A power supply which we have in stock at the moment. View Products
Q: Is there a size limit on the SDCard with the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
A: Card sizes up to 32GB have been verified to work without any problem.
Q: Does the device support networking?
A: The Raspberry Pi has a built in 10/100 wired Ethernet.
Q: Is there built in WIFI?
A: No model of the Raspberry Pi has built in WiFi, but all models can support a USB WiFi dongle. element14 offers its own branded WiFi dongle which has been fully tested for use with the Raspberry Pi. You can, of course, use a dongle from another provider if you wish. View Product
Getting Started
Tip: Everything you need to know about getting started with the Raspberry Pi can be found here.
Q: How do I get started?
A: We can send you an information flyer with everything you need to know about using the Raspberry Pi in the classroom. It points you in the right direction to find great teaching and learning resources, as well as tried and tested project ideas and handy how-to videos.
Contact our Customer Service team on 1300 361 005 to receive a copy.
Contact our Customer Service team on 1300 361 005 to receive a copy.
Q: What are the items that I need to make it work?
A: Watch this video.
List of items you will need:
List of items you will need:
- 1 x Raspberry Pi 2 Model B board
- 1 x USB Keyboard (or wireless version USB dongle)
- 1 x USB Mouse (or wireless version with USB dongle)
- 1 x microSD card (minimum 8GB capacity)
- 1 x 5V 2A USB power supply
- 1 x HDMI or VGA monitor (for VGA monitors, you’ll need to grab a HDMI-VGA adapter)
Q: What products will I need to get started?
A: The essentials are:
We sell a Raspberry Pi Starter Kit with all the above essentials for AUD $96 (excl GST).
The extras are:
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Raspberry Pi Board (Order Code: 2461030) | Latest single board computer to be released by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It is the highest spec variant of the Raspberry Pi, perfect for learning, coding, and creating your own projects. | (excl GST) AUD $48.00 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 Power Supply (Order Code: 2444596) | The Raspberry Pi needs power to run. This plug is tested for AU & NZ. | (excl GST) AUD $13.50 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 8GB SD Card pre-formatted with NOOBS (Order Code: 2461033) | The microSD card comes pre-loaded with NOOBS and the latest version of Raspbian Operating System for the Raspberry Pi. | (excl GST) AUD $15.70 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 HDMI Cable (Order Code: 2464939) | A high speed HMDI cable is needed to connect the Raspberry Pi to a display screen. | (excl GST) AUD $12.57 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
The extras are:
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Wireless Keyboard / Mouse Combo (Order Code: 2310262) | Features a wireless keyboard, control keys and built-in touch pad. Charges via micro USB. | (excl GST) AUD $50.31 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 WIFI Dongle (Order Code: 2133900) | Wirelessly connects the Raspberry Pi to a wireless network. | (excl GST) AUD $9.31 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 Raspberry Pi Camera Board (Order Code: 2302279) | This board is a custom designed add-on for Raspberry Pi. It attaches to Raspberry Pi by way of one of the two small sockets on the board upper surface. This interface uses the dedicated CSI interface, which was designed especially for interfacing to cameras. | (excl GST) AUD $38.95 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 PiFACE Control & Display I/O Board (Order Code: 2344458) | PiFace™ Control and Display is a plug and play device that allows you to use and control your Raspberry Pi without a keyboard, mouse and monitor. It saves space and power by removing the need for a monitor whilst still providing a simple, yet capable interactive user interface. | (excl GST) AUD $31.67 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
 HDMI to VGA Converter (Order Code: 2133899) | PiView converts HDMI signals from the Raspberry Pi into analog signals so VGA monitors can be used. Great if you have old computer monitors that have a VGA input. | (excl GST) AUD $20.72 Bulk purchases will receive a discount |
Q: I have these older monitors that don’t seem to have a HDMI output. Does that mean I can’t use a Raspberry Pi?
A: Absolutely not! There is a VGA adaptor available that will let you plug your Pi into a VGA monitor. You can view it here.
Q: Ok, I’ve got an SD card ready. What do I need to do with it so I can use it with my Raspberry Pi?
A: If you’re familiar with flashing, installing and writing images to an SD card, navigate to here and click ‘Raspbian’.
However, we recommend downloading NOOBS onto your SD card for a quick and easy installation of your chosen OS.
However, we recommend downloading NOOBS onto your SD card for a quick and easy installation of your chosen OS.
Tip: Always make sure you are connected to the internet (via wired ethernet cable) during this process to ensure you are able to view all OS available for download through NOOBS.
Q: What exactly is NOOBS?
A: NOOBS stands for “New Out of Box Software” and contains a Recovery System that loads every time you boot up your Raspberry Pi. This recovery system contains pre-loaded images for 6 operating systems that you can install on your device. These include:
It is very easy to use. You do not have to seek out and find an operating system for the Raspberry Pi and then re-flash your card using 3rd party software each time you want to change operating systems. The 6 most popular operating systems are pre-loaded on the card for you and ready to install and use at the click of a button.
Download it here.
- Arch Linux
- OpenELEC (Xbox Media Centre)
- Pidora
- RISC OS
- RaspBMC (Xbox Media Centre)
- Raspbian (Raspberry Pi Foundation’s preferred operating system)
It is very easy to use. You do not have to seek out and find an operating system for the Raspberry Pi and then re-flash your card using 3rd party software each time you want to change operating systems. The 6 most popular operating systems are pre-loaded on the card for you and ready to install and use at the click of a button.
Download it here.
Q: But wait, I don’t know how to install/write images to an SD card...
A: Don’t worry! You can always purchase an SD card that is already pre-installed with NOOBS! View Product
Simply insert the microSD card into your Pi, power it on and choose which OS you’d like to install onto your Pi. No computer needed!
Simply insert the microSD card into your Pi, power it on and choose which OS you’d like to install onto your Pi. No computer needed!
Tip: Always make sure you are connected to the internet (via wired ethernet cable) during this process to ensure you are able to view all OS available for download through NOOBS.
Q: Ok, I purchased my NOOBS card, how do I properly load NOOBS onto my Raspberry Pi?
A: Watch this video (watch from 2:54 onwards).
Q: This is my first time turning on the Raspberry Pi. What should I do?
A: Click here for directions on getting started with your Raspberry Pi.
Q: Ok, my Raspberry Pi is running on Raspbian now. How do I get my Pi to connect to the internet wirelessly so I don’t have to use the ethernet cable?
A:
- Ensure you have a Raspberry Pi compatible wi-fi dongle
- You can also view the extensive list of Raspberry Pi-compatible dongles here.
- Follow the steps here to activate Wi-Fi once you have your dongle.
Display Options
Q: What displays can be used with the Raspberry Pi?
A: Any screen or display that has a HMDI output will be compatible. This includes interactive whiteboards, projectors and TV monitors. If you have any old TV monitors lying around that have a VGA output, all you will need is a HDMI to VGA converter which we sell for around $20.
The PiView HDMI to VGA adapter available from element14 works with the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. View Product
The PiView HDMI to VGA adapter available from element14 works with the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. View Product
Q: Can I use a desktop or laptop screen?
A: Yes, all you will need to do is connect using a network cable or remotely. If you would like more information on this, visit the Raspberry Pi foundation page.
Q: I have an old computer monitor; can I connect the Raspberry Pi?
A: The chip we use supports HDMI and composite outputs but does not support VGA. VGA is considered to be an end-of-life technology, so supporting it doesn’t fit with our plans at the moment. However, if you really want to use a VGA monitor with a Raspberry Pi then it is possible to use an HDMI->VGA adapter.
Q: Can I use an iPad as a display?
A: Yes, you will need to install a VNC viewer app on the iPad. More information can be found on the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Coding and Programming
Q: Does it have an official programming language?
A: The Raspberry Pi Foundation recommends Python as a language for learners. We also recommend Scratch for younger kids.
Any language which will compile for ARMv6 can be used with the Raspberry Pi, though; so you are not limited to using Python. C, C++, Java, Scratch, and Ruby all come installed by default on the Raspberry Pi.
Any language which will compile for ARMv6 can be used with the Raspberry Pi, though; so you are not limited to using Python. C, C++, Java, Scratch, and Ruby all come installed by default on the Raspberry Pi.
Q: What is Scratch?
A: Scratch is a program to help young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge on the Raspberry Pi.
Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, but is used by people of all ages. Millions of people are creating Scratch projects in a wide variety of settings, including homes, schools, museums, libraries, and community centers.
Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, but is used by people of all ages. Millions of people are creating Scratch projects in a wide variety of settings, including homes, schools, museums, libraries, and community centers.
Q: What is Python?
A: Python is an interpreted, object-oriented programming language similar to PERL that has gained popularity because of its clear syntax and readability.
Python allows students to learn and create with variables, loops and functions, 3D graphical programming, building games, networking, scripting, interfacing with hardware…and, of course, Minecraft.
Python allows students to learn and create with variables, loops and functions, 3D graphical programming, building games, networking, scripting, interfacing with hardware…and, of course, Minecraft.
Learning to Code
Q: What education material is available?
A: There are many books about the Raspberry Pi available. For children, we particularly recommend Adventures in Raspberry Pi by Carrie Anne Philbin, who works with us at the Foundation.
Check out the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s resource pages for free educational materials: we are always adding to these.
Check out the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s resource pages for free educational materials: we are always adding to these.
Q: Why is learning to code important?
A: The ability to code computer programs is an important part of literacy in today’s society. When kids learn to code, they learn important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas.
Q: Why should I use the Raspberry Pi to teach coding?
A: It is a cost-effective, powerful minicomputer that is pre-installed with programs that help teach kids to code and learn programming language. The web is full of teaching and learning resources for Raspberry Pi, and once the basics are learnt, the project ideas are endless.
Q: How do my students begin coding?
A: Depending on their experience level, the Raspberry Pi Offers two programming languages on board; Scratch and Python.
Scratch is a visual programming tool developed by MIT which allows the user to create animations and games with a drag-and-drop interface. It allows you to create your own computer games, interactive stories, and animations using some programming techniques without actually having to write any code.
Learn How to Begin with Scratch here.
Python is a widely used, general-purpose programming language. Favoured by many users around the world due to its simple and clean appearance, it’s a great way to learn and engage in coding regardless of your experience.
Learn How to Begin with Python here.
Scratch is a visual programming tool developed by MIT which allows the user to create animations and games with a drag-and-drop interface. It allows you to create your own computer games, interactive stories, and animations using some programming techniques without actually having to write any code.
Learn How to Begin with Scratch here.
Python is a widely used, general-purpose programming language. Favoured by many users around the world due to its simple and clean appearance, it’s a great way to learn and engage in coding regardless of your experience.
Learn How to Begin with Python here.
Q: How do I access Scratch and Python in Raspbian?
A:
Grab your Raspberry Pi and boot up Raspbian 
Choose whether you’d like to use Scratch or Python from the menu 
Download the related worksheet from the website 
Get coding! 
Grab your Raspberry Pi and boot up Raspbian Choose whether you’d like to use Scratch or Python from the menu Download the related worksheet from the website Get coding! Q: Are there lesson plans or guides available?
A: Yes!
Schemes of work to teach can be found here.
Learning exercises and lesson plans can be found here.
Schemes of work to teach can be found here.
Learning exercises and lesson plans can be found here.
Q: Is there a project or activity that my students can do from the get go?
A: Of course! The Raspberry Pi is capable of many projects without actually having to purchase extra components.
Example projects and lessons include:
Example projects and lessons include:
Q: Ok, I’d like to view a whole range of projects for my students to try. Where can I find these?
A: An extensive list of projects can be found from:
Q: I see that some of these projects require a camera, where can I get one?
A: You can get the specific Raspberry Pi Camera Module here.
Some projects also involve monitoring an area at night or in dark places, so you can also use the IR (Pi NoIR) version of the camera module to sense movement in dimly lit places. View Product
Some projects also involve monitoring an area at night or in dark places, so you can also use the IR (Pi NoIR) version of the camera module to sense movement in dimly lit places. View Product
Q: Can you recommend other accessories that would be great for students?
A: Visit our Raspberry Pi & Accessories page.
Q: Are there instructional videos available that I can show to my students?
A: Learn more about electronics and Raspberry Pi project walkthroughs here with Ben Heck.
Q: I’d like to learn more about the Raspberry Pi, are there any training courses available?
A: For more information, please email au-marketing@element14.com.
Q: I’m stuck in a little bind. My Raspberry Pi isn’t working how it should be, help!
A: Don’t fear!
If ever you believe your Raspberry Pi is not working, before you rule it as a broken unit, consult the troubleshooting forum here and here.
If ever you believe your Raspberry Pi is not working, before you rule it as a broken unit, consult the troubleshooting forum here and here.
Tip: Always ensure you’re running the latest version of Raspbian. By running an older version, you run the risk of boot up issues.
Tip: Is your Raspberry Pi not powering on? Make sure you’re using a branded, reliable 2A 5V power supply. Using anything less than this and your unit may not be getting enough power.