Start with the Pi, then build the project
Set up Raspberry Pi 5 correctly first. Then build any of the 10 projects.
The first course is a true prerequisite from blank microSD card to a fully updated, tested Raspberry Pi OS Desktop. Project courses then cover their own software and physical build with matching visual references.
Do this first: Open the first card, START HERE: Raspberry Pi 5 Setup, and complete all phases before permanent assembly.
Start Here, then choose a project
The prerequisite appears first. Physical project steps now prefer a matching photorealistic build reference instead of a generic diagram.
Raspberry Pi Reference
Hardware, OS, software, and recovery reference
This page supports the guided START HERE course. The course tells you what to do in order; this page is the quick reference when you need a port, command, GPIO, DSI, or official download again.
If you have not prepared the Pi yet, return to Courses and start START HERE: Raspberry Pi 5 Setup. Do not treat this reference page as a substitute for the guided prerequisite.
Official downloads
Raspberry Pi 5 orientation
- USB-C is power. Connect it last.
- microSD is on the underside.
- The 40-pin header contains 3.3 V GPIO, power, and ground pins.
- MIPI connectors support compatible display/camera ribbons. Never force a ribbon.
Raspberry Pi Imager workflow
- Install Raspberry Pi Imager on your computer.
- Choose Raspberry Pi 5.
- Choose Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit Desktop.
- Select only the intended microSD card.
- Set username, password, Wi-Fi, hostname, locale, and SSH.
- Write and verify.
- Insert the card while the Pi is powered off.
- Connect display/input first, USB-C power last.
DSI / MIPI ribbon safety
- Shut down and disconnect USB-C first.
- Open both sides of the latch evenly.
- Match contact orientation to the connector.
- Insert straight and fully.
- Use a gentle bend radius.
Terminal essentials
| Update OS | sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y |
|---|---|
| Temperature | vcgencmd measure_temp |
| IP address | hostname -I |
| Disk space | df -h |
| Git | git --version |
| Python | python3 --version |
| Shutdown | sudo shutdown -h now |
Project software map
| Smart Mirror | Official MagicMirror². |
| Personal Dashboard | Included project suite dashboard. |
| Mini AI Terminal | Included safe launcher plus your chosen AI service. |
| Portable Cyberdeck | Included Cyberdeck Launcher plus Pi utilities. |
| Home Assistant Panel | Chromium pointed at your existing Home Assistant dashboard. |
| Electronics Lab | gpiozero plus included test script. |
| Pomodoro Station | Included Pomodoro app. |
| Desk Info Center | Included Desk app. |
| Digital Photo Frame | Included Photo Frame app. |
| Magic Mirror Frame | MagicMirror² plus included controller. |