GPIO Zero – the development of a new GPIO library for the Raspberry Pi

I’ve previously covered Ben Nuttall’s new GPIO library, GPIO Zero, on this blog. A few weeks ago, I had an epiphany and realised just how useful it can be. Since then, I’ve been meaning to start using it to redevelop the Picorder. This hasn’t happened yet, although I do have a Pi Zero project I’m currently working on that will use it. But more on that later.

Ben has now written a blog post in which he first of all describes how the library was sparked off in the first place, names some of the people behind it and, vitally, goes on to explain how to use it. There are some truly great features to this library, including built-in support for the analog-to-digital converter cheap MCP3008, support for most of the components that come as part of the CamJam EduKits and also a way to link two objects together so that the output from one component becomes the input for another. (He explains it better than I do, but think how useful it would be to link a potentiometer to an LED and you’re on the right track).

So, if you want to know how GPIO Zero was developed, or you’re curious as to what you can do with it, head over to Ben’s blog. It’s essential reading.

Solar power meets steampunk with this Raspberry Pi / Nixie tube mash-up

Paul Parry from Bad Dog Designs took a 1930s Vickers combined voltmeter and ammeter, refurbished it, added the Nixie tubes and then added a Raspberry Pi which translated the data coming in from his solar panels into something usable by the tubes. It’s a great project and is as retro as you can get. Read more and see more photos on his website.

Raspberry Pi Foundation welcomes new recruits, searches for more

The Raspberry Pi Foundation today has welcomed on-board two new recruits: Oliver Quinlan (as a Research Manager) and Helen Drury (as Events and Outreach Manager). These two individuals, both with Nesta backgrounds are sure to make valuable additions to the team.

In addition to these new appointments, they are also recruiting for the following positions:

So, if you think you’ve got what it takes to fill these roles, click the links above to get more details about the jobs and to apply!

Picademy launches in the USA

On February 27th and 28th, 2016 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA, the very first Picademy USA will be launched. This is a fantastic opportunity for American educators to get taught how to use the Raspberry Pi, with particularly emphasis on classroom usage, and shouldn’t be missed. To apply, you must be a professional educator. The application form can be found here.

Raspberry Pi Big Birthday Weekend announced

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Exciting news for the Raspberry Pi Community! The Foundation will once again be holding a two-day Big Birthday Weekend event in Cambridge. The event, which will take place on 5th and 6th March will celebrate the 4th birthday of the little single board computer and will include talks, workshops, show and tell and a Marketplace. Of course, there will be plenty of people from Raspberry Pi at the event to talk to and lots of community folks will also be attendance – it’s a great event to be a part of! The weekend will be held at the University of Cambridge Computer Lab (where last year’s Birthday Weekend and, of course, Pi Wars were held). The event runs from 10am-5pm both days and there is an early-evening party on the Saturday.

Myself and Tim Richardson have, once again, been asked to help organise it, so expect to hear a lot from us about the event as preparations continue.

Tickets are available here. They are £5 per day for adults, free for those 16 and under and tickets for the party are also £5 (for everybody).