Scratch Pad- Pi Zero

Low-cost learning and inventing: Amazon Fire tablet, Pi Zero W.

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This example creates a low-cost, portable, learning and physical computing platform. Amazon tablet (as low as $29.99 when on sale) provides display, keyboard and mouse functions, connected to a WiFi access point installed on the R-Pi. Remote control is provided via VNC software (VNC server on R-Pi; VNC client on tablet). Shown above is Scratch drag 'n' drop programming application controlling LEDs in a stop-light sequence.

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Hardware shown

• Tablet Frame Kit for Raspberry Pi and Arduino, Model AZ8, by Novel Design Lab

• Adapter for Amazon Fire 7" tablet, by Novel Design Lab

• Amazon Fire 7" tablet (2019)

• Raspberry Pi Zero W

• Power supply for R-Pi: use charger from Amazon tablet

• 3-Ring Mini Binder, Logo, Kraft, by Novel Design Lab

• Miscellaneous items: microSD card, solderless breadbaord (82mm x 55mm x 8.5mm), LEDs, resistors, wires

Software

Installed on Raspberry Pi:

• Raspbian with desktop and recommended software (includes Scratch and other apps) https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/

• WiFi access point installed (per Raspberry Pi Foundation instructions): https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/configuration/wireless/access-point.md

• Some settings: enable VNC server (Raspberry Pi Preferences); enable VNC password (VNC Server options); set screen size to best-fit tablet (Raspberry Pi preferences)

Installed on tablet:

• Option 1: Remote Desktop Manager (Amazon Appstore)

• Option 2: install Google Play store: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/get-google-play-on-fire-tablet then install RealVNC Viewer (Google Play Store)