Raspberry Pi 5: Getting Started

3 min read 20 days ago
Published on Feb 03, 2026 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of getting started with the Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this step-by-step guide covers everything from selecting the right accessories to setting up your Raspberry Pi and its associated projects.

Step 1: Choosing Your Raspberry Pi

  • Select the Model: The Raspberry Pi 5 is a great choice for various projects. Consider the 4GB model for better performance.
  • Where to Buy: You can purchase the Raspberry Pi and accessories from Micro Center or other electronics retailers.

Step 2: Gather Your Accessories

To set up your Raspberry Pi, you will need the following accessories:

  • Raspberry Pi Mouse
  • Raspberry Pi Keyboard
  • 27W USB-C Power Supply
  • 256GB Premium microSD Card
  • Acrylic Stackable Case with Fan
  • Camera Cable (300mm)
  • Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3
  • Enviro+ Air Quality HAT
  • GPIO Breakout Board
  • Monitor (e.g., Acer CB242Y)

Step 3: Assemble Your Raspberry Pi

  1. Insert the microSD Card: Place the pre-installed Raspberry Pi OS microSD card into the Raspberry Pi.
  2. Connect the Camera: Use the camera cable to connect the Raspberry Pi Camera Module to the board.
  3. Mount in Case: Secure the Raspberry Pi in the acrylic case, ensuring proper airflow.
  4. Connect Peripherals: Attach the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

Step 4: First Boot and OS Installation

  1. Power Up: Connect the power supply and turn on the Raspberry Pi.
  2. Initial Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your Raspberry Pi OS.
    • Set up your language, time zone, and Wi-Fi connection.
  3. Update System: Open a terminal and run the following commands to update the system:
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt upgrade
    

Step 5: Explore Raspberry Pi OS

  • Familiarize yourself with the desktop environment.
  • Explore pre-installed applications and settings.

Step 6: Set Up the Pi Camera

  1. Enable Camera Support:

    • Open the terminal and type:
    sudo raspi-config
    
    • Navigate to "Interfacing Options" and enable the camera.
  2. Test the Camera:

    • Use the following command to take a picture:
    raspistill -o test.jpg
    

Step 7: Remote Control the Pi Camera

  • Install necessary software for remote access, such as VNC or SSH, to control the camera from another device.

Step 8: Set Up the Enviro+ Air Monitor HAT

  1. Connect the HAT: Attach the Enviro+ HAT to the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi.
  2. Install Libraries: Use the terminal to install necessary Python libraries:
    sudo apt install python3-pip
    pip3 install envirophat
    
  3. Run Example Code: Test the setup by running example scripts available in the library.

Step 9: Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you encounter issues during setup, ensure all connections are secure.
  • Check the power supply and ensure it meets the Raspberry Pi's requirements.

Conclusion

You've now set up your Raspberry Pi 5 and explored its capabilities, including the camera and Enviro+ HAT. From here, consider diving deeper into project-specific tutorials or experimenting with different programming languages and applications. Enjoy exploring the vast possibilities with your Raspberry Pi!