Raspberry Pi: Make a Bench automation computer [Video]

About this video

This Raspberry Pi project course will show you how to integrate a variety of components into a gadget that you can use to automate your work bench. I call it "The Bench Computer". With the Bench Computer, you will be able to control any device and appliance on your electronics work bench, like turn on and off your bench lights, soldering iron and fume extractor. I have designed this course to help you get started. What you get the Bench Computer to do is entirely up to you! Here are the main components (software and hardware) that you will learn about by taking this course:The Raspberry Pi (version 3 is recommended, but any model with a 40-pin header will do), The Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen, The Raspberry Pi Camera v2, The Piface Relay+ HAT (contains the small relays used to control 12V devices), Larger external relays used for controlling mains appliances like lights and your soldering iron, Python 3 and the Tkinter framework for building the application. Things that you want to control, like low-power 12V LED strips and fans, and mains appliances like a soldering iron.

Style and Approach

In 8 hours of video content and over 70 lectures, you will learn the necessary skills for interfacing you Raspberry Pi with your workbench and your home.

The Bench Computer provides a great framework on which you can build your own home automation projects Out of the box, you will be able to control anything with a simple on/off switch, like lights, fans, heaters etc.

Publication date:: August 2017
Publisher: Packt
Duration: 7 hours 56 minutes
ISBN: 9781788624268

Watch me first! A study guide

Required hardware

Required software

Things to drive on your bench with the Bench Computer

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About the Author

Peter Dalmaris

Peter Dalmaris is an electronics hobbyist and Maker, creator of eight online video courses on DIY electronics and author of three technical books. As a Chief Tech Explorer since 2013 at Tech Explorations, the company he founded in Sydney, Australia, Peters mission is to explore technology and help educate the world. A life-long learner, Peters core skill is in explaining difficult concepts through video and text. With over 15 years in tertiary teaching experience, Peter has developed a simple yet comprehensive style in teaching that students from all around the world appreciate. His passion for technology and in particular for the world of DIY open source hardware has been a powerful driver that has guided his own personal development and his work through Tech Explorations. Peters current online courses have helped over 30,000 people from around the world to be better Makers. His video courses include: Arduino Step by Step: Your Complete Guide Advanced Arduino Boards and Tools Raspberry Pi: Full Stack Raspberry Pi: Make a Workbench Automation Computer Kicad Like a Pro The Electronics Workbench: A Setup Guide Arduino Fun: Make a High Tech Remote Controlled Car Beginning Arduino: Make a environment monitor system Peters books are: Kicad Like a Pro: Learn the Worlds Favourite Open Source PCB Electronic Design Automation tool Raspberry Pi: Full Stack: A whirlwind tour of full-stack web application development on the Raspberry Pi Arduino: a comprehensive starting up guide for complete beginners
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Not about workbench automation at all - there's nothing about interfacing to test instruments, measurement logging, record keeping in general. None of that.