Get Started with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
A new Basic Kit that features the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is here along with two new IR sensors and a MicroMod screwdriver.
It's the last Product Post of 2021! We start this Thursday Product Post off with the new SparkFun Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Kit. This updated kit utilizes the new Zero 2 W, rather than the original Zero W, while still providing the same starting platform - perfect for beginners wanting learn how to use the popular Raspberry Pi format. Following that, due to popular demand, we split our IR Emitter and Detector into two separate parts (in case you need different quantities of each). Other than this split, they are the exact same parts that you know and love. We wrap the week up with a rather simplistic screwdriver that was designed with our growing MicroMod ecosystem in mind. This screwdriver makes it easy (and wallet-friendly) as possible to swap out Processor and Function Boards.
One last bit of information before we take a closer look at this week's new products: SparkFun will be closed on Thursday, December 23rd and Friday, December 24th in observance of the Christmas holiday as well as Friday, December 31st for New Years. Please keep in mind that any orders placed after 2:00 p.m. MST on the 22nd of December will not be processed until we resume normal business hours at 9:00 a.m. MST on Monday, the 27th of December, 2021.
Now, let's jump into this week's new products!
The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W can be a bit tricky to set up with its unique power and cable requirements. That's where this kit comes in. The SparkFun Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Kit provides you with everything you need to get started with this successive Pi, all without breaking the bank.
Sometimes you just need an MP3 to play. Whether it's a theme song as you enter the room or a power song when you are working out. The SparkFun Qwiic MP3 Trigger takes care of all the necessary requirements, all you need to do is send a simple I2C command and listen to whatever is on your micro SD card. Utilizing our handy Qwiic system, no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, we still have broken out 0.1"-spaced pins in case you prefer to use a breadboard.
An Infrared emitter, or IR emitter, is a source of light energy in the infrared spectrum. This Infrared Emitter is a light emitting diode (LED) that is used in order to transmit infrared signals from a remote control. This simple device operates at 940nm and works well for generic IR systems. This emitter is driven up to 50mA with a current limiting resistor as with any LED device.
Meanwhile, an Infrared detector is a detector that reacts to infrared (IR) radiation. This Infrared Detector operates at 940nm (like the emitter above) and works well for generic IR systems including remote control and touch-less object sensing. Using a simple ADC on any microcontroller will allow variable readings to be collected from the detector.
This pocket-sized screwdriver has a magnetic tipped Phillips head. The screwdriver is perfect for use in the SparkFun MicroMod ecosystem and it's use of M.2 screws.
That's it for this week. As always, we can't wait to see what you make. Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another, and we'll see you next year with even more new products! Happy Holidays from everyone here at SparkFun Electronics!
