Raspberry Pi Robotics #1: GPIO Control

[@PCman50]

I'm 70 years old, and I just started learning Python to use in some home automation projects. I've been watching your videos for years now, but I just wanted to say how very well done this entry level tutorial was. The two basic examples were so perfect for those like me just starting out. Here I am 70 and felt like I was like a kid with my Raspberry Pi flashing 4 LEDs (Yes I went extreme). And couldn't wait to show it off to other family members. They unfortunately didn't really see the true value in what I had just created, but they never see that in any of my gadget creations. LoL Anyway Thank You so very much for this most Excellent Tutorial. You just made my day brighter.

[@ExplainingComputers]

This is great to hear. :)

[@RainbowSheep_was_taken]

family members never understand the value of 4 flashing leds

[@PCman50]

@@RainbowSheep_was_taken at true. My daughter is like "Dad what's the big deal of 4 flashing lights?". I started to explain the fact that everything is run by tiny circuits like this. Response was her eyes rolled=Error- does not computer.. LoL

[@RainbowSheep_was_taken]

@@PCman50 lol

[@LynxChan]

I'm a rank beginner at all of this, never programmed, never made a circuit and I cannot state enough how satisfying it was watching that little LED flash on and off. Thank you!

[@vicmac3513]

How has your skills evolved during the past 10 months? Have you built your custom mechanical keyboard yet?

[@abeomer86]

I use C# to develop for Pi, but Python really finds it's way of impressing any programmer, especially when such professional instructor presents it. Thank you, great man!

[@StevenBennett74]

Love the way you teach. Thank you for breaking it down so I can learn what's happening rather than copying someone else and not really know what's going on.

[@jerryrichard4994]

You are an amazing teacher, very easy to follow your video, you don,t make it difficult compare to other people's videos

[@CrypticConsole]

print "true."

[@giuritableta7818]

jerry richard star!!!

[@0dyss3us51]

@@CrypticConsole def true? Or else

[@CrypticConsole]

@@0dyss3us51 lol

[@CrypticConsole]

@@0dyss3us51 def true() : print("true.")

[@kameroncross1753]

Very in depth and made easy to understand. I really appreciate how you don't just put the commands in instead you explain what they are and why unlike many other youtubers.

[@ZeppelinPass]

I have been considering getting a RPi for a few weeks and looked at a number of beginners tutorials. Hands down you are the best at explaining what you are doing. Put it this way, I now understand what 'sudo' means. These basic pieces of info are paramount to learning the language. Many thanks, your newest subscriber. ZP

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this, and for the sub.

[@ZeppelinPass]

@@ExplainingComputers Thanks for the amazingly educational content! :-)

[@sumedhghodke8916]

You r like BUDDHA who explains difficult stuff with complete ease. You and your tutoring is great.

[@michaelmyers4484]

35 years, man. If people kept their stuff in order and functioning like you do, we would have a lot less waste on the planet 👌👍

[@PJ1004]

I've just bought my first Raspberry Pi which was going to be entirely for computing use but having watched your video, I have now got myself a breadboard, resistors, LEDs, and have managed to get this LED tutorial working really well. Thanks for the excellent and clear instructions!

[@ExplainingComputers]

PJ1004 Excellent! There are so many things you can do with a Raspberry Pi. And the more you experiment, the more possibilities present themselves. :)

[@bighands69]

+PJ1004 You have just entered the world of robotics, automation and control systems. I hope you continue with your adventure.

[@JasonWhittle1]

I liked how you first created a program to print on and off, then manipulated that to control the motor. It made it really easy for me to understand. Good job.

[@reardelt]

This is actually so cool. I was always wanted to learn how to use software to control hardware.

[@breaky011]

As a fellow educator, nice work. This made things very easy to understand and not only covered some good parts of coding but also helped immensely with very basic setup of initial hardware which is appreciated.

[@tinkmarshino]

ooooh Chris.. this is the old man again... the deeper I get into your old videos the more confident I am that I can still do this.. even with my diminishing mental abilities I think I can! you have given new life to an old man... this is like the old days eh.. with the trs 80's and pre IBM machines... The days when everything was possible it was just a matter of getting the coding right.. I am excited I can even afford to do this too.. it is always hard on a fixed income to afford to do new things.. plus it seems like nothing is new in old age.. but old things are exciting at times... thanks Chris.. you will probably not ever see this since the vid is so old..But I do thank you..

[@ExplainingComputers]

I have seen this! :) And you are right, experimenting with single board computers has the same feel to how computing used to be. Learning how to set them up and make them do stuff is very rewarding. And I know from my KZbin comments that many older people have taken up an interest in SBCs. You may enjoy this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@tinkmarshino]

thanks my friend after I watch your Rasp pi 3 b+ vid (I am watching on my other screen) I will watch this one...

[@rickhunt3183]

Don’t put limitations on yourself. If you can understand these basic steps you can build upon it, and nothing will be out of reach. Think of python as just an expanded version of the old ms basic and you’ll do fine.

[@rock3tcatU233]

Age is just a state of mind.

[@liamo907]

have to say, you're a fantastic teacher. Keep up the good work!

[@baooutube]

You just earned a subscriber! I understood everything you said. Great video! (I am 9 years old and am using my dad's account with his permission in his presence). I now program in Java but your video made me go nuts on Python.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Naveed Excellent. Python is a fun language. Keep programming!

[@saumilsunilshah5663]

now u r 13 and mee too

[@BradWaltz]

Been dabbling in code for years in and off and never really got stuck in. This is the first time everything has lined up and made sense, thank you so much

[@frederickterrence3076]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@korbyncarson1924]

@Frederick Terrence instablaster =)

[@beradical100]

I agree with many others with the notion that you are an excellent teacher, I enjoy all of your content and have learned a great deal of quite useful infomation as well. With my first comment I would like to thank you very much for your densely informative content.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks.

[@n.mishev]

Please do more of these videos as i think that a lot of people (including me) will learn many things and are going to be inspired in the process.

[@Noah71555]

Raspbian has really come a long way since the first raspberry pi, pretty amazing

[@ExplainingComputers]

So true.

[@oxynetz]

Your gift for instructing is very unique... Amazingly easy to follow. Nice

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@sapphiretigress1]

learning python as my first language, and just found out about raspberri pi...then found your videos. Mind blown. :D Always thought robotics was out of reach, but now i'm ridiculously excited

[@ExplainingComputers]

Wonderful! :) Do checkout my fairly recent video on Raspberry Pi GPIO inputs. There is a quite a bit of Python coding in that. And I will soon do some more video on the robotics stuff.

[@zuber1995]

That was really well explained, one of the best tutorials ive seen.

[@timclingenpeel7791]

I have my robot built - now I will have to study your videos so I can learn to code. Thank you for all the information you provide in your videos.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Great to hear!

[@SuperSpuddo]

Chris I have been follwing your channel for some time. Your videos are well produced, concise, clear, and comprehensive. You are a great teacher. Thank you so much for your endeavours. I look foward to each new video you produce.

[@vedropomoev4836]

Thank you for the very clear explanation without blah-blah as the most videos on KZbin.

[@katiestokes7393]

Best programming video I’ve ever seen! I was working on trying to do this for hours! I finally figured it out because of you! Thank you so much!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent!

[@Megatron666]

Thank you for posting this. Such a clear description. I've been learning Python for the last month so I can start playing with my Raspberry Pi and this is the first time that I've got the code to do something in "the real world". As an adult who has been interested in robotics all his life but never got into it, until recently, this is a momentous occasion for me and I just wanted to share that with you.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for sharing -- I too found it amazing the first time I managed to interface programming and electronics. It changes how you relate to computing! You may find interesting my second two Pi robotics videos, and also this one looking at GPIO inputs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@jetray5914]

You have no idea how long I've been looking for this video without knowing it

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent! You may also like the one I did on using GPIO inputs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@bengray55]

Fantastic. I'm completely new to ok, and managed to follow the video, had a few hiccups with capital letters giving me syntax errors, but muddled through. And! Made a traffic light setup too. Thank you so much for this

[@vixenmurrberry5412]

your the best starter/noobs teacher I've been able to refer to

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks.

[@dillardc81]

Thanks for this. I've had my pi laying around for years and am finally getting into it again.

[@GuitarreroDaniel]

This is the only GPIO that I could understand. Thank you for this!

[@michaelthill8707]

This is fantastic! Really great explanation with marvellous use of screen shots, photos and diagrams. THANK YOU!!! I'm a high school teacher in Sydney, Australia and will be directing my students directly to this. They'll love it. Keep up your great work.

[@ExplainingComputers]

+Michael Thill Many thanks. In a few weeks I'll be posting a follow-up video about using the GPIO pin as inputs.

[@BogieWogieHesse]

Hey Chris! Really great stuff. You got me interested in Raspberry Pi and all the things that you can do with it. So being a totally new to the coding world and just a little bit of experience with electronics, i ordered RasPi and now using your videos as a source to my new projects. You are the Governor! Keep up the excellent work!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent! :)

[@resrussia]

An excellent tutorial on using the Pi and GPIO. I reviewed most of the videos on covering this topic and your video tied with one video other clarity and conciseness. I would recommend this tutorial to anyone interested in using the Pi and GPIO.

[@JanosTerroz]

Fantastic Job. i was tinkering with the idea of getting a PI and your style of instruction has sold me on it. Thanks.

[@5698max]

I am an absolute beginner and this video has helped me a lot. Great explanation, thank you!

[@Stonkers-69]

How can 3 flashing LEDs be so exciting. Explained in a very clear and understandable manner. Thanks

[@saindst]

Best tutorial I have seen in a long time tbh

[@jamessakobie9085]

Well done my friend! I finally got a project to work after watching your video. It is extremely educational and well put together. i'm looking forward to another project. Thank's for your time.

[@ottoomen5076]

This is the raspberry pi video everyone is looking for! Thanks. I wish someone would create the same video programming with mathematica.

[@petworld8023]

Since so many I was searching for a teacher in robotics and finally found great one

[@ExplainingComputers]

Watch tomorrow's video. :)

[@fredberg2760]

Really excellent. Other videos / explanations don't convey information this clearly and they are heaps of fun to watch. KEEP UP the great work!

[@shwi9883]

A very clear explanation. Worked on my first attempt. You have renewed my interest in raspi. Thankyou

[@ExplainingComputers]

Great to hear! :) You may be interested in my Pi GPIO inputs video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@ΑθανασίαΚουτλεμάνη]

Congratulation. You're a briliant constructor. The clearest and more understandable video i've ever seen. I'm gonna use it in my class.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. You may also like my similar video on GPIO inputs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@franciscalderbank8623]

Another great tutorial completed. The only snag I incorporated was because I used 470 ohm resistors and not the 220 ohm as stated. Once I changed the resistors to the correct value given "hey presto" the light show commenced. I assumed that the resistance value was too high and would not allow the signal form the Raspberrypi to output and complete the circuit.

[@airthrow]

as a programming beginner this is SUPER helpful, thsnks!

[@umairgillani699]

Good basic tutorial. Please come up with more tutorials like these.

[@ExplainingComputers]

There are several on this channel -- eg: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@julhacksU]

I learnt in 15 minutes what I did not do in a book of 500 pages, thank you!

[@ahoj113]

I can’t believe a Pi can do this much! Awesome video :)

[@edwardwhite8253]

what a marvelous video, a very crystal clear instructions. excellent job my good sir.

[@norbac]

I love this dude! Not only is he an excellent instructor but funny as well--and he reminds me of John Lennon too!!

[@mbdilaver]

Best RPi gpio video on KZbin. Keep up the good work please!

[@Therealbighustle]

While watching I've learned python my main thing was wondering how everything lined up but you explained it well thank you.

[@baptistesauvage1223]

Great video, it was my first coding with a raspberry pi, you made it very clear and very easy to understand: GREAT job!!

[@ExplainingComputers]

+Baptiste Sauvage Excellent. Look out for my GPIO inputs video fairly soon now. :)

[@wanders11]

Well done, sir! I have been using RPi in a Chemical Instrumentation class for a few years. I have wanted to use KZbin videos for students, but the dozens of "light up an LED" videos all bring in unrelated content (GMAIL BOX? Really?) that complicate the focus of the lesson. You do a good job of both explaining each required step (importing the time library) and NOT adding spurious factors (as cool as they may be) as distracting bling. Good job!

[@anon77_65]

Excellent videos - I'm a big fan. It would be amazing if you did the basics of electricity leading up to electrical engineering

[@redshop1234]

Thanks for a great tutorial! Very easy to follow, and quite informative. Much appreciated.

[@jameszah]

Excellent presentation and simple to understand!

[@AngeloGi]

Thanks a lot for that! I always lacked the basic knowledge of this stuff, and it's good to get a nice taste of them!

[@goodstufff8164]

Great Video! I was looking for a quick intro to the software side with RPi.GPIO, this was perfect. New sub!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for the sub. You may also find useful my video on the 'output' side of things: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@princemireku1337]

Another subscriber you just earned for such a wonderful teaching

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. Welcome aboard. :)

[@mikes3540]

Inspiring and accessible. Just finished duplicating this video at home, I was that motivated. And now empowered. Much appreciated!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent -- great to hear that you followed this through! You may also like the follow-up on using Raspberry Pi inputs (one of my own favourites): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@harshansingh4822]

his tutorials are very good keep it up sir.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thank you, I will. :)

[@zemtech4325]

You are extremely good. Please don't stop

[@MrMoonpie001]

Chris, thank you for the great video and the detail involved, I am not only looking for information I am also looking for education. I think many folks may expect too much out of the Raspberry Pi, I think it is just a starting point for greater things to come. I would rather learn this information in the manner you teach. Always grateful for your time and effort, some of your videos are very time consuming to make, you do a great job! Moonpie

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your kind feedback as always. :) I agree that the Raspberry Pi is primarily a learning tool, and it is that spirit that I have made videos about it. I find the Pi fascinating as a bridge between electronics and programming. In many ways, while computers are now incredibly powerful and useful -- eg as video production and communications tools -- they are less interesting than they were 20+ years ago when many users programmed them and understood them as more than magical boxes.

[@mallusreddy]

Sir I did it today by taking different colors of LED. It's working fine and was so colorful...

[@mygreenhousediary5947]

Excellent teacher, thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge in such an easy to follow and concise way 👍

[@docfoot316]

Just new to all this at 60 ,very helpful so thanks very much.

[@ExplainingComputers]

No problem. Look out for my video on using GPIO inputs a week on Sunday. :)

[@abello4f1]

Fantastic! Easy setup and concise instructions. You mashed up some of my current interests all at once, raspberry pi, Python programming, and LEDs. Looks fun. Now do it for 1000 LEDs and try to get them to spell flash, "Like a Boss." Hahaha Thanks!

[@mukeshsah1374]

interesting tutorial bcoz of ur amazing speaking way...

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Really very well explained. God Bless!! (waiting for my pi 3 to arrive )

[@MikeNewham]

Brilliant tuition :) So much more enjoyable than Andrew Ng's Machine Learning!! Linear algebra is melting my neural networks :(

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks. :)

[@TheNeonbuffalo]

Great video!!!! Really simple and thank you for explaining every line, it help immensely

[@GadeEmbossed]

Why have I overlooked the abilities of the pi besides retro gaming? Thank you great tutorial!

[@Intercontinentalist]

Such a brilliant tutorial. Subscribed

[@ExplainingComputers]

Welcome aboard!

[@steveoshaughnessy3736]

Blue tack for breadboarding. Brilliant! Caution though, a plastic board is a static generator. Static being the archenemy of electronics. I use a plastic cutting board from the dollar store, but I've placed a sheet of metal flashing from the hardware store on top. You could also wrap the plastic board in aluminum foil. Or use a wooden board.

[@thejumpingwolf4163]

You are a good teacher Sir. Do you smile? :)

[@rezabavarikor8060]

That was amazing basic steps.Thanks alot.🤗🤗🤗

[@MnACreations]

I Enjoyed this video very much! I am getting a Rpi B+ and parts kit as a late Christmas gift. It will have LEDs, motors, switches and buttons etc. I am looking forward to getting it and experimenting with the examples you showed in the video.. Thank you again for making it..

[@cabronmalisimo]

You just got yourself a new subscriber...

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks -- welcome aboard!

[@jjofishh]

Great video really clear, this also works for a b+ module in case your wondering. Thanks.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your kind feedback.I tried it with the Model B+ only this week, only with some more LEDs! Raspberry Pi Model B+ :)

[@franciscomorales2146]

Awesome Video! I was wondering how I could add a switch to control the LEDs manually?

[@franciscomorales2146]

@ExplainingComputers

[@ExplainingComputers]

Yes, you could add a swtich for that -- see kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLPXoiCesanqtk

[@vasquezg86]

Great Vid for this beginner. This has really helped me out. Thanks!!!

[@hugoperozo4895]

Excellent video. You ROCK! Well done and THANK YOU for taking the time and for making a difference.

[@paganone]

Thank you, Mr. Barnatt! Great video, I got quite a a sense of accomplishment once I completed this project. On to the next one!

[@ExplainingComputers]

paganone Excellent! I remember being happy when the LEDs came on myself! :)

[@anonymous08almanza54]

thank you and you are very an amazing teacher and you clearly explanation.

[@HarveyMushman]

Thank you very much sir! This was very easy to understand. Best regards, Harvey

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks Harvey.

[@RickHenderson]

Great stuff. I came home today with leads to try it out, and misplaced them in the confusion of making dinner with 2 crazy kids. But I have the code done and working, and did the coding using Nano via SSH from my PC. I could probably set up the single blinker I guess! Thanks for the tutorial. I'm waiting for my Zumo chassis to be delivered. Your second video sold me. :)

[@ExplainingComputers]

+Rick Henderson Cool. :) I really must get back to doing some more stuff with the Zumo -- there are so many possibilities.

[@RickHenderson]

+ExplainingComputers As a computer instructor, I also wanted to say I liked your comment about print "Hello". "Not very useful, but proves a point." I think you said :) I just finished modifying the code for a single LED with a repetition loop and variables for the delays and blink times. I'm currently lecturing a class in computers for non-computer people, so I may use some of your other videos in class. Keep up the great work!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Rick Henderson All excellent. :)

[@IamGPSGuy]

Nice job. May I ask which software you used to create diagrams? For example the one at 8:18.

[@ExplainingComputers]

I will have used either Adobe Illustrator, or the free package Inkscape -- on which I have a video! :)

[@IamGPSGuy]

@@ExplainingComputers Thanks :)

[@Dogewatch69]

I kinda got lost around the 3:20 Mark. I kinda wish there was more explanation of the commands you were entering in as I couldn't quite grasp everything. I'm like really really beginner at learning coding so forgive me for being so new lol

[@ajinkyax]

noob question. Is my following understanding correct? Please check 1. The ground pin (6) is negative (which is powering the LED?) 2. the resistor is allowing flow to stop 3. PIN (7, 11, 13) are called inside Python for us to program them ?

[@ExplainingComputers]

This is all correct -- although the resistor is limiting the current that flows, not stopping it entirely. On the ground (negative) pin, current is flowing from the GPIO pins 8,11 or 13 (which are positive) though the LED and its current limiting resisitor, to ground.

[@tutorjoes]

Very Very Nice Sir For Your Tutorial

[@haroonnaseem1]

Amazing Teacher... i hope i will meet you one day... LOVE FROM PAKISTAN

[@priyanarayanan9670]

Thanks a ton...got this working and my kid loved it

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent! This is what KZbin is about. :)

[@yoericktv9610]

Fantastic presentation. Thank you.

[@thilacthilacsan7352]

I really like watching your videos

[@sulaimanfaisal1964]

Thank you so much and it works on my Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi 4 😃👾

[@leloelela]

How did you decide what size resistor to use? I notice in some of your other videos you chose resistors of different values.