What can you build with Raspberry Pi Zero?
The latest issue of Raspberry Pi Official Magazine explores the differences between some of our most iconic boards and microcontrollers. Here, we share part of a multi-page feature that explains what Raspberry Pi Zero is capable of and the types of projects you can use it for.
Launched with the aim of making computing even more affordable, the Raspberry Pi Zero range of computers also benefits from a smaller form factor — about the size of a stick of gum. This makes a Raspberry Pi Zero ideal for any projects where space is at a premium, such as in drones and smaller robots, or in handheld games devices.
While smaller, it still features the same 40-pin GPIO header as the flagship Model B devices (Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B), so you can use it with the same range of HATs and other expansion boards, as well as connect your own electronic circuits to its pins.
Compared to the later models in the Model B range, Raspberry Pi Zero has less processing power and RAM. The standard Zero / Zero W features a single-core processor, but the quad-core Zero 2 W is roughly equivalent to a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. So, anything you can do with that, you can do with a Zero 2 W.
All Zero models are fully functional computers that run an operating system, so you can install your favourite applications and tools as per usual. You can even connect it to a monitor from its mini HDMI port, although the single USB port means you’ll need a USB hub to connect a wired keyboard and mouse (or you can use Bluetooth instead).
However, Raspberry Pi Zero is typically used in a headless setup, with users connecting to it from a remote computer via SSH over Wi-Fi to issue terminal commands. Its lower power drain (as little as 100 milliwatts) makes it suitable for battery-powered projects in remote locations away from mains power outlets, such as weather stations or wildlife cameras (you can connect a Camera Module to its CSI camera port).
If you need a more compact Raspberry Pi with several orders more processing power than a Raspberry Pi Pico, as well as the ability to run an operating system, Raspberry Pi Zero fits the bill.
Lawny
This remote-control robot mower was originally built using a Raspberry Pi 5, but the maker has since switched it out for a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, demonstrating how the smaller and cheaper single-board computer is powerful enough to handle a sophisticated robotics project. A front-mounted Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 gives the remote operator an as-it-mows, Lawny-eye view as they control the robot from a web interface on a smartphone or computer — thanks to Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running a Node.js web server.
PiMiniMint
If you want to build a handheld games console, your best choice is a Raspberry Pi Zero model, whose smaller footprint enables it to fit into a compact case with a mini LCD for a display. The lower power drain means your battery pack will last longer, too. One of the first projects to demonstrate such possibilities, PiMiniMint crams a Raspberry Pi Zero into a 60 × 95mm Altoids tin. At the time, the maker used an IoT board to provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but this isn’t needed with a wireless-equipped Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W.
Time machine radio
Replacing the innards of an old radio to turn it into an internet radio is another very popular Raspberry Pi project. If you can’t find a genuine retro model, you can always get a vintage-effect replica, as used in this project. A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W equipped with a Pimoroni Audio Amp SHIM provides analogue audio out to the speakers. Two potentiometer knobs are used for volume and tuning — or in this case, to play custom sound clips from different decades, as per the time-travelling theme.
The Oracle
This miniature version of a Zoltar-style fortune-telling arcade machine is made using a stripped-back Nintendo Game Boy hooked up to a Raspberry Pi Zero W. The latter provides all the I/O necessary for interfacing the keypad, the coin mechanism, the LCD, and the relay modules. It also connects wirelessly to the ChatGPT API to generate horoscopes in the style of American writer HP Lovecraft or children’s author Dr Seuss, then outputs these on paper using a thermal printer.
Raspberry Pi Zero key specs
Dimensions: 65 × 30mm
Weight: 9g (Zero) / 12g (Zero 2 W)
Processor: 1GHz single-core 32-bit (Zero) / 1GHz quad-core 64-bit (Zero 2 W)
Memory: 512MB
Ports: 2 × micro USB*, mini HDMI video, CSI camera
Wireless†: 2.4GHz single-band 802.11n Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.2, BLE
*One for input power
†W and WH models only
Models available
Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero W, Zero WH
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Zero 2 WH
Ideal for:
- Small robots
- Drones
- Remote cameras / sensors
- Handheld gaming consoles
- Internet radios / music streaming
- Ad blockers / VPNs
- Network monitors
To ensure ongoing support for our older models, we released a legacy version of Raspberry Pi OS. It provides a continuity option for users who require it, such as industrial users who’ve developed software to use particular library versions, or who value a stable, unchanging operating system. It’s available to download from our software page, and can also be found in Raspberry Pi Imager, our free OS installer for Windows, macOS, Ubuntu for x86, and Raspberry Pi OS.
As ever, the Raspberry Pi Forums are a great place to look for support, and there are already many threads about older versions of Raspberry Pi OS.
Read the full article in Raspberry Pi Official Magazine #159
You can grab this issue from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, WHSmith, and other newsagents, including the Raspberry Pi Store in Cambridge. It’s also available from our online store, which ships around the world. And you can get a digital version via our app on Android or iOS.
You can also subscribe to the print version of our magazine. Not only do we deliver worldwide, but people who sign up to the six- or twelve-month print subscription get a FREE Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W!
43 comments
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gus3
I got a Raspberry Pi Zero, back when it cost US$5 (plus S+H). I still have it. In fact, it’s on the table, right next to the 400 where I’m typing this.
I’ll admit, I don’t accomplish that with a Zero. But just having one in my hand gives me bragging rights. From a big room with climate control in the 1960’s (when I was born), to today’s “$5 stick of gum in my pocket”… 😀
Anders
When Raspberry Pi revealed Pi Zero to the public, they did it by giving them away “free” attached to the front cover of the MagPi magazine, as it was then. I can remember the furore because people bought the entire stock from some WH Smiths. Still have my original free one.
Raspberry Pi Staff Ashley Whittaker
I still have mine! Never opened. All in tact.
Simon FD
Same. I bought two and opened one.
Anders
I carried one around in my pocket for a long time, used to show people when they asked questions about Raspberry Pi.
pik33
Zero 2 is capable of running full MiniDexed – a Yamaha TX816 emulator, 8x DX7 in one little raspberry. For best experience a i2s DAC, i2c LCD and an encoder is helpful. I have my MiniDexed set up with rpi4, however I have several Zeros and I dream of a rack with several MiniDexeds as modules. Building them with Zero 2 will make them smaller.
MiniDexed is available (free/gpl) on Github.
Russell
I used my Zero W as “lab equipment” as I worked my way through Wm. Shotts’ “The Linux Command Line” tome. I also learned how to set it up headless … it was plugged into a USB charger plug that was plugged into the wall of my living room. Just hanging there. Later, I plugged it into my WiFi router and ran Pi-Hole on it. But that latter experiment ended with a power outage and corrupted microSD card.
In short, it served as a good learning tool.
Only some specs can be compared, but IIRC I think that $5 computer was roughly on par or better speed-wise (and maybe memory-wise too) with a corporate desktop PC from around 1995-2000, running something like Win95, 98, or OS/2.
Dylan
I use a Raspberry Pi Zero W running DietPi to share a USB laser printer using CUPS on a wireless network. It essentially turns it into a wireless printer!
Alejandro Hernandez
The original zero was kind of lacking, better to use and ESP32. But the Pi Zero 2 is way more capable. I use one as a Pi-hole ads removal. And another as tv media player.
Anders
It’s a low spec device, yes, but it has the capability to run Linux and other OS like RISCOS for example, I had one for years for SSH and testing droplet workloads. Not something I would have considered ESP32 for.
AbdulRahman Basaleh
Hi Alejandro,
Do you use Kodi for media player setup, appreciate your advise as per your experience.
Thank you
hishi
The Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero 2 is a great device. I’m looking forward to seeing high-performance, low-power models come out.
I’ve released an open-source bike computer. Give it a try.
https://github.com/hishizuka/pizero_bikecomputer
Xailter
I really hope there’s a Pi Zero 3W in the works with at least 1GB of RAM (and USB-C). I sadly had to get a Radxa Zero 3W for my use case instead.
Gordon Grün
You’re so right, my friend! We need three versions: 512MB, 1GB, 2GB…and definitely a USB-C port!! I agree with you 100%! Cheers
rpiMike
We’ve had a Pi Zero W monitoring and controlling our hot and cold water tanks as well as radiator pump for about 7 years.
Mark
I use a Zero (with a Zero4U USB hub) to share USB devices (scanner, 3D printer, couple of dongles) over WiFi using VirtualHere (https://www.virtualhere.com/), which saves running some very long USB cables and means I can share the devices across multiple PCs.
Robert
I have my Pi Zero W running TVHeadend with the DVB-T hat. Records TV perfectly to my NAS.
CatherineWeird
I built the tech that went in the Baton for the Birmingham Commonwealth games. That all ran on a PiZeroW
Raspberry Pi Staff Ashley Whittaker
You… you what?!….
CreatedWithATrackPoint
wait, WHAT???
java>c#
WHAT?!?
rclark
I removed two zero Ws and replaced with Pico Ws awhile back that were monitoring switches and doing relay actions. No need for a Linux based Zero Ws for that use. Right now I don’t have a use in mind for any Zeros… But I have several Zeros just waiting to be used for something!
Thanks for some ideas…
Uriah
Similar. Using Pico 2 with cell modem and GPS. I rent machines to restaurants. They don’t pay their bills so I’m going this helps us have a better working relationship and me mage more reliable income. I can turn a relay on or off from anywhere and I can check and make sure my machine is still at same address. I control it with telegram via mqtt which I broker/bridge on my OVH cloud server. I don’t code but Claude does :) It’s been fun and finally works.
Luke jeffries
I use mine to detect the quality of pies using a sonic and acoustic sensors, If it detects onion in pies I walk away.
I call it a pie standoff.
Raspberry Pi Staff Ashley Whittaker
I so, so hope this is real.
Benjamin
I use my Pi Zero 2W as a second Pihole and Wireguard server on my local network. The main Pihole is hosted on a Raspberry Pi 4B. The 4B also hosts several Docker containers and shares my USB-only Brother laser printer to the network with CUPS.
Tom
https://social.bau-ha.us/@thomas/115577424379089900
jellyfin with streaming from mediatheken and from archive.org (does not even claim 1+mb+cover+jellyfin and runs safely on an raspi 0 with 512mb ram.)
CreatedWithATrackPoint
i love the pi 0w, it was the main thing that got me into linux back in 2018. Since i got the pi 4, the 0w was lying around unused so im now making a lil project with it :>
Thomas W Day
My Pi zero is an electric fireplace. The Pi loops a video and it’s attached to a 42″ TV. The whole thing fits perfectly behind the brick fascia of my old wood burning fireplace. By adding 1,500 Watts of heating elements I even get the feel of a real fire.
Lhorror
I use my Zero W as a bitcoin miner (Debian Bullseye and CGminer) with GekkoScience Compac A1. I takes 15W
LEROY HART
i have a PI zero 2w running as an octoprint server for my Ender 3 V3 se 3D printer paired with octoeverywhere I get to be wireless instead of shuffling a SD card back and forth to the printer,
Richard H McLaren
I use a 2W as a wireless android auto adapter for the car.
Lollipop
Will there be Pi Zero 3?
Richard
Could push price up a bit too much. I would love there to be a 2GB version. But not if it’ll raise the price too much. The Zero is my favourite. Although I do dream of a Model A version of the Pi 4. I live in hope. :)
Lollipop
Yeah, the main concern for me is also the memory. I love everything about the Zero 2W, but the limited memory means that I couldn’t run too many services on it.
Ian Nichols
I have 4 projects currently running on Pi Zeroes. 1) A GPS-referred clock, which constantly checks its time against GPS and corrects when its 0.02s out. 2) A Zero 2W with a camera runs OctoPi for a 3D printer. 3) a battery powered MP3 player built into a 2 Oz Colman’s mustard tin. 4) A light-painting wand.
Uriah
And I swype to text ugh so that’s obvious
Dan Schmidt
I used 20+ pizero’s in recycled RC cars in an after school workshop with usonic sensors and python coding. Also with cameras making movies. Great fun! Also used Pi3’s as desktop machines in class..
Ron
I have a pi zero in my car for wireless android auto. Works perfectly.
Nick
I use a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W as a radio streaming device. I didn’t like the existing online radio hardware available to purchase, due to lack of control and portability, I decided to turn any bluetooth speaker into a “radio”. I run a script on the Pi to monitor when the bluetooth speaker is connected, and start streaming to it. And when the speaker is turned off, the script turns off the stream. Once I made this script, I looked for a small but good sounding speaker with good water protection (good for kitchen use too), and I decided that the soundcore Anker Mini 3 was good enough. While its physical controls could be better, the sound quality, size and weight are good enough that we even took it on vacation twice so far. :) Both the speaker and the Pi Zero are easy to pack, and worth having along – much better than any typical internet radio off the shelf.
Michael
I love the Pi zero form factor. I see a few other people putting in suggestions for what might be in the Pi Zero3, so chiming in with my 2 cents: don’t just give it a Type-C port for providing power: give it a full-function Type-C port that supports power+data+display. In such a tiny device this would open up a world of possibilities!
Smittron
I have two PI Zeroes – a w and a 2w running Volumio to stream music through a DAC to an external speaking.
Christian Hatley
Why hasn’t there been a Raspberry Pi Zero 3?