Creating a Floppy Disk-Inspired Connected Badge Displaying Latest News Headlines Using Raspberry Pi

July 6, 2024 Hardware

For tech enthusiasts and coding aficionados, the Raspberry Pi is not a new name. This small, single-board computer has been a game-changer, allowing DIY tech projects to be more accessible and affordable. One such innovative project is creating a connected badge that displays the latest news headlines and, for a touch of nostalgia, looks like a floppy disk.

The idea behind this project is simple yet innovative. It's about creating a wearable tech device, a connected badge in the form of a floppy disk, which can display news headlines fetched from the internet. This project is a perfect blend of old and new technology, bringing an element of the past into the fast-paced, tech-driven present.

To start off, you'll need a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a PaPiRus Zero ePaper / eInk Screen pHAT, a soldering iron, a 3D printed case resembling a floppy disk, and a few other components. The Raspberry Pi Zero W is chosen for its compact size and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it perfect for this portable project.

Firstly, you need to solder the PaPiRus Zero ePaper / eInk Screen pHAT onto the Raspberry Pi Zero W. The ePaper display offers a low-power, highly readable screen, ideal for this project. Once completed, the next step involves setting up the Raspberry Pi Zero W and installing the PaPiRus software.

Considering the compact size of Raspberry Pi Zero W, it's advisable to use a fresh installation of Raspberry Pi OS Lite. After installing the OS, the PaPiRus software can be installed using a series of command lines. The software will allow the Raspberry Pi to communicate with the ePaper display.

The next step involves coding the functionality to fetch and display news headlines. You can use Python to write a script that pulls the latest headlines from a news RSS feed. The BBC News RSS feed is a great source for this, but you can use any feed of your choice.

After the coding is done, it's time to fit everything into the 3D printed floppy disk case. The case adds an element of nostalgia and makes the connected badge wearable. It's worth mentioning that the case needs to be printed with precision to ensure that all the components fit perfectly.

Once everything is assembled, you can power up the Raspberry Pi, and the ePaper display will start showing the latest news headlines fetched from the RSS feed. The badge can be pinned to your clothes, and you can keep yourself updated with the news in a retro style.

The Raspberry Pi connected badge is an excellent example of how old and new technology can harmoniously blend together. It's not just a fun project but also a practical one, keeping you in touch with the world in a stylish way. So, pick up your Raspberry Pi and start making this unique device. It's a testament to the endless possibilities that Raspberry Pi offers for tech enthusiasts.

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