We recently shared a tutorial on installing and configuring RetroPie, one of the most popular retro emulation platforms compatible with the Raspberry Pi. At the same time, our readers recommended Recalbox as an alternative, and we have also suggested a series of screens and cases that expand the mini computer. However, the next phase comes through the use of Raspberry Pi modules, which can add secondary sensors, lithium batteries, and even infrared cameras for a very reasonable price.
No matter if you are thinking of an HTPC, a firewall, portable computers, or stranger things like guitar pedals and DIY cameras, the Raspberry Pi lets you do that and more. In most cases the project develops at the software level, and all the user needs is to get the right program or apply a special configuration. But the essence of the Raspberry Pi reminds us that it is a platform to experiment, try different things, make mistakes, start over, and reach new goals.
Raspberry Pi Modules
That is where modules, or HATs ("hats") as English speakers prefer to call them, come in. If you have ever wondered what are the best Raspberry Pi modules and how much they cost, you are in the right place. Here is our humble selection.
Sense HAT
A classic by now, the Sense HAT is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to enter the world of modules. It includes an 8-by-8 pixel LED matrix, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure sensors. It also has a small joystick that allows us to interact directly with whatever has been programmed. The best way to get the most out of a Sense HAT is to learn Python, but don't worry: There is plenty of compatible software (after all, it's an official module) and hundreds of tutorials on the web.
Vococal GPIO Extender
The GPIO header is a critical resource on the Raspberry Pi, and thanks to it we can connect and/or control all kinds of devices, but sometimes working with the pins becomes a bit uncomfortable. The Vococal GPIO extender solves that problem from the root by providing additional pins for specific voltages and functions. If you need to connect multiple 3.3 or 5 volt accessories, this redundancy offered by the extender should not be missing from your workbench. Its format makes it compatible with Raspberry Pi versions 2 and 3, however, you can always improvise...
Kuman UPS Converter with Case
One of the most frustrating aspects of using a Raspberry Pi as a '24/7 device' is restarting it after a power interruption. Luckily, the market offers a module that basically behaves like a UPS, enabling the use of lithium batteries. The Kuman model does not depend on the GPIO to connect, which provides extra flexibility depending on the situation. It also comes with a case, complete with all the screws and nuts, heatsinks for the RPi, and the battery. If you need to replace it, the specifications recommend a maximum of 3,800 mAh, always at 3.7 volts.
UPS Converter with GPIO Connection
The previous converter uses a USB cable to transfer power to the Raspberry Pi. That detail extends its compatibility to more compact models of the mini computer, but if what you need is a solution that works directly on the GPIO, then this is the product you are looking for. The package includes a 2,500 mAh battery, the PCB has four LED lights that report the charge status, and a physical switch prevents unnecessary draining. Another positive aspect is that the GPIO pins remain free on the other side of the PCB, so we can make a sandwich with more modules.
Kuman Infrared Camera
The official camera for the Raspberry Pi with an 8 MP sensor is not very difficult to get, but for a similar price you can get a more interesting option: an infrared camera. The 5 MP sensor records in 1080p, comes with a small easy-to-adjust lens, two infrared LED lights, four screws to connect the lights to the sensor, and the flex cable that links the module to almost any Raspberry Pi model. If the plan is for the camera to work for a long period of time, I recommend installing a heatsink on the back of each light.
Waveshare 1.3-inch OLED Screen
A couple of weeks ago we dedicated a comprehensive post to the best screens for the Raspberry Pi, all of them with an excellent price-to-performance ratio, but sometimes we only want to perform basic text operations, or we are toying with the idea of making a mini handheld console. In those cases we should consider the 1.3-inch Waveshare OLED screen, which installs like any other module on the GPIO. Its resolution is just 128 by 64 pixels, but with a joystick and three integrated buttons, the possibilities are huge.
That's it for today. Do you think another module deserves to be part of this list? Feel free to leave your comments. Good luck!
