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Introduction
Python is a wonderful high-level programming language that lets us quickly capture data, perform calculations, and even make simple drawings, such as graphs. Several graphical libraries are available for us to use, but we will be focusing on matplotlib in this guide. Matplotlib was created as a plotting tool to rival those found in other software packages, such as MATLAB. Creating 2D graphs to demonstrate mathematical concepts, visualize statistics, or monitor sensor data can be accomplished in just a few lines of code with matplotlib.
The Raspberry Pi is a great platform for connecting sensors (thanks to the exposed GPIO pins), collecting data via Python, and displaying live plots on a monitor.
Notice: This tutorial was written with Raspbian version "June 2018" and Python version 3.5.3. Other versions may affect how some of the steps in this guide are performed.
Required Materials
To work through the activities in this tutorial, you will need a few pieces of hardware:
Note: As an alternative, you could also use the the Qwiic cables and the Qwiic TMP102 to easily connect without needing to solder or connect to the four pins.
In stock
DEV-15794
The SparkFun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi is a small, easily removable breakout that easily adds a Qwiic connector to your Ras…
14
In stock
SEN-16304
The SparkFun TMP102 Qwiic is an easy-to-use digital temperature sensor equipped with a couple of Qwiic connectors for easy I2…
1
In stock
PRT-14425
This is a jumper adapter cable that comes pre-terminated with a female Qwiic JST connector on one end and a breadboard hookup…
Retired
PRT-14428
This is a 200mm long 4-conductor cable with 1mm JST termination. It’s designed to connect Qwiic enabled components together…
Retired
Optional Materials
You have several options when it comes to working with the Raspberry Pi. Most commonly, the Pi is used as a standalone computer, which requires a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (listed below). To save on costs, the Pi can also be used as a headless computer (without a monitor, keyboard, and mouse).
Note that for this tutorial, you will need access to the Raspbian (or other Linux) graphical interface (known as the desktop). As a result, the two recommended ways to interact with your Pi is through a monitor, keyboard, and mouse or by using Virtual Network Computing (VNC).
In stock
LCD-13733
This 7" Raspberry Pi Touchscreen LCD provides you with the ability to create a standalone device that can be utilized as a cu…
55
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WIG-14271
With Single-Board Computers (SBCs) on the rise, it is a good idea to have an easy way to interface with them. Operating on a …
5
Retired
PRT-14059
The SmartiPi Touch is a case and stand for the official [Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen LCD](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/1…
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Retired
At the bare minimum, you need a breadboard and some jumper wires to connect the Pi to the TMP102 sensor. However, the Pi Wedge and some M/M jumper wires may make prototyping easier.
Out of stock
PRT-11026
If you need to knock up a quick prototype there's nothing like having a pile of jumper wires to speed things up, and let's fa…
20
In stock
BOB-13717
This is the SparkFun Pi Wedge, a small board that connects to the 40-pin GPIO connector on the Raspberry Pi and breaks the pi…
12
Suggested Reading
If you aren't familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing:
Serial Terminal Basics
This tutorial will show you how to communicate with your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator applications.
Please note: If you have trouble seeing any of the images throughout this tutorial, feel free to click on it to get a better look!