Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're using the Pi with a DVI-D monitor via an adapter or cable, audio will not be included.
This highlights the main difference between HDMI and DVI: while HDMI can carry audio
signals, DVI cannot and is instead used exclusively for video signals.
For those with DVI-D monitors, or those using the composite video output, a black
3.5 mm
audio jack
located on the top edge of the Pi next to the yellow phono connector provides ana-
logue audio (see Figure 2-1). This is the same connector used for headphones and micro-
phones on consumer audio equipment, and it's wired in exactly the same way. If you want,
you can simply connect a pair of headphones to this port for quick access to audio.
While headphones can be connected directly to the Raspberry Pi, you may find the volume a little
lacking. If possible, connect a pair of powered speakers instead. The amplifier inside will help boost
the signal to a more audible level, while many will also provide a physical volume control.
TIP
If you're looking for something more permanent, you can either use standard PC speakers
that have a 3.5 mm connector or buy some adapter cables. For composite video users, a
3.5
mm to RCA phono cable
is useful. This provides the two white-and-red RCA phono connec-
tions that sit alongside the video connection, each carrying a channel of the stereo audio
signal to the TV.
For those connecting the Pi to an amplifier or stereo system, you'll either need a 3.5 mm to
RCA phono cable or a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable, depending on what spare connections you
have on your system. Both cable types are readily and cheaply available at consumer elec-
tronics shops, or can be purchased even cheaper from online retailers such as Amazon.
Connecting a Keyboard and Mouse
Now that you've got your Raspberry Pi's output devices sorted, it's time to think about input.
At a bare minimum, you're going to need a keyboard, and for the majority of users, a mouse
or trackball is a necessity too.
First, some bad news: if you've got a keyboard and mouse with a PS/2 connector—a round
plug with a horseshoe-shaped array of pins—then you're going to have to go out and buy a
replacement. The old PS/2 connection has been superseded, and the Pi expects your periph-
erals to be connected over the
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
. An alternative is to buy a
USB
to PS/2 adapter,
although be aware that some particularly old keyboards may not operate
correctly through such an adapter.
Depending on whether you purchased the Model A or Model B, you'll have either one or two
USB ports available on the right side of the Pi (see Figure 2-3). If you're using a Model B, you
