Raspberry Pi Getting Started Guide
Page 4
1.3.
Operating System SD Card
As the RPi has no internal mass storage or built-in operating system it requires an SD card
preloaded with a version of the Linux Operating System.
You can create your own preloaded card using any suitable SD card (4GBytes or above) you
have to hand. We suggest you use a new blank card to avoid arguments over lost pictures.
Preloaded SD cards will be available from the RPi Shop.
1.4.
Keyboard & Mouse
Most standard USB keyboards and mice will work with the RPi. Wireless keyboard/mice should also
function, and only require a single USB port for an RF dongle. In order to use a Bluetooth keyboard
or mouse you will need a Bluetooth USB dongle, which again uses a single port.
Remember that the Model A has a single USB port and the Model B has two (typically a keyboard
and mouse will use a USB port each).
1.5.
Display
There are two main connection options for the RPi display,
HDMI
(High Definition) and
Composite
(Standard Definition).
HD TVs and many LCD monitors can be connected using a full-size 'male' HDMI cable, and
with an inexpensive adaptor if DVI is used. HDMI versions 1.3 and 1.4 are supported and a
version 1.4 cable is recommended. The RPi outputs audio and video via HMDI, but does not
support HDMI input.
Older TVs can be connected using Composite video (a yellow-to-yellow RCA cable) or via
SCART (using a Composite video to SCART adaptor). Both PAL and NTSC format TVs are
supported.
When using a composite video connection, audio is available from the 3.5mm jack socket, and can
be sent to your TV, headphones or an amplifier. To send audio to your TV, you will need a cable
which adapts from 3.5mm to double (red and white) RCA connectors.
Note: There is no analogue VGA output available. This is the connection required by many
computer monitors, apart from the latest ones. If you have a monitor with only a D-shaped
plug containing 15 pins, then it is unsuitable.
1.6.
Power Supply
The unit is powered via the microUSB connector (only the power pins are connected, so it will not
transfer data over this connection). A standard modern phone charger with a microUSB connector
will do, providing it can supply at least
700mA at +5Vdc
. Check your power supply's ratings
carefully. Suitable mains adaptors will be available from the RPi Shop and are recommended if you
are unsure what to use.
Note: The individual USB ports on a powered hub or a PC are usually rated to provide 500mA
maximum. If you wish to use either of these as a power source then you will need a special
cable which plugs into two ports providing a combined current capability of 1000mA.
