{"id":129784,"date":"2023-06-14T20:07:13","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T20:07:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/?p=129784"},"modified":"2023-07-19T11:04:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T11:04:07","slug":"raspberry-pi-analog-inputs-python-mcp3008","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/raspberry-pi-analog-inputs-python-mcp3008\/","title":{"rendered":"Raspberry Pi: Read Analog Inputs with Python (MCP3008)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this guide, you’ll learn how to read analog signals on the Raspberry Pi GPIOs using a Python program. The Raspberry Pi can only read digital signals. To read analog signals, we need to use an analog-to-digital converter like the MCP3008, for example. As an example, we’ll read the values from a potentiometer, but the example can be applied to any analog sensor. We’ll use the gpiozero<\/span> interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Read<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Throughout this tutorial, we\u2019ll cover the following main topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Introducing the Raspberry Pi GPIOs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Introducing the MCP3008 Analog-to-Digital Converter<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Wire the Raspberry Pi to the MCP3008<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Enabling SPI on the Raspberry Pi<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Reading Analog Signals with the Raspberry Pi – Python Script<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Prerequisites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Before continuing with this tutorial, check the following prerequisites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Get familiar with the Raspberry Pi board\u2014if you’re not familiar with the Raspberry Pi, you can read our Raspberry Pi Getting Started Guide here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. You must know how to run and create Python files on your Raspberry Pi. We like to program our Raspberry Pi via SSH using an extension on VS Code. We have a detailed tutorial about that subject: Programming Raspberry Pi Remotely using VS Code (Remote-SSH)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Introducing the Raspberry Pi GPIOs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      GPIO stands for General Purpose Input Output<\/em> pins and those allow you to connect and control electronic hardware, like LEDs, motors, and sensors to your Raspberry Pi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Most models of Raspberry Pi boards have a double row of 40 GPIO pins. The layout of the pins is usually the same for most Raspberry Pi models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Raspberry<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      If you’re not familiar with the Raspberry Pi GPIOs, we recommend taking a look at our Raspberry Pi Pinout Guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n