Intial Setup: Hardware Software Accessories
To begin this project, we're going to need to have all of the physical components to actually create it. Then we'll be downloading all the software-related content for the operating system.
For my project, I decided to create a stand-alone monitor with a Raspberry Pi4 attached to the back with zip ties and some cable management. Most of the items will be required, and some optional. I made 2 categories for each Hardware & Accessories + Software section for everything required & optional for this project below:
- Raspberry Pi 3/4 Model B (2+GB RAM)
- An RP3 Model-B would work just as great. I purchased an RP4 Model-B 4GB RAM. More RAM is generally better, but you can get away with 2GB for this project.
- Heatsinks / Thermal Paste (Can get with case purchase)
- I highly recommend the RP heatsinks w/ tape over thermal paste as they provide more surface area to dissipate heat when powered on.
- Protective Case (Plastic > Aluminum)
- Type-C Power Connector (5V 2.5A)
- MicroSD Card (16GB)
- 16GB is a great amount. The operating system will take ~ 2 GB, and the files for the project won't be much larger than that.
- MicroSD Card Reader
- Micro-HDMI to HDMI (both male ends)
- Monitor (HDMI female end)
- Case Fan (helps cool the RP significantly)
- Ethernet Cable
- This would ensure that you won't run into any Wifi-related issues, as you'll be guaranteed a connection.
- Plug & Play Mouse + Keyboard w/ USB Dongle
- Recommended to work on the GUI side of your Magic Mirror project. However, this can all be accomplished by using the command line. I will be walking you through the CLI (command-line interface) in a detailed manner for the newest person in the room to the CLI and/or Linux!
- Smart Plug w/ App
- Recommended so that you can turn the Magic Mirror on from anywhere on or off your network. I wake up in the morning and turn on my monitor from the bedroom before I go to my home office.
- Make sure you plug your power cable into this smart plug so you can turn your Raspberry Pi on and off via their app.
- I'm using a "Feit Electric Indoor Smart Plug" with their app to accomplish this, but I'm sure they're plenty of similar options.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT get paid for you clicking on these links in any way, shape, or form. I am simply adding items I purchased and that I would genuinely recommend to others that I was satisfied with. There may be better options out there for you and your budget (while most of the items I chose are pretty reasonably priced).
Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 - Model B
- Most places will upcharge, but I didn't mind too much, I was just excited to start the project
- I purchased the RP4, which is considered overkill for this project. Feel free to use the RP3 to maintain high image quality with the HDMI ports
- You have a few options where you can buy your Pi, I bought mine on Amazon, but there are others!
Case + Heatsink + CPU cooling fan + Power cable
- I love the iUniker Store bundle on Amazon: RP 4 Model B case, Fan ABS Case with Cooling Fan, heatsink. The fan dramatically cools your CPU down! *This also gets 4 items off our list!
MSI Modern MD241P 23.8" Full HD LCD Monitor (Matte Black)
- I love this monitor! 1920x1200 resolution w/ 75fps
- It also has a built-in speaker which I used to add a Lofi Hip-Hop soundtrack with the live YouTube girl studying 24/7 in her dorm (she should really take a break sometime...)
- The stand is very sturdy, has enough height to allow me to rotate the monitor 90° (portrait mode), and pivots left and right!
Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
- Make sure that your peripherals have Plug-and-Play so that way, you don't need to download any drivers and will work immediately after you insert the USB dongle inside your Raspberry Pi's USB port!
UGREEN Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable Adapter 4K 60Hz Ethernet Audio - 3ft
- RP4 Model B has a MicroHDMI port, while the monitor has an HDMI port
- Please make sure that both ends of your cable are male-ends
You can purchase some of these items in bundles that might save you some money. However, I recommend buying things separately if they don't have everything you want/need.
For instance, I purchased a bundle with an aluminum casing and thermal sticker + thermal paste. My Rasberry Pi was burning up after 30 minutes and burned small circles through the thermal stickers. I went ahead and purchased a new plastic case, that included heatsinks w/ stickers and a fan to plug into the pins. My RP now runs much cooler, and quieter.
Also, please look at the video input connector, I believe the RP3 has an actual HDMI port on it, while the RP4 has MicroHDMI port.
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SD Card Formatter
- Used to format your SD card. I'd recommend using the
Overwrite formatswitch to ensure data is cleaned, then label volume (ie. MagicMirror)
- Used to format your SD card. I'd recommend using the
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balenaEtcher (aka Etcher)
- Used to flash the MicroSD Card. You have to use a program like this to install the operating system onto a flash media device.
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Rasbian Operating System -- Raspberry Pi OS with desktop
- This is the operating system you should use for your Raspberry Pi project. You don't need the recommended software, just the minimum and we'll update and upgrade when after we initialize our Pi.
- Advanced IP Scanner
- Used to identify which IP address was given to your Raspberry Pi after booting up