How to Use Orange Pi 1: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Orange Pi 1 is a compact and affordable single-board computer (SBC) powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor. It is designed to provide a versatile platform for a wide range of computing tasks, including media playback, gaming, IoT applications, and educational projects. With support for multiple operating systems such as Linux and Android, the Orange Pi 1 is a flexible choice for developers, hobbyists, and students. Additionally, its GPIO pins enable hardware interfacing, making it suitable for embedded systems and hardware prototyping.

• Media centers and home entertainment systems
• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Educational tools for learning programming and electronics
• Lightweight servers and network applications
• Robotics and hardware prototyping

The Orange Pi 1 offers a robust set of features for its size and price. Below are the key technical details:

The Orange Pi 1 features a 26-pin GPIO header for hardware interfacing. Below is the pinout:

The Orange Pi 1 can be used in a variety of projects, from running a media server to controlling hardware via GPIO. Below are the steps to get started:

1. Prepare the Operating System:
   • Download a compatible OS image (e.g., Armbian, Ubuntu, or Android) from the official Orange Pi website or community forums.
   • Use a tool like Balena Etcher to flash the OS image onto a microSD card.
2. Connect Peripherals:
   • Insert the microSD card into the Orange Pi 1.
   • Connect an HDMI cable to a monitor or TV.
   • Attach a USB keyboard and mouse.
   • Optionally, connect an Ethernet cable for network access.
3. Power On:
   • Connect a 5V/2A power supply to the Orange Pi 1.
   • The board will boot into the operating system.

The GPIO pins on the Orange Pi 1 can be used to interface with external hardware such as LEDs, sensors, and motors. Below is an example of controlling an LED using Python:

1. Connect the LED:

   • Connect the positive leg of the LED to GPIO17 (Pin 11).
   • Connect the negative leg of the LED to a 330-ohm resistor, and then to GND (Pin 14).

2. Install Required Libraries:

   • Install the RPi.GPIO library (compatible with Orange Pi) using the following command:

     sudo apt-get install python3-rpi.gpio
     

3. Write the Code: Save the following Python code to a file (e.g., blink.py):

   import RPi.GPIO as GPIO  # Import GPIO library
   import time              # Import time library for delays
   
   # Pin configuration
   LED_PIN = 11  # GPIO17 corresponds to Pin 11 on the header
   
   # GPIO setup
   GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD)  # Use physical pin numbering
   GPIO.setup(LED_PIN, GPIO.OUT)  # Set pin as output
   
   try:
       while True:
           GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.HIGH)  # Turn LED on
           time.sleep(1)  # Wait for 1 second
           GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.LOW)   # Turn LED off
           time.sleep(1)  # Wait for 1 second
   except KeyboardInterrupt:
       GPIO.cleanup()  # Clean up GPIO settings on exit
   

4. Run the Code: Execute the script using:

   python3 blink.py
   

• Use a reliable 5V/2A power supply to ensure stable operation.
• Avoid shorting GPIO pins to prevent damage to the board.
• Always shut down the operating system properly before disconnecting power.

1. The board does not boot:

   • Ensure the microSD card is properly inserted.
   • Verify that the OS image was flashed correctly.
   • Check the power supply for sufficient voltage and current.

2. No display on the monitor:

   • Confirm the HDMI cable is securely connected.
   • Try a different monitor or HDMI cable.
   • Ensure the OS image supports HDMI output.

3. GPIO pins not working:

   • Verify the pin configuration in your code.
   • Check for loose connections in the circuit.
   • Ensure the RPI.GPIO library is installed and configured correctly.

1. Can I use the Orange Pi 1 with a Raspberry Pi HAT?

   • Yes, the GPIO header is compatible with most Raspberry Pi HATs, but software support may vary.

2. What is the maximum supported microSD card size?

   • The Orange Pi 1 supports microSD cards up to 32GB.

3. Can I power the board via GPIO pins?

   • Yes, you can supply 5V to the 5V pin, but ensure the power source is stable and regulated.

4. Is Wi-Fi supported?

   • The Orange Pi 1 does not have built-in Wi-Fi, but you can use a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the Orange Pi 1 for a variety of projects and applications.