Raspberry Pi 3 SSH WiFi Setup Guide

In the world of tiny, versatile computers lies the Raspberry Pi, a remarkable device capable of myriad tasks. The preferred model, the 3B+, can be yours for a mere $35 USD. This guide will unveil the process of installing Raspbian, setting up WiFi, and enabling SSH, all without the need for a monitor, mouse, or keyboard connected to the Pi.

Install Raspbian

Navigate to [Raspberry Pi’s official Raspbian download page and obtain the latest ZIP-compressed Raspbian Buster Lite image.

To write this image to an SD card or SSD (the device from which the Raspberry Pi will boot), acquire a suitable application like balenaEtcher here. Note: Raspberry Pi 4 does not currently support USB booting; therefore, you’ll need an SD card for boot media, as explained here https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/booteeprom.md.

Launch Etcher or your chosen application.

Attach the drive/SD card to your computer (for instance, an SSD with a USB converter). It’s worth mentioning that Pi’s USB ports may sometimes experience voltage drops affecting connected SSDs. While this issue is usually resolved with the provided converter, you might consider a powered USB hub if problems persist. Raspberry Pi 3B+ supports automatic USB booting, but for Raspberry Pi v3, refer to this https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/bootmodes/msd.md.

In Etcher, select “Select image.”;

Now, choose “Select drive,” selecting the recently attached drive/SD card, and click “Continue.”;

Finally, click “Flash!”

Setup WiFi Network Join on Boot

To configure the Pi to connect to your WiFi network on boot, follow these steps:

If the boot volume isn’t visible on your computer, safely disconnect and reconnect the SSD or SD card;

You should now see the boot volume on your machine;

Using your preferred text editor, create a file named “wpa_supplicant.conf.” The following content should be placed in this file (replace the content in quotes with your SSID and password):

```plaintext

ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev

update_config=1

ap_scan=1

fast_reauth=1

country=US

network={

  ssid="Your network's SSID"

  psk="Your network's password/psk"

  id_str="0"

  priority=100

}

```

Save the file and copy it to the boot volume.

Enable SSH on Boot

To enable SSH on boot, follow these steps:

Create an empty file named “ssh” (without an extension) using a text editor like Notepad. For this example, Terminal on OSX will be used:

```plaintext

cd ~/Desktop/

touch ssh

cp ssh /Volumes/boot

```

Safely eject the boot volume and attach it to your Raspberry Pi.

First Boot and Setup

Now, it’s time to boot the Raspberry Pi, connect the storage device (SD card or SSD with USB converter), and configure it:

As we approach the final stages of setting up your Raspberry Pi for action, here are the crucial steps to ensure your headless Pi is ready to roll:

Attach the Storage Device and Power On: Begin by connecting your chosen storage device, be it an SD card or SSD with a USB converter, to your Raspberry Pi. Once securely attached, power on your Pi, initiating the boot-up process;
Access Your Router’s Settings: The next step involves navigating to your router’s settings. Look for a section related to attached devices or DHCP client lists. This is where you’ll discover your Raspberry Pi. Refresh the list if necessary until you spot a device named “raspberrypi.” For those in need of further assistance locating their headless Pi, the official Raspberry Pi documentation provides a helpful guide;
SSH into the Pi: With the IP address of your Raspberry Pi in hand, it’s time to establish a secure connection using SSH. If you’re using Windows, you can follow this guide. However, for our example, we’ll use the Terminal application on OSX. Run the following command, replacing the IP address with the one you obtained:

```plaintext

ssh [email protected]

```

Should you be prompted to trust the host, simply select “yes.” The default username is “pi,” and the initial password is “raspberry.”

Change the Default Password: Security is paramount. To enhance the security of your Raspberry Pi, it’s imperative to change the default password. Use the “passwd” command to initiate this process. You’ll first be asked for the current password (which is “raspberry”), followed by the opportunity to set and confirm your new password. Note that as you type, characters will not be visible for security purposes.

By diligently following these steps, your Raspberry Pi is now primed and secure, ready to take on a world of projects and possibilities. Enjoy your journey into the realm of this versatile and compact computing marvel!

To wrap up

In conclusion, the Raspberry Pi stands as a remarkable and versatile computing solution that can be acquired for a modest $35 USD. This guide has illuminated the process of installing Raspbian, configuring WiFi, and enabling SSH on this compact computer, all without the need for a dedicated monitor, keyboard, or mouse.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can unleash the full potential of their Raspberry Pi. They can transform it into a powerful tool for various applications, from DIY projects to home automation and beyond;

The installation of Raspbian, the official Raspberry Pi operating system, is the initial step toward harnessing this tiny computer’s capabilities. The guide emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate image and using a reliable tool, like balenaEtcher, for writing the image to an SD card or SSD;

Setting up WiFi and enabling SSH on boot pave the way for remote access and control, making the Raspberry Pi a headless, efficient computing solution. The guide ensures that users can establish a secure connection and customize their Pi’s settings easily.

In summary, this guide empowers enthusiasts, tinkerers, and professionals alike to dive into the world of Raspberry Pi with confidence. With these fundamental steps, users can embark on countless exciting projects and explore the vast potential of this pocket-sized computer. The Raspberry Pi community continues to innovate, making this versatile device a valuable addition to any tech enthusiast’s toolkit.

Powercmd