Getting Started with Lepton 3.5 Raspberry Pi: A Beginner's Guide

The world of thermal imaging has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the innovative Lepton 3.5 module and the PureThermal 2 Smart I/O Board. In this article, we'll explore how you can harness the power of these devices with your Raspberry Pi.

Connecting the Lepton Module

To get started, simply insert the Lepton module into the breakout board and ensure proper personal grounding to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The PureThermal 2 does not include a FLIR Lepton imaging module, so you'll need to purchase it separately or as part of the Dev Kit.

Viewing Thermal Video

With the Lepton module installed, you can view thermal video over USB using freeware apps like VLC on Mac, Linux, Windows, or Android. This is an excellent way to get started with your Raspberry Pi and explore the capabilities of the PureThermal 2.

Radiometric Mode and Data Viewing

The PureThermal 2 supports radiometric mode for Lepton 2.5 & 3.5 modules, allowing you to view Lepton data on x86 Linux and macOS platforms or even on a Raspberry Pi. This makes it easy to develop custom applications using the open-source software application, GetThermal.

USB, UART, or I2C Interface Options

If USB isn't your preferred interface option, don't worry – the PureThermal 2 has been fitted with 0.1' pins for UART or I2C connectivity. This provides greater flexibility and allows you to integrate the device into your project more seamlessly.

Achieving High-Speed Color Video

With a Lepton module inserted into the PureThermal 2, you can achieve high-speed color video over USB using the USB UVC class. This is ideal for applications that require real-time thermal imaging, such as industrial inspection or surveillance.

Developer-Friendly Features

As a developer-friendly device, the PureThermal 2 offers open-source reference firmware, viewer software, and hardware schematic. This makes it easy to customize your application and integrate the device into your project.

Reliable Processing Power

The PureThermal 2 is equipped with a reliable STM32F412 ARM microprocessor that can process images without requiring any external system inputs. Each board ships pre-configured to operate as a plug-and-play UVC 1.0 USB thermal webcam, making it easy to use with standard webcam and video apps on all major platforms.

In conclusion, the Lepton 3.5 module and PureThermal 2 Smart I/O Board provide an exciting opportunity for developers and enthusiasts alike to explore the world of thermal imaging with their Raspberry Pi. With its flexible interface options, developer-friendly features, and reliable processing power, this device is sure to inspire a new wave of innovation in the field of thermal imaging.

Lepton 3.5 raspberry pi