Fingerprint Sensor AS608 - A Beginner's Guide
One touch can replace keys. This project uses an optical fingerprint sensor to enroll users and then grant access with a quick scan.
read tutorial →
Raspberry Pi Zero — Version 1.3 with Camera Port
The Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 is the original ultra-slim Raspberry Pi, designed for projects where every millimeter of space and every milliamp of power counts. It keeps the essentials—a 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, mini HDMI, and USB—while dropping onboard networking so you can decide exactly how it fits into your design.
This version adds the camera connector, turning the tiny Zero into a flexible imaging platform for timelapse, security, and computer-vision experiments. Add a Wi-Fi dongle, USB gadget, or go completely offline for secure, air-gapped builds and ultra-low-power installations.
Why choose the original Zero
- Ultra-slim form factor: Smaller than a business card, easy to fit inside tight enclosures and wearables.
- Camera-ready: Dedicated CSI camera connector for use with Zero-compatible camera cables.
- Flexible connectivity: Use USB OTG to attach Wi-Fi, Ethernet, serial adapters, or custom USB devices only when needed.
- Low idle power: Ideal for battery-powered or always-on appliances that do not need heavy processing.
Typical projects and use cases
- Timelapse and camera traps: Pair with a Raspberry Pi camera module for wildlife cameras or build-site time-lapse rigs.
- Wearable or portable gadgets: Slim enough for badges, props, and custom handheld devices.
- Embedded controllers: Hide inside panels, kiosks, or art installations where you need a full Linux stack.
- Secure, offline tools: Air-gapped logging or analysis tools with no permanent network connection.
Starter bundles
- Zero camera starter: Zero v1.3 + Pi camera module + Zero camera cable + 16 GB microSD card.
- Connectivity pack: Add a USB OTG adapter, Wi-Fi dongle, keyboard, and mouse.
- Embedded pack: Zero + low-profile case + standoffs + right-angle headers.
Recommended add-ons
- Mini HDMI cable for initial setup and configuration.
- 5 V micro-USB power supply sized for any USB peripherals you plan to attach.
- 40-pin header kit if you want breadboard or HAT compatibility.
- USB Wi-Fi dongle or USB‑to‑Ethernet adapter if you need network connectivity.
Technical specifications
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2835, Arm11 single-core @ 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Memory | 512 MB RAM |
| Wireless | None on board (use USB Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapters if required) |
| Storage | microSD card slot for operating system and data |
| Video & audio | Mini HDMI output; composite video via test pads |
| USB | 1 × USB 2.0 via micro-USB OTG (plus micro-USB for power) |
| Camera | CSI camera connector (requires Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable) |
| GPIO | 40-pin unpopulated header footprint, standard Raspberry Pi pinout, 3.3 V logic |
| Power input | 5 V DC via micro-USB |
| Dimensions | Approx. 65 mm × 30 mm |
Pinout & power notes
- 3.3 V GPIO only: Protect pins from 5 V signals by using level shifters or resistor dividers.
- USB OTG setup: A simple OTG cable lets you attach Wi-Fi, keyboards, or serial interfaces as needed.
- Camera cabling: Use the special Zero-compatible camera ribbon cable, not the standard Raspberry Pi camera cable.
What’s in the box
- 1 × Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 board (no headers installed)
FAQ
- How is this different from Raspberry Pi Zero W?
- Zero v1.3 does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is better suited for ultra-low-power, offline, or tightly controlled connectivity projects where you add networking only when required.
- Can I still get online with this board?
- Yes. Use a USB Wi-Fi dongle, USB‑to‑Ethernet adapter, or tether it to another device over USB for network access.
- Which operating system should I use?
- Raspberry Pi OS Lite is recommended for most headless and camera-based projects because it keeps resource usage low on the small CPU and memory budget.
Manila stock. Order before 16:00 PHT, ships today via J&T or LBC. Provincial: 1–3 working days.
Schools / class POs: we accept Purchase Orders for accredited schools and universities. contact us with your PO details.
Returns: 7-day inspection window for DOA units. Email proof of issue and we ship a replacement.
Customers also bought
Build with this board
Thumb Joystick - A Beginner's Guide
Wire a joystick to your Arduino, read X/Y, then print UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT to the serial monitor.
read tutorial →Motor Drive (BTS7960 43A) - A Beginner's Guide
Bench-test a 43 A motor driver before wiring the full project. Catches weak power, mis-pinning, and dead boards before they cost you time.
read tutorial →Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) - A Beginner's Guide
Coming from UNO and the Pico won't show a COM port? Here's the BOOTSEL trick, the driver fix, and the first sketch that actually works.
read tutorial →Notes from the bench
Ask the community
Project Showcase — show what you built
Share what you built. Photos, BOM, what worked, what didn't.
view thread →How to ask a good question (and actually get answers)
Symptom + what you tried + clear photo = answers within hours.
view thread →ESP32 brownout when wiring a sensor — fixes that worked
Brownout reset when adding a sensor? Notes on supply decoupling and GPIO checks.
view thread →First Arduino — sketch upload error, what to try?
Upload failing on your first Uno? Driver, COM port, board match — checklist inside.
view thread →