# Raspberry Pi Model Zero
[](https://circleci.com/gh/nerves-project/nerves_system_rpi0)
[](https://hex.pm/packages/nerves_system_rpi0)
This is the base Nerves System configuration for the Raspberry Pi Zero and
Raspberry Pi Zero W.
If you are *not* interested in [Gadget Mode](http://www.linux-usb.org/gadget/) it might be worth checking out [nerves_system_rpi](https://github.com/nerves-project/nerves_system_rpi).
That image configures the USB port in host mode by default and
is probably more appropriate for your setup.
<br><sup>[Image credit](#fritzing)</sup>
| Feature | Description |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| CPU | 1 GHz ARM1176JZF-S |
| Memory | 512 MB |
| Storage | MicroSD |
| Linux kernel | 4.4 w/ Raspberry Pi patches |
| IEx terminal | OTG USB serial port (`ttyGS0`). Can be changed to HDMI or UART. |
| GPIO, I2C, SPI | Yes - Elixir ALE |
| ADC | No |
| PWM | Yes, but no Elixir support |
| UART | 1 available - `ttyAMA0` |
| Camera | Yes - via rpi-userland |
| Ethernet | Yes - via OTG USB port |
| WiFi | Supported on the Pi Zero W |
| Bluetooth | Not supported yet |
## Using
The most common way of using this Nerves System is create a project with `mix
nerves.new` and to export `MIX_TARGET=rpi0`. See the [Getting started
guide](https://hexdocs.pm/nerves/getting-started.html#creating-a-new-nerves-app)
for more information.
If you need custom modifications to this system for your device, clone this
repository and update as described in [Making custom
systems](https://hexdocs.pm/nerves/systems.html#customizing-your-own-nerves-system)
If you're new to Nerves, check out the
[nerves_init_gadget](https://github.com/nerves-project/nerves_init_gadget)
project for creating a starter project for the Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W. It
will get you started with the basics like bringing up the virtual Ethernet
interface, initializing the writable application data partition, and enabling
ssh-based firmware updates.
## Console and kernel message configuration
The goal of this image is to use the OTG port for console access. If you're
debugging the boot process, you'll want to use the Raspberry Pi's UART pins on
the GPIO connector or the HDMI output. This is enabled by updating the
`cmdline.txt` file. This may be overridden with a custom `fwup.conf` file if you
don't want to rebuild this system. Add the following to your `cmdline.txt`:
```text
console=ttyAMA0,115200 console=tty1 ...
```
If you'd like the IEx prompt to come out the UART pins (`ttyAMA0`) or HDMI
(`tty1`), then modify `rootfs_overlay/etc/erlinit.config` as well.
## Supported OTG USB modes
The base image activates the `dwc2` overlay, which allows the Pi Zero to appear
as a device (aka gadget mode). When plugged into a host computer via the OTG
port, the Pi Zero will appear as a composite Ethernet and serial device. The
virtual serial port provides access to the IEx prompt and the Ethernet device
can be used for firmware updates, Erlang distribution, and anything else running
over IP.
## Supported WiFi devices
The base image includes drivers for the onboard Raspberry Pi Zero W wifi module
(`brcmfmac` driver). Due to the USB port being placed in gadget mode, this
system does not support USB WiFi adapters.
## Linux kernel and RPi firmware/userland
There's a subtle coupling between the `nerves_system_br` version and the Linux
kernel version used here. `nerves_system_br` provides the versions of
`rpi-userland` and `rpi-firmware` that get installed. I prefer to match them to
the Linux kernel to avoid any issues. Unfortunately, none of these are tagged by
the Raspberry Pi Foundation so I either attempt to match what's in Raspbian or
take versions of the repositories that have similar commit times.
[Image credit](#fritzing): This image is from the [Fritzing](http://fritzing.org/home/) parts library.
