5. Connecting to RVR+/RVR

First Things First - Prerequisites

Did you already set up your Raspberry Pi with the RVR+/RVR Python SDK through either the Quick Start or Advanced instructions? If not, do that first!

Signal Connections to RVR+/RVR

To set up the Raspberry Pi on top of RVR+/RVR, connect its ground and serial pins on the GPIO header to those on the RVR+/RVR as shown in the wiring diagram below:

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important

Your Tx and Rx (yellow and orange) wires should be crossed, as shown in the table below:

RVR+/RVR Pin	Raspberry Pi Pin*
GND	GND (6)
RX	TX (8)
TX	RX (10)

*Pin numbers are from the Raspberry Pi GPIO Pinout Guide, where you can find more info about the GPIO header on your Pi.

Powering Your Raspberry Pi

To make your RVR+/RVR fully mobile, you'll want to power your Pi directly from RVR+/RVR or another onboard source.

Pi 3, 3B+, and Zero W

These models can be powered by RVR+/RVR directly using the USB Type A port on RVR+/RVR, or by a separate USB power source if desired.

Pi 4

The Raspberry Pi 4 was released after we finalized RVR's electrical design. Its maximum input current specification exceeds RVR's 2.1A current limit for powering external devices. We therefore recommend powering a Raspberry Pi 4 from a separate USB power bank capable of sourcing enough current.

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warning

Depending on usage patterns, RVR+/RVR can sometimes power a Pi 4 - just be aware that the e-fuse on RVR+/RVR will shut off power without warning if it detects current over 2.1A. Do this at your own risk.

Powering From the Expansion Port

Although +5V and GND on the expansion port are internally connected to the corresponding lines on the USB port, most jumper wires will be too thin to power a Raspberry Pi and could result in low voltage warnings or an outright failure to boot. The 5V pin on the RVR+/RVR expansion port is generally useful for lower-power devices.

Next!

Once you're connected, you can proceed to the next section, where you'll make sure your Pi can communicate with RVR+/RVR.