Raspberry Pi Build HAT
28,00 € INCL. VAT
- Program the LEGO Technic motors and sensors from your SPIKE kits in Python.
- 4 LPF2 ports, RP2040 microcontroller, 8 V DC power via 2.1 mm barrel jack.
- For any Raspberry Pi with a 40-pin GPIO, Pi 400 with an extension.
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- Description
- Additional information
Description
Raspberry Pi Build HAT: control LEGO Technic motors and sensors in Python
Designed with LEGO Education, the Raspberry Pi Build HAT connects up to four LEGO Technic motors and sensors from the SPIKE range to a Raspberry Pi. An onboard RP2040 microcontroller handles the low-level work, and a simple Python library lets you run a motor, read its position or measure a distance in just a few lines. An ideal tool for educational robotics.
Highlights
- 4 LPF2 ports for LEGO Technic SPIKE and MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor motors and sensors, and most elements with an LPF2 connector.
- Angular motors with built-in encoder : readable position for precise movements.
- Distance, colour and force sensors supported by the library.
- Onboard RP2040 : the Raspberry Pi keeps its resources for vision, networking or the interface.
- A single power supply : with an 8 V supply, the HAT powers both the motors and the Raspberry Pi (except Pi 400 and Pi 500).
- Components on the underside : the top stays free for a breadboard or LEGO parts.
Technical specifications
| Features | Official value |
|---|---|
| Ports | 4 LPF2 connectors for LEGO Technic motors and sensors |
| Microcontroller | Raspberry Pi RP2040 |
| Power supply | 8 V DC ±10 % (7.2 to 8.5 V according to the datasheet), up to 48 W |
| Power connector | 5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel jack, centre positive |
| Alternative source | 7.5 V battery pack |
| GPIO pins used | GPIO 0/1 (ID EEPROM), GPIO 4 (reset), GPIO 14 and 15 (serial) |
| Dimensions | 65 × 56.5 mm |
| Software | Official buildhat Python library |
Which one should you choose?
| HAT | Purpose | Audience | Power supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build HAT (this product) | LEGO Technic motors and sensors | Educational robotics | External 8 V supply |
| Sense HAT | Environmental and motion sensors, LED matrix | Science, Astro Pi programme | From the Raspberry Pi |
| Codec Zero | Microphone and speaker | Voice projects | From the Raspberry Pi |
Our advice : if the classroom already has LEGO SPIKE Prime kits, the Build HAT makes them programmable in Python on a Raspberry Pi. To measure and display without motorising anything, the Sense HAT is enough.
Compatibility and pitfalls to avoid
- Operating system : the official documentation states that the Build HAT is not yet supported by Raspberry Pi OS Trixie. Install or keep Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm.
- Serial port : disable the serial console and enable the hardware serial port (Raspberry Pi Configuration, Interfaces tab, or raspi-config), then reboot.
- Power supply not included : the motors and the colour and distance sensors require the external 8 V supply. Without it, only the encoders and the force sensor can be read.
- Pi 400 and Pi 500 : you need a ribbon cable or a GPIO extension board, and these computers keep their own USB-C power supply.
- GPIO access : 9 mm standoffs for standard mounting; add a tall header and 15 mm standoffs to keep access to the pins.
- LEGO kits not included : SPIKE Prime 45678 and expansion set 45681 are sold by LEGO Education resellers.
Recommended accessories
- The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 4 GB : a safe choice in the classroom, powered directly by the Build HAT.
- Camera Module 3: add vision to your robot, the camera can be used at the same time as the Build HAT.
- A SanDisk Ultra microSD card to install Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm.
Uses and projects
Remote-controlled buggy, robotic arm, colour-based sorting machine, data plotter: the Build HAT bridges building and coding. It fits perfectly into the school projects described in our article on the Raspberry Pi at school. Schools: discover our offres pour l’éducation. The Build HAT also works on a Raspberry Pi 5.
Frequently asked questions
Which power supply for the Build HAT?
An 8 V DC ±10 % supply rated for 48 W, with a 5.5 × 2.1 mm centre-positive plug, such as the official Build HAT power supply sold separately. A 7.5 V battery pack also works.
Does the Build HAT work with Raspberry Pi OS Trixie?
Not yet, according to the official documentation: use Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm.
Which LEGO elements are compatible?
LEGO Technic motors and sensors from the SPIKE range, those from the MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor kit and most elements with an LPF2 connector.
Do I still need to plug in the Raspberry Pi power supply?
No, the Build HAT powers the Raspberry Pi through the GPIO, except on the Pi 400 and Pi 500, which keep their own power supply.
Is it compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes, it fits any Raspberry Pi with a 40-pin GPIO, including the Pi 5 and Pi Zero.
How do I program it?
With the official buildhat Python library, after enabling the hardware serial port.
Order your Raspberry Pi Build HAT on monraspberry.com : official, tested product, stock based in France, shipping within 24/48 h after receipt of payment, free pickup point delivery on orders from €200, returns possible within 14 days with return authorization, and payment by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Additional information
| Connections | HAT |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 110-240V AC |
| Power supply type | CC : jack barillet 2,1 mm |
| HAT type | Creative / DIY |
