Raspberry Pi becomes a radio with knobs: a project beyond chat

Raspberry Pi published an internet-radio tutorial on September 3 using two potentiometers: one for station selection and another for volume. The project uses Python, GPIO Zero and an MCP3008 analog-to-digital converter. This is a recent technical publication, not a ready-made retail product.

Its appeal is turning code into something you can control with your hand. For people spending their days on screens, a simple physical interface makes the relationship between input, processing and output easier to see. It can also explain technology without opening with a wall of acronyms.

Before building, consult the complete component list and electrical instructions in the source. Plan a small prototype and a way to check each part separately. Understanding the control reading before connecting it to the intended function is easier to troubleshoot than assembling everything at once.

We did not build the circuit for this article or estimate local costs without quotations. The goal is to highlight a documented weekend maker project. If you already own compatible components, it may offer a reuse opportunity. Otherwise, start with the tutorial and a list of what you actually need.

Sources: Raspberry Pi. Checked September 10, 2026. Document-based reporting; no hands-on test.