Orange Pi GPIO Control Using Python (Blink)

Update Repository

Make sure that your repository list is up-to-date or you can simply update it by running this command:

$ sudo apt-get install python3-dev python3-pip

Install Python 3 and PIP3

Please install python 3 if your device does not have any python 3 yet by using this command below:

$ sudo apt-get install python3-dev python3-pip

Install GPIO library for Python

GPIO library used to control the GPIO's PIN using python. After the Python 3 and PIP 3 installed, the GPIO library for python can be installed using pip command.

$ sudo pip3 install --upgrade OPi.GPIO

Wiring the GPIO's PIN

Orange Pi Zero have 26 PIN GPIO with PIN layout as shows as the picture below

Orange Pi Zero Pin Layout

The program that we will run is a simple blink with a resistor and LED. Connect the Pi Zero's PIN number 12 (see pin layout above) to resistor 1K following to the LED's Anode (+) and the GND pin (number 6) to LED's Cathode (-)

Orange Pi Zero Wired to LED

Create a Python script simple Blink

Create a new python file using vim or nano and save it as testBlink.py

import OPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD)
GPIO.setup(12, GPIO.OUT)

try:
 print("Press CTRL+C to Exit")
 while True:
  print("HIGH")
  GPIO.output(12, True)
  time.sleep(1)
  
  print("LOW")
  GPIO.output(12, False)
  time.sleep(1)

except KeyboardInterrupt:
 GPIO.output(12, False)
 print("Bye")

finally:
 GPIO.cleanup()

From the script above, time.sleep(1) means that the program will hold for 1 second before continuing to the next step.

Run Script

Once you are ready, you can simply run the script by using this command below:

$ sudo python3 testBlink.py