Hardware Setup

Hardware assembly guide for Raspberry Pi 5 with Hailo-10H AI HAT+

This guide covers the physical hardware setup. For software installation, see the Docker Setup guide.

Required Components

ComponentRecommended ModelNotes
Raspberry Pi 58 GB RAM variant4 GB works but limits concurrent operations
Hailo AI HAT+ 2Hailo-10H (26 TOPS)Mounts via 40-pin GPIO + PCIe
Power SupplyOfficial 27W USB-CRequired for HAT+ power delivery
CoolingActive Cooler for Pi 5Essential for sustained AI inference
StorageNVMe SSD (256 GB+)Via Hailo HAT+ PCIe or separate HAT
MicroSD Card32 GB+ Class 10For boot (if not using NVMe boot)
CaseOfficial Pi 5 Case (tall)Must accommodate HAT+ height

Assembly Instructions

Important: Always work on a static-free surface and handle boards by edges only.

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Pi

  1. Unbox the Raspberry Pi 5
  2. Attach the Active Cooler:
    • Remove the protective film from the thermal pad
    • Align with the CPU and press firmly
    • Connect the 4-pin fan connector to the FAN header

Step 2: Install the Hailo AI HAT+

  1. Locate the 40-pin GPIO header on the Pi
  2. Align the Hailo HAT+ with the GPIO pins
  3. Gently press down until fully seated (approximately 3mm gap)
  4. Connect the PCIe FPC cable:
    • Open the Pi 5’s PCIe connector latch
    • Insert the flat cable (contacts facing down)
    • Close the latch to secure

Step 3: Install Storage (Optional NVMe)

If using the Hailo HAT+ built-in M.2 slot:

  1. Insert NVMe SSD into M.2 slot (M key, 2242/2280)
  2. Secure with the provided screw

Step 4: Enclose and Power

  1. Place assembly in case
  2. Connect Ethernet cable (recommended over WiFi for production)
  3. Connect power supply

OS Installation

Flash Raspberry Pi OS

  1. Install Raspberry Pi Imager on your computer

  2. Choose Device: Raspberry Pi 5

  3. Choose OS: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)

  4. Click Edit Settings:

    • Set hostname: pisovereign
    • Set username and strong password
    • Enable SSH with public-key authentication
    • Set your timezone

  5. Flash to SD card / NVMe

First Boot

# SSH into the Pi
ssh pi@pisovereign.local

# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

# Install Docker (required for PiSovereign)
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sudo sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

# Log out and back in for group change
exit

Configure Boot (Optional NVMe)

sudo raspi-config
  • Advanced Options → Boot Order → NVMe/USB Boot

Next Steps

Once hardware is assembled and Docker is installed, proceed to the Docker Setup guide for PiSovereign deployment.