butter-www-2026/www/docs/build-a-box/raspberry-pi/basic-box-supplies.mdx

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2026-04-21 14:03:40 -04:00
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# Basic Box Supplies
A basic Butter Box setup is a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with a microSD card running the Butter software, a USB stick, powered by a USB source like a power cord, power bank or solar panel.
In most setups like this, a Butter Box can comfortably handle **410 connected devices at once** without slowing down. Its possible to have more, but performance may drop if everyone is downloading large files or videos at the same time.
The reach for it is about **510 meters** indoors, depending on the Raspberry Pi model and depending on walls and interference. Outdoors, in open space, it can sometimes reach farther. Think of it like the range of a home Wi-Fi router — enough to cover a classroom, a coffee shop, meeting space, or small outdoor gathering.
## Supplies
* [ ] Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (64 Bit) [https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5291); Or you can buy a kit here: [\
https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w.html](https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w.html)
* [ ] Power outlet and power cord that accompanies the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W or an [alternative power supply](../power-supply)
* [ ] Micro SD Card: Images with the Butter software are usually under 16 GB (we suggest 256 GB). Media that people upload to the chat ends up on the card; it never gets cleared.
* [ ] USB drive (min 32 GB)
* [ ] Adapters (as needed)
* [ ] Micro USB/Male to USB A/Female
* [ ] A dongle to connect the micro SD card to your laptop (if needed)
**Once you have your supplies, continue in the Install Butter section.**
[install-butter.md](install-butter)
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