Setting up the Raspberry Pi

Starting Point

The Raspberry Pi OS has already been installed on the SD card.

Typically, this is done using the Raspberry Pi Imager, which allows configuration of settings such as Wi-Fi credentials, hostname, and passwords during the setup process.

In our case, these steps have already been completed for you, so the system is ready to use.

Instructions

1. Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and connect the Raspberry Pi to the power supply using the power adapter. An LED on the Raspberry Pi should light up or flash. It is best to wait a few minutes for it to boot up; the initial boot process takes longer. Do not disconnect it from the power supply during this time.

2. Ensure that the computer is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Wifi: birdnet-wifi, Password: rotkehlchen.

3. Open the console.

More information about the console Instructions for opening and operating the console.

4. Connect to the Pi using the following command. Replace ‘00’ with the number on your Raspberry Pi.

ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local

Terminal

PS C:\Users\Name> ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local
The authenticity of host 'birdnet-rpi00.local (2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:kfRttaVIh+Z/FbSq9g6adalVfIsgvUtk4o.
This key is not known by any other names.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Troubleshooting

What if no connection can be established? (The specified host is unknown.)

If the following message appears:

Terminal

PS C:\Users\Name> ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local
ssh: Could not resolve hostname birdnet-rpi00.local: The specified host is unknown.

this means that no connection can be established to your Raspberry Pi.

Check the following points:

1. Power supply: Make sure that the Raspberry Pi is turned on, the SD card is inserted correctly, and the status LEDs are flashing or lit.
2. Network: Make sure that your PC and Raspberry Pi are on the same network—i.e., connected to the same Wi-Fi or hotspot. (Make sure that the Wi-Fi data in the Raspberry Pi OS matches your current Wi-Fi.)
3. Reinstallation: If the connection still fails, reinstall Raspberry Pi OS on the SD card and carefully re-enter the Wi-Fi access data.
4. Direct connection: Experienced users can connect a keyboard and screen directly to the Raspberry Pi to manually check the connection and network settings.

What if ‘WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!’ is displayed?

Don’t worry—this is normal if you have previously connected to a Raspberry Pi with the same name via SSH. Here’s how to fix the problem:

1. Open the file: C:\Users\username\.ssh\known_hosts (the exact path is also in the warning) with a text editor.

2. Find all lines that start with birdnet-rpi00.local and delete them. There may be several entries spanning multiple lines.

3. If you have never used SSH for other connections, you can also delete the entire contents of the file. 4. Save the file, close the editor, and then try the connection again.

5. Confirm the connection.

yes

Terminal

Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? yes
Warning: Permanently added 'birdnet-rpi00.local' (ED25529) to the list of known hosts.
Connection closed by 2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322 port 23
birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local's password:

6. A password prompt should then appear. Enter the password ‘mauersegler’. Note that the password will remain invisible as you type it. If you are no longer prompted to enter a password, restart the process by entering the command from step 4.

Terminal

birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local's password:
Linux birdnetpi 6.12.47+rpt-rpi-v8 #1 SMP PREEMPT Debian 1:6.12.47-1+rpt1~bookworm (2025-09-01) aarch64

The programs included with the Debian GNU/Linux system are free software;
the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the
individual files in /usr/share/doc/\*/copyright.

Debian GNU/Linux comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
Last login: Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 2025 from 2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322

7. You are now connected to the Raspberry Pi via SSH and can execute commands on the Raspberry Pi through the terminal.
8. Now we will edit the Wi-Fi and hotspot settings, so navigate to “Change the Wi-Fi settings”.