LOCAL IOT BACKEND
Build the MQTT and Node-RED server your devices can rely on
Build a local Raspberry Pi IoT server that collects device data, runs MQTT and Node-RED, displays dashboards, and triggers automations.
Created by Marco Schwartz
A clear result, not another playlist
What you will learn
- Run MQTT and Node-RED on Raspberry Pi
- Create flows from device telemetry
- Build dashboards and controls
- Trigger alerts and automations
- Persist or log important data
- Keep the IoT server maintainable
Your finished project
Finish the course able to run MQTT and Node-RED on Raspberry Pi.
Step-by-step learning path
Course curriculum
3 sections / 9 lessons
1Server Setup3 lessons
- Prepare Raspberry Pi for IoT services01
- Install MQTT and Node-REDPreview02
- Secure and organize local services03
2Flows and Dashboards3 lessons
- Subscribe to device telemetry01
- Build dashboard widgets and controls02
- Create automation rules from sensor data03
3Operations3 lessons
- Log data and inspect failures01
- Back up flows and configuration02
- Monitor service health and restart behavior03
See how the course teaches
Try a lesson before enrolling
Open the public lesson directly on this page. No account or payment is required.
Designed for practical progress
About this course
A Raspberry Pi IoT course focused on the server side. Students install and manage MQTT, Node-RED, flows, dashboards, logs, and alerts so ESP32 and Arduino devices can connect to a local automation system.
Learn from experience
Meet your instructor
Marco Schwartz
Maker educator and electronics & IoT instructor
Marco Schwartz teaches practical electronics, embedded programming, and connected-device projects. His courses help makers move from wiring and firmware to dependable Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, Node-RED, and home automation systems they can understand, troubleshoot, and extend.
- 15+ years of electronics and maker education
Student results
What learners are saying
4.7 from 3 stories
“This course turned my Raspberry Pi into the brain of my whole IoT setup. Setting up the MQTT broker and building flows in Node-RED was way easier than I expected.”
“Clear, practical, and genuinely enjoyable. I now have a proper home server handling all my sensor data, and I built it all myself thanks to this course.”
“Really valuable content. There's a fair amount of setup involved, so patience helps, but the end result is absolutely worth it. Learned a ton!”
Before you start
Requirements
- Raspberry Pi Basics for Makers or equivalent
- Raspberry Pi with network access
- At least one device publishing test data recommended
A good fit for
Who this course is for
- Makers who want a structured path into Raspberry Pi
- Learners who prefer building real projects over watching disconnected tutorials
- Developers and hobbyists who want practical troubleshooting experience
Answers before you enroll
Frequently asked questions
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed for intermediate learners and builds each skill in a deliberate sequence.
What do I need before starting?
You will need Raspberry Pi Basics for Makers or equivalent, Raspberry Pi with network access, At least one device publishing test data recommended.
Can I learn at my own pace?
Yes. Start after checkout and return to the course whenever you are ready to continue.
What if the course is not a good fit?
Contact Makecademy support within 14 days of purchase. We will review the request and issue a refund when the course is not a suitable fit.
Ready to build it?
Start Raspberry Pi IoT Server with MQTT and Node-RED today
Follow a clear path from the first setup step to a finished project you can explain, troubleshoot, and extend.
$29
Enroll nowA practical 14-day guarantee
Start the course and review the learning path. If it is not the right fit, contact us within 14 days and we will help make it right.