The Self-resetting Raspberry Pi

 Input and Output, interfacing, Linux usage, python programming, raspberry pi, Raspberry Pi Hardware  13 Responses »
Dec 212012
 
The Self-resetting Raspberry Pi

Recipe for auto-reset Pi. Take one Rev 2 Raspberry Pi, a few carefully selected slices of fresh Python, one GPIO port (’25 vintage, preferably), one relay (a twin pack is OK, but not AA), one Darlington array (leave the spikes on), a sprinkling of mixed wires and arrange it all carefully with a breadboard. It should end up looking something like this… I decided to take the P6 reset header one step sillier further. Just for fun. ;) The idea here is to use one of the Pi’s own GPIO ports to switch a relay […more…]

Making a Reset Switch for your Rev 2 Raspberry Pi

 Input and Output, Raspberry Pi Hardware  85 Responses »
Dec 182012
 
Making a Reset Switch for your Rev 2 Raspberry Pi

One of the changes on the Rev 2 Raspberry Pi board, which I haven’t seen anybody write about yet, (apart from Eben in his original announcement) is the addition of two holes for a header at P6. These were added to enable a reset facility. Shorting those two pins together resets the processor. This was too good an opportunity for my curious mind to pass up, so I decided to add a 2 pin header there and try it out. As luck would have it It just so happened that last week I was given […more…]

Using a Darlington Array as an inverter for reverse polarity RGB leds

 Electronics, Input and Output, interfacing, raspberry pi  2 Responses »
Dec 142012
 
Using a Darlington Array as an inverter for reverse polarity RGB leds

RGB LED RIP :( Last week, I was wiring up a demo with a three colour RGB LED, and accidentally wired the pin for the red component straight to 3V3 (plugged it into the wrong port). It went “crackle” and then turned black. Ooops. Now it’s a GB LED, the red’s a gonner. :( “Dammit. I wanted to shoot a video with the Quick2Wire Interface running the RGB LED. It’s 7pm and if I order some they won’t be here for two days.” “Oh I know. I’ve got an RGB LED in an old Christmas […more…]

Plan 9 operating system for the Raspberry Pi – demonstration by Richard Miller

 raspberry pi, Review  7 Responses »
Dec 082012
 
Plan 9 operating system for the Raspberry Pi - demonstration by Richard Miller

There’s not much I can say about this except that it’s tremendously impressive – if you’re a bit of a geek (like me). If you think computers are all about fancy-pants graphics and visual effects, this one might not be for you. ;) Richard Miller demonstrated his recently finished Raspberry Pi port of the Plan 9 operating system at the Oxford Raspberry Jam in November 2012. I caught most of it on film. Plan 9 is a very lightweight and powerful operating system that is written for software developers. I find it very impressive indeed. […more…]

Quick2Wire Pi Interface Board Beta Review

 Input and Output, interfacing, python programming, Raspberry Pi Hardware, Review  6 Responses »
Dec 072012
 
Quick2Wire Pi Interface Board Beta Review

Quick2Wire Pi Interface (Beta) review The Quick2Wire Pi Interface Board is a new interface board for the Raspberry Pi. It’s not yet released, but it is in Beta. I managed to get hold of one of the Beta kits for research and review. :) I also had a chat with Romilly Cocking, Director of Quick2Wire (more on that at the end).   So, What’s in the kit? 1 PCB 1 Ribbon cable (nice colours) 4 jumpers 11 assorted headers 2 FETs 1 tantalum capacitor 1 LED 1 push button 3V3 voltage regulator 1 diode array […more…]