View Full Version : Raspberry Pi - The $25 ARM based GNU/Linux computer
Russ_uk
29-01-2012, 10:47 PM
What’s a Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It’s a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video.
Initially I'm gonna get two of them...
One to use as a entertainment hub/streaming media player running XBMC. The second will just be for playing around with see what projects i can conjure up.
Wondering if anyone else on the BBS is planning doing anything similar?
http://www.raspberrypi.org
Will be buying a few for hacking around on
bendyjoe
30-01-2012, 07:06 AM
Oooo. This is interesting.
Cake and Eat It
30-01-2012, 07:32 AM
Yep me too, they look cool - and the XBMC part, if it works as the demo showed, will blow every other streaming option out of the water. Companys like eBuyer can just stick it in a custom box and sell it as a streaming box for about £35 you suspect.
Travelcard
30-01-2012, 07:38 AM
Looking forward to playing with one. When is the release date?
Sir.S.C Remembered
30-01-2012, 08:52 AM
I really like the look of this!
Would the Office tools be compatible with the likes of Microsoft PPT and Word etc? If so it is a massive winner for me. I know my housemate will want one too. Think I will leave on in other home too.
Great concept all round
The Omen
30-01-2012, 09:05 AM
Mainly built for education to bring an equivalent to the BBC Micro back into the classroom.
I will be getting quite a few for my school so the computer science students can get to grips with developing on them
MasterYoda
30-01-2012, 09:52 AM
I'll be honest I had no idea that the Pi would be anywhere near that powerful
Psychokiller
30-01-2012, 09:54 AM
Can you use it for shit like being abusive on bulletin boards, downloading porn etc?
smileysmith
30-01-2012, 10:12 AM
Sounds like it might be the answer to playing downloaded films on my ancient TV ...
Here is hoping.
I think people are getting te wrong end of the stick.
If you want to run xbmc, get an appleTV or a net top.
This is basically for educational purposes. Not really designed for real life use (although somepeople will obviously do that)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Scheduled for public release in January 2012,[1] the foundation plans to release two versions priced at USD $25 and $35 (GBP ~£16 and ~£22). It is intended to stimulate the teaching of basic computer science in schools.[4][1][5][6][7]
The design is based around a Broadcom BCM2835 SoC,[3] which includes an ARM1176JZF-S 700 MHz processor, VideoCore IV GPU, and 128 or 256 megabytes (MiB) of RAM. The design does not include a built-in hard disk or solid-state drive, instead relying on an SD card for booting and long-term storage.[8]
This board is intended to run Linux based operating systems.[2]
Cake and Eat It
30-01-2012, 04:05 PM
Granted, but as they so ably demonstrated it running XBMC then I see no reason why people wouldn't use this as a media centre other than the fact that as it is it is just a motherboard with no casing.
At the price itll come out at its a no brainer.
James
30-01-2012, 04:10 PM
I think people are getting te wrong end of the stick.
If you want to run xbmc, get an appleTV or a net top.
This is basically for educational purposes. Not really designed for real life use (although somepeople will obviously do that)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_PiYes, but can you use it for shit like being abusive on bulletin boards, downloading porn etc?
Psychokiller
30-01-2012, 04:34 PM
Yes, but can you use it for shit like being abusive on bulletin boards, downloading porn etc?
This.
Granted, but as they so ably demonstrated it running XBMC then I see no reason why people wouldn't use this as a media centre other than the fact that as it is it is just a motherboard with no casing.
At the price itll come out at its a no brainer.
Look at the spec dude
run xbmc if you want
Cake and Eat It
30-01-2012, 05:25 PM
I dont need to I've got a Revo for that.
But for people without a Revo... it looks from the video that it runs it quite nicely.
People are buying ATV2s to do the same time.. this is a cheaper option. 1080p output too which the ATV2 doesn't have.
20dc
Don't think the pi will be running your 1080p rips
MasterYoda
31-01-2012, 09:17 AM
Obviously it's not going to get near HD rips but for old school SD stuff on the cheap it could be useful
Cake and Eat It
01-02-2012, 08:44 PM
Exactly
eastend eagle
01-02-2012, 09:09 PM
Don't think the pi will be running your 1080p rips
You're wrong about this. They demo it running 1080 hd videos on xbmc on their site (which is currently down - probably using a pi for a server :p ).
eastend eagle
01-02-2012, 09:23 PM
In fact here you go:
4NR57ELY28s
:cool:
Russ_uk
01-02-2012, 09:38 PM
People aren't convinced about the Raspberry Pi running XBMC should read this:
RaspBMC – the XBMC distribution for Raspberry Pi
Posted by Stm Labs...
This is one that I am happy to announce. Very soon, you’ll be able to head over to www.raspbmc.com for the RaspberryPi Media Center distribution, which will feature a simple, fast booting and auto updating system with XBMC media center. I’ll be incorporating the following features:
*Custom Linux distribution with minimalised kernel.
*Auto-updating
*UI installers for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X to allow installation onto a removable device
*PVR / AirTunes / AirPlay / Spotify integration
*Same stability and support as the Crystalbuntu Linux distribution
*Expansive capabilities allowing the installation of a desktop and web browser
*AFP, NFS and SMB file sharing
*Configuration utility allowing installation of custom nightlies, audio configuration, update management,
*Server mode – allows MySQL database hosting and Thumbnail sharing for XBMC multiseat systems.
*1080p decoding
*Free!
*Much more…
I am very excited to announce this. Stay tuned, you’ll see bits and bobs popping up on SVN soon as I implement the update system and build the core architecture of the distribution. I’m more than familiar with working with resource constraints, I experienced this with the AppleTV, so I will be able to optimise the performance of this machine greatly. This will greatly reduce the cost of multiseat XBMC installations to a mere $35 a piece. Not bad at all.
Russ_uk
01-02-2012, 09:45 PM
...I'm sure there still will be few disbelievers out there but the Raspberry Pi will run 1080p's fine.
Of course it isn't going to compare with a $500 device, but for $35, I don't think you can go far wrong, especially for Home Media Centre beginners out there :p
I'm really glad I brought this great little device to the attention of a few interested BBSers :)
Cake and Eat It
02-02-2012, 08:28 AM
Its just as powerful as an AppleTV 2 in terms of graphics. With hardware decoders it'll be fine. The RAM is maybe an issue.
But if they sell shedloads of these to amateur XBMC hobbyists, then itll keep the project alive and mean that they stand an even better chance of getting them into schools.
I know (as an ICT teacher) I just put 25 of them into my budget request for next year as tools to hack around with.
I expect Ill buy one or two for home. Ill have my main XBMC box in the front room but will try and wire up the rest of the house with XBMC boxes too.
Is there any chance someone could translate this thread into English
Ta in advance
SEEPEEEFFSEE
02-02-2012, 08:45 AM
Is there any chance someone could translate this thread into English
Ta in advance
Glad someone said it, all I'm reading is a load of geek chat which may as well be cantonese.
eastend eagle
04-02-2012, 09:11 AM
Is there any chance someone could translate this thread into English
Ta in advance
There's a new computer coming out soon. It's gonna be cool. It only costs £20.
There.
Travelcard
29-02-2012, 11:10 AM
It's out!
You can order from RS.
Russ_uk
29-02-2012, 11:03 PM
It's out!
You can order from RS.
Well you can pre-order anyway.
Another Oxted Eagle
04-03-2012, 04:52 PM
Just ordered via Farnell - 58 day lead time !
Russ_uk
05-03-2012, 02:35 AM
Just ordered via Farnell - 58 day lead time !
I got the same delivery W/C 23rd April :eek:
However, I'm also on the waiting list at RS, so If they can get it to me quicker I'll just cancel my Farnell order.
There's a new computer coming out soon. It's gonna be cool. It only costs £20.
There.
Thanks - I had gathered that :)
I was just trying to work out what you could do with it. From what I can gather, we are going back to the early '80s and the world of ZX81s, Acorn & BBC Basic computers. Which is no bad thing....
Has anybody received theirs? I had a mail saying I could now order (from rsonline) at the end of May and it would be 6 weeks delivery (tho they've already debitted my credit card).
Russ_uk
13-06-2012, 01:49 PM
Has anybody received theirs? I had a mail saying I could now order (from rsonline) at the end of May and it would be 6 weeks delivery (tho they've already debitted my credit card).
I got mine last week :p I'm sure you'll have yours soon.
My mother in law ordered one each for the kids (aged 12 and 14).
What do I need to add to get them running?
Where's a good place to start?
(Level of competence check: 3GL programming back in the '80s - can plug things in the right place - never heard of XBMC until this thread - competent user level of understanding of most things, but no engineer.)
1f69
wedgetail
13-06-2012, 02:23 PM
I'm waiting for my second to arrive.
Russ_uk
13-06-2012, 03:00 PM
My mother in law ordered one each for the kids (aged 12 and 14).
What do I need to add to get them running?
All you need is a Keyboard, Mouse and an SD card + cables to connect it to a TV/Power.
Where's a good place to start?
Here's a good a place as any:
http://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/
OK 1 X RPi up and running of sorts.
So some pointers for fellow noobs like me because I found the whole thing confusing and all the help sites quickly descend into stuff that I'm either not interested in, don't understand, or don't understand enough to realise that I am interested.
SD Card + OS. I found this a bit stressful as (looks at floor) I've never used terminal commands in OSX before. I used the Raspbian distro* as recommended here: http://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads following the instructions here: http://elinux.org/RPi_Easy_SD_Card_Setup
Keyboard + mouse. I don't have much spare computer gear hanging around so I had to go out and buy a keyboard and mouse. But they don't all work with the RPi. There's a list of known good/bad peripherals here: http://elinux.org/RPi_VerifiedPeripherals#Working_USB_Keyboards I popped down to my local geek-cave (support your local business) and bought a Genius KB200 and XScroll mouse, both of which it turns out work ok.
Monitor OK this is a weird one. The Pi has HDMI output which I figure is because that's what modern TVs have as their input combining audio and video. The assumption I guess is that you'll have one of these and you'll push the Pi through your TV. As an alternative it has separate composite video output and a jack for audio. It doesn't have VGA output which is what a lot of older computer screens run off and to convert is inefficient and costly (just repeating what I've read/heard here). HDMI can be converted to DVI, but I'm told DVI doesn't carry audio, so you'll still need to handle that.
For the time being I've got a composite cable for the video and a 3.5mm jack to two composite-type plugs for audio. These plug into three adjacent sockets on my (old) tv. I also got a converter to use the SCART socket on my even older tv. But this has turned out to be rubbish. The cables cost me about 7 quid.
The guy in the computer shop suggested the best strategy if I wanted to get a dedicated monitor would be to get a cheap LED/LCD tv which would have HD output and decent enough sound with no need to convert from the HDMI output.
The problem I have now is that I need to understand too much to be able to help the kids with it. They've played a couple of the basic bundled games, had a quick look at the development environment they recognise from school, and bailed out to play Minecraft on the XBox.
So a request to people with a little more experience? How do I take them to the next stage? I actually wondered if this could be my (14yo) daughter's main computer - for homework she probably only needs internet, word processing and maybe presentation (like powerpoint - but maybe Google is enough) though catch up tv streaming would make her happy beyond belief. But I can't really see the way through to this.
I'd be interested in what other people are doing with Pi's, especially for home/kids use.
*distro = (correct me if I'm wrong) "distribution" = usable 'flavour' of Linux either downloadable or on a disk stuck on the front of a magazine
The Omen
25-07-2012, 03:43 PM
I would get yourself along to a Raspberry Jam session (http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/tag/raspberry-jam) and meet like minded people doing amazing things with their Raspberry Pi - like this guy: http://www.daveakerman.com/?p=592
Also I recommend following Alan O'Donohoe on Twitter (@teknoteacher). He is a teacher in Preston, but is really pushing the Raspberry Pi and is behind lots of events and ideas to do with it (he started the Raspberry Jam)
Thanks Omen. I looked at these. The Jam sessions look good and I'll try to get to the next one in Bristol which is my nearest.
The thing is, I'm just looking for something that will guide me and/or the kids.
Granny's bought these things for them and I see an opportunity to engage the kids with technology in a way that they don't currently get. But they're not naturally computer types and I need to make it pay back for them well enough for them to stick at it. (I thought having-your-own-computer might be a hook.)
The information on the web is so open-ended. I know that's a big part of the Raspberry appeal, but there just isn't time in my life to be that committed.
I guess I'm looking for 'The First 20 Things A Pretty Normal Kid Will Want To Do With A Raspberry Pi'. (And that's not necessarily what you might do in an ICT classroom, where essentially they're obliged to conform.)
The Omen
25-07-2012, 05:56 PM
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?
http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/tag/meet-the-raspberry-pi
cpfccrazy
02-08-2012, 10:28 AM
These can be used as thin clients as well, cutting electric costs
These can be used as thin clients as well, cutting electric costs
I recognise the concept of thin client (can you believe we were talking abou it already in the late 80s). Could you expand on your thinking though in relation to the Pi?
cpfccrazy
02-08-2012, 10:47 AM
http://rpitc.blogspot.com
its when a client machine boots up and loads a remote desktop/system, such citrix etc.
All the work is done on the server but it looks and feels like its being done locally on your machine.
This sounds a pain but if you use this method with over 60 desktops then saving can be achieved long term.
Scotland's No9
02-08-2012, 11:02 AM
What age do reckon these would be suitable for?
I'm totally non-techie, but don't want my kids to be; my two eldest (8 and 5) have ICT lessons at school and have had positive comments on their reports, but I'd like to give them a bit more licence to explore / innovate. I'm guessing this might just about be alright for the 8 year old, but too early for the 5 year old?
TIA
20ff
Russ_uk
02-08-2012, 03:26 PM
What age do reckon these would be suitable for?
I'm totally non-techie, but don't want my kids to be; my two eldest (8 and 5) have ICT lessons at school and have had positive comments on their reports, but I'd like to give them a bit more licence to explore / innovate. I'm guessing this might just about be alright for the 8 year old, but too early for the 5 year old?
TIA
Should be perfect for your 8 year old, possibly your 5 year old too - one way to find out I guess.
The whole purpose behind the RasPi is to get kids interested in programming etc, so I would say the earlier you get them started the better :p
My 12 and 14 year olds are totally uninterested at the moment. To them it's just got a couple of mobile phone games on it that you can't even play because the bottom of the window is inaccessible. (Don't know why.)
I'm hoping they might be useful to hook into some genuine ICT work at school when the right topics come up.
But Grandma's fantasy that the Pi itself would fire their curiosity is way off the mark for my two.
Scotland's No9
02-08-2012, 07:57 PM
Thanks to both Russ and Away. I think I'll go for it - 17 week delivery means we might just make Christmas!
Russ_uk
02-08-2012, 09:24 PM
Thanks to both Russ and Away. I think I'll go for it - 17 week delivery means we might just make Christmas!
17 Weeks...Ouch!
I'm guessing that is from RS Components? Apparently via Element14 (http://export.farnell.com/rp/order/?COM=raspberrypi-group) the delivery time is 'only' 5 weeks, might be worth taking a look there.
Captain Pizza
02-10-2012, 11:37 AM
My twin boys were given one for their 11th birthday in August. The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of holidays and starting at secondary school, but we finally got round to setting it all up on Sunday. Fortunately their uncle also gave them a really clear user guide without which I would not have known where to start (I am ok with computers but probably a little behind where Away is - I did a bit of programming at university 25 years ago, nothing since).
I'm pleased to say they loved everything about it. The setting it up & getting it actually working, creating user accounts and then they have both had goes with Scratch (kids introduction to the concept of programming) and the Python editor that comes pre-loaded. Last night when they'd finished their homework they both asked could they try some more programmimng on the Pi rather than watch TV. Amazing!
So, very early days for us, and I suspect my more inquisitive son will stay interested for longer than the other - but we'll see.
I think the next challenge for us is to see if we can save stuff to my NAS and if we can print things over the network to the printer connected to my desktop. Both of those would turn the Pi into a PC that they can use for homework, which would be great, and save me forking out for another laptop!
spt1978
02-10-2012, 11:40 AM
So what does this thing actually do?
Captain Pizza
02-10-2012, 11:43 AM
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?
http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/tag/meet-the-raspberry-pi
The book my boys were given is the full version of this guide - which is about £11 hard copy from Amazon. It's very clear and helpful. We've jumped around in it and some chapters are as-yet unread - but without it I'd have been lost!!
Captain Pizza
02-10-2012, 11:51 AM
So what does this thing actually do?
The simple answer is it is a tiny PC that can actually do quite a lot considering it only costs £20 or thereabouts. We had it hooked up to the TV and were browsing the internet on it within 10 minutes of opening the package - using an old keyboard and mouse that we had in the house. It would quite happily run open-source office software, for example. Or see the XBMC examples above.
But the real intention of teh people behind it is that it will help kids realise that there is more to computers than a glossy user-experience and using software that someone else wrote for you. The hope is a new generation of programmers will be created.
My boys have only used it for about 6 hours and they have already both learnt tons about what goes on behind the scenes in a computer. It has been a real eye-opener for them.
Russ_uk
02-10-2012, 03:39 PM
My twin boys were given one for their 11th birthday in August. The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of holidays and starting at secondary school, but we finally got round to setting it all up on Sunday. Fortunately their uncle also gave them a really clear user guide without which I would not have known where to start (I am ok with computers but probably a little behind where Away is - I did a bit of programming at university 25 years ago, nothing since).
I'm pleased to say they loved everything about it. The setting it up & getting it actually working, creating user accounts and then they have both had goes with Scratch (kids introduction to the concept of programming) and the Python editor that comes pre-loaded. Last night when they'd finished their homework they both asked could they try some more programmimng on the Pi rather than watch TV. Amazing!
So, very early days for us, and I suspect my more inquisitive son will stay interested for longer than the other - but we'll see.
I think the next challenge for us is to see if we can save stuff to my NAS and if we can print things over the network to the printer connected to my desktop. Both of those would turn the Pi into a PC that they can use for homework, which would be great, and save me forking out for another laptop!
Great news :lux:
Really glad they've taken to it so well.
The simple answer is it is a tiny PC that can actually do quite a lot considering it only costs £20 or thereabouts. We had it hooked up to the TV and were browsing the internet on it within 10 minutes of opening the package - using an old keyboard and mouse that we had in the house. It would quite happily run open-source office software, for example. Or see the XBMC examples above.
But the real intention of teh people behind it is that it will help kids realise that there is more to computers than a glossy user-experience and using software that someone else wrote for you. The hope is a new generation of programmers will be created.
My boys have only used it for about 6 hours and they have already both learnt tons about what goes on behind the scenes in a computer. It has been a real eye-opener for them.
awesome!!
I want to get my 8 year old into python. I write a bit (badly) and would love to start hacking with them.
of course, you don't need a Pi to run or learn Python :)
1f76
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 06:47 PM
Very cool Pizza
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 06:49 PM
Mine are starting to ask about Programming too. Was thinking HTML and JavaScript to start with or going to code academy.
I learnt Logo first then Basic and Fourth before moving onto Z80 and then 68000 assembler. Not sure where to start, anyone else got any good recommendations?
The Omen
02-10-2012, 07:40 PM
A MOOC course for learning Python starts this month - completely free.
For those that are interested, sign up here: http://mechanicalmooc.org/
Also recommend taking a look at www.pythonsummerschool.net
Mine are starting to ask about Programming too. Was thinking HTML and JavaScript to start with or going to code academy.
I learnt Logo first then Basic and Fourth before moving onto Z80 and then 68000 assembler. Not sure where to start, anyone else got any good recommendations?
It's all about the python
A MOOC course for learning Python starts this month - completely free.
For those that are interested, sign up here: http://mechanicalmooc.org/
Also recommend taking a look at www.pythonsummerschool.net
I'd recommend
https://www.edx.org/courses/MITx/6.00x/2012_Fall/about
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 09:31 PM
Thanks both. An MiT course is for 8 year olds :eek:
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 09:36 PM
Just had a gander, Python looks good, pretty logical whilst still interpreted, I think I might enjoy learning with them...
The MIT course is not for kids, well not young kids
Going to search around for some online resources for my eight year old
Just had a gander, Python looks good, pretty logical whilst still interpreted, I think I might enjoy learning with them...
Python is a joy to learn and use
The MIT course is not for kids, well not young kids
Going to search around for some online resources for my eight year old
Let me know what you find. Would like to get my son into coding at an early age really so resources appreciated..
The Omen
02-10-2012, 10:02 PM
Mine are starting to ask about Programming too. Was thinking HTML and JavaScript to start with or going to code academy.
I learnt Logo first then Basic and Fourth before moving onto Z80 and then 68000 assembler. Not sure where to start, anyone else got any good recommendations?
Codecademy do Python tutorials now too btw
The Omen
02-10-2012, 10:03 PM
Let me know what you find. Would like to get my son into coding at an early age really so resources appreciated..
Feel free to check out the Python resources on my website:
http://codingatschool.com/python/
Click the resources tab on that page
This is fun if you are aiming it at kids. Can't go wrong with game programming: http://inventwithpython.com/
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 10:21 PM
http://www.tuxradar.com/content/make-python-game-minutes-gloss
This looks fun...
Ridcully
02-10-2012, 10:27 PM
pC5WGEVMUKo
Wow
Captain Pizza
03-10-2012, 08:33 AM
awesome!!
I want to get my 8 year old into python. I write a bit (badly) and would love to start hacking with them.
of course, you don't need a Pi to run or learn Python :)
Indeed - I even said to them "you don't have to take turns - we can download a Python package onto the PC upstairs" - but they wanted to watch each other working on the Pi. At the moment they are simply marvelling at the fact that what looks like an offcut piece of circuit board can do what it does.
disco mixx kidd
03-10-2012, 09:17 AM
Ordered Thnk guys/ only 3 weeks!
What a great thread
Indeed - I even said to them "you don't have to take turns - we can download a Python package onto the PC upstairs" - but they wanted to watch each other working on the Pi. At the moment they are simply marvelling at the fact that what looks like an offcut piece of circuit board can do what it does.
Heh, that's brilliant.
I guess it is the antithesis of the apple age. Kids want circuits, chips, resistors not shiny gloss and brush aluminium
I can't find any in stock :(
just brought my old netbook back to life with xubuntu. I'll be bringing it to work and trying to learn Ruby during my lunch breaks!
Captain Pizza
08-10-2012, 08:36 AM
This is fun if you are aiming it at kids. Can't go wrong with game programming: http://inventwithpython.com/
That book looks great.
One of my boys spent yesterday evening copy typing in a Python "snake" program from the user guide book we've got, only to find out at 2 mins before bedtime that it didn't work properly. Looks like I will be spending this evening searching for a typo. At least I might learn something...
863
python > Ruby
It is on my list!
Ridcully
08-10-2012, 05:53 PM
That book looks great.
One of my boys spent yesterday evening copy typing in a Python "snake" program from the user guide book we've got, only to find out at 2 mins before bedtime that it didn't work properly. Looks like I will be spending this evening searching for a typo. At least I might learn something...
Brilliant, I used to love the listings they had back in the day and typing them in. My first ever attempt to program was a 6 hour stint getting a bomber clone to work in WHSmiths before I even owned a computer. All the shop staff bought me drinks and one got me a blank cassette to save the program onto at the end.
I was hooked after that and became the proud owner of a ZX Spectrum for my next birthday, halcyon days indeed.
disco mixx kidd
16-10-2012, 10:09 PM
Yay my pi bein posted today
busker
16-10-2012, 10:41 PM
mine made it here to NZ yesterday after a few production delays - quite impressed so far, though will need to find someway to get all the kids flash based websites working to keep them happy on it - have installed iceweasel and will go from there...
disco mixx kidd
17-10-2012, 10:45 AM
I've ordered that amazon book as well
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