Subj : Re: Bluetooth Keyboard To : Barry Martin From : Ky Moffet Date : Sat Sep 14 2024 13:08:00 BARRY MARTIN wrote: > Hi Ky! > KM> Yep, but this wasn't a kit, it's all assembled and ready to use. > KM> All you need do is plug it in pick the OS to install at first > KM> boot (it has 'em stored in ROM, apparently). > > Almost sounds like an updated version of the NOOB sd card. (L-o-n-g > time ago so not recalling details; think it had an option screen at > initial setup.) A bunch of 'em have OS options in ROM, but most have to go download it. This was onboard. > > KM> They also make a mini screen with a mount for the unit. > > I've seen the option or something similar. A tiny screen could be handy > to monitor voltage, memory, temperature functions and the like (I'm > thinking something like a 2" screen). The other day I set up a Pi using > a 12" screen -- basic setup not bad but past that with stuff like > raspi-config -- ergh! Where did I leave my portable monitor?? This screen is about 8" and clearly meant as a utility screen. Naked girder type mount, like you'd put on the back of a workbench. > > I'd suggest going with a Raspberry Pi Foundation approved supplier. > KM> Oh, if you're doing a lot with it, yes. But the point here was > KM> ready to use out of the box, which I don't recall any others > KM> doing. For people who just want it to do something like your > KM> MythTV controller without having to assemble hardware, much > KM> easier than having to puzzle it together first. > > True. I have to remember I'm used to electronics, having started > mid-elementary school. Same as "Just build your own PC" gets baffled looks from even experienced users. > The single-board/micro-computer market has taken off! It's kind of > funny how big corporate has embraced what started off as a "kids toy" to > get children interested in programming. Rather, someone discovering that the little boards used to control appliances and camera banks not only had other uses, but were also cheap to make, and salable to the maker market who no longer had to scour dead appliances and defunct security systems to acquire their control boards. But far as I've seen, never marketed as a toy, nor as a programming lure. > > the advertising blurb said specifically will work with Raspberry Pi > > (back then the version 3). Power supply mostly worked -- sometimes the > KM> Anything that's 5V should work, including plugging into random > KM> USB port (tho older ports may not deliver enough amperage). > > They preferred using the power port as it was protected by a polyfuse > (would reset itself) where the USB ports were not protected. (Voltage Like a dedicated charging port. Silver's mainboard has one, red plastic tab to indicate. > would be fine, it's an over-current condition, like any fuse/circuit > breaker.) ...Undervoltage will cause throttling; overheating will cause > capping -- and eventually melting the polyfuse like what happened with > the two Pi's I had in the Storage Area in summer! Ooopsie! But that's probably why one should use an actual adapter that was meant to charge or power something like a cell phone. Gonna be protected. > Right. The Pi isn't for everything. LISB4, I'm sticking with the Pi > because more or less interchangeable. If you're already invested in one line, yeah, easier to interchange parts and code if you stick to that line. > > KM> Chris shows how (including the control code) to build stuff like > KM> a weather station and a simple robot using even the $15 Pi Zero, > KM> which has all the brains of a paperclip. > > Are you referring to Clippy??!! > https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2022/08/origin-story-of-cl > ippy-the-microsoft-office-assistant Clippy may be smarter. :O > For some projects one doens't need much. I have Pi3 running X10, and > old protocol for controlling lights, etc. Most of the time it just sits Somewhere around here I have one of the free X10 controllers they would send you, 20 years ago. Never used it, tho. > there, waiting patiently: is it 07:00 yet? Nope. Is it 7:00 yet? Nope. > Is it 7:00 yet? Yes -- Yay! Send control data to the interface. Yes, > the Pi 3 is bored out of it's skull; the Pico would be better suited > (and stil yawning it's processor off!) but I had a spare Pi3, so no > money spent. LOL. 99% of any device's time is spent waiting. > KM> Glah, I just drowned my mouse in tea, tho it doesn't seem to > KM> mind... maybe it can swim.... > > I was thinking dunking the mouse IN the tea mug -- I'd be impressed at > that trick!! I would be too. It got a good dousing, tho, then had to swim for it. > .. I visited a new tea shop; I couldn't believe the steep prices. Not to mention getting in hot water! þ RNET 2.10U: ILink: Techware BBS þ Hollywood, Ca þ www.techware2k.com --- QScan/PCB v1.20a / 01-0462 * Origin: ILink: CFBBS | cfbbs.no-ip.com | 856-933-7096 (454:1/1) .