Tag: Raspberry

Lilbits: Raspberry Pi OS updated, eero’s first routers reach conclusion of lifetime(ish), Sony mobile gaming add-ons launching up coming week

Laurent

Wi-fi routers make lifestyle a lot easier by allowing for your phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, and all types of other equipment to connect to the online without managing a sequence of Ethernet cables all around your residence. But considering the fact that these routers are mainly minimal pcs that link to the exterior environment, they are matter to security threats just like any other internet-connected device.

So it is normally a superior idea to select just one that gets common firmware updates that includes the most recent stability patches, bug fixes, and other new characteristics. But most of the providers that make routers only provide these updates for a constrained time… if at all. And a single of the innovators of the mesh WiFi house has just introduced that it’s 1st-generation hardware will no lengthier be getting updates immediately after the end of this month. So if you have a to start with-gen eero Mesh WiFi router, now could be a very good time to start off contemplating about an enhance.

Of system, just one way about this constrained-lifespan difficulty moving ahead is to purchase a router which is regarded to work with OpenWrt or other third-social gathering, open resource firmware. It requires a minimal far more operate to established up, but could hold your existing hardware handy for several years to occur.

Here’s a roundup of recent tech news from all-around the web.

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How to Connect Raspberry Pi Pico W to the Internet

Laurent

The release of the Raspberry Pi Pico W brings with it an interesting opportunity. In the past if we wanted to connect a Raspberry Pi to the world, we would need one of the larger models. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, and Raspberry Pi 4 were often pressed into data collection duties. The Raspberry Pi 4 is a bit of a power hog, the Zero 2 W is a bit better but still overkill for a simple information project.

With the arrival of the Raspberry Pi Pico W we have a low power, microcontroller with a competent Wi-Fi chip, in the Pico form factor and only $6! 

So where do we start? How do we get our Raspberry Pi Pico W online, and where can we find interesting data to collect? Let us guide you through making the most of your $6 Raspberry Pi Pico W.

Getting the Raspberry Pi Pico W Online

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Raspberry Pi Pico W comes with an Infineon CYW43439 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi chip and onboard antenna. This means we get good Wi-Fi reception without the need for lots of wires. We’re using the latest MicroPython release for the Pico W as it offers the easiest means to get online and do fun projects.

1. Setup your Raspberry Pi Pico W by following our getting started guide. You will need to install MicroPython on your Pico W before you can proceed further.

2. Open the Thonny editor to a blank document.

3. Create an object called SSID and in it store the SSID of your Wi-Fi access point.

SSID = "YOUR WIFI AP"

4. Create an object called PASSWORD and store your Wi-Fi password.

PASSWORD = "TRUSTNO1"

5. Save the file to the Raspberry Pi Pico W as secrets.py By storing our sensitive details in a secrets file, we can freely share the project code with friends, or online. Just remember not to share the secrets file too.

6. Click on New File to create a new blank document.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

7. Import three modules of code, network,

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Raspberry Pi add-on teaches Node-RED I/O programming

Laurent






On Kickstarter: Sequent has launched a $50 “Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit” with an STM MCU, 4x opto-isolated inputs, 2x relays, RS485, PWM output, power I/Os, and a Node-RED learning tutorial.

Sequent Microsystems, which specializes in Raspberry Pi add-on boards for I/O controls, such as its 16-Inputs for Raspberry Pi HAT, has now spun another Pi add-on aimed at teaching embedded I/O concepts using Node-RED, complete with downloadable tutorials. The company has already won Kickstarter funding for the $50 Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit, which ships in January.



Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit with (left) and without the Raspberry Pi
(click images to enlarge)

The Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit is equipped with a 32-bit STM microcontroller, an RS485 serial port transceiver, and a PWM output capable of driving a 5VDC/100mA motor. Other features include 4x optically isolated contact closure inputs and 2x relays that can drive 8A and 24V loads with LED status. You also get a 0-10V input and output and a 4-20mA current loop input and output, a pushbutton, and 4x programmable LEDs.

The I/O board is powered by a BYO Raspberry Pi via GPIO. It requires 5V/50mA to operate with the relays off or 200mA with both relays on. The kit includes 2x 2-pin plugs for the RS485 and PWM-driven micromotor, 8x 3-pin plugs for the I/Os, a self-test loopback cable, and brass standoffs, screws, and nuts.



Raspberry Pi I/O Learning Kit block diagram (left) and detail view
(click images to enlarge)

The KS page mentions an optional add-on kit that is not included among the standard packages. You can add the $25 kit at the end of your pledge. The kit supplies an on/off switch, thermistor, photoresistor, potentiometer, RS485 temperature and humidity sensor, and a micromotor.

Sequent has already posted a link to the first three chapters of the 12-chapter Node-RED tutorial. The tutorials show how to use the Node-RED visual I/O programming environment to control each of the interfaces of the Learning Kit. Examples range from building simple flows using the pushbuttons and LEDs to controlling devices

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