Posted on 03/08/2013 10:05:15 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Edited on 03/08/2013 1:24:35 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
The bare-bones $35 computer by a Broadcom engineer teaches programming skills to children.
Broadcom engineer Eben Upton started a foundation with a simple goal: to make and sell an inexpensive computer that could help teach children computer programming.
The result: Upton created the Raspberry Pi, a $35 computer slightly larger than an Altoids tin that's like a blank slate for tech enthusiasts.
(Excerpt) Read more at ocregister.com ...
One thing I discovered, the device must have at least .850 amps or you'll have issues. At 1 amp @ 5 volts through the micro USB, not problems driving a mouse, keyboard, VGA adapter and a small set of speakers.
Another thing, you have to go to audio settings, under system settings and tell it to use analog (headphone/speaker jack) or HDMI. It has unbelievable sound sound and picture for a $35 device. I still haven't tried the RCA video output for comparison.
“Has anyone else noticed that the term “Altoid Tin” has become PC size reference for what used to be “a pack of cigarettes”?”
That is because today’s tinkerers like to build things into Altoid tins.
So when they say “the size of an Altoid can” they mean “You can use an Altoid can as a project box to build it in”.
not computer related.
There are some around here doing stuff with it.
Check the posts on the thread....good stuff .
Hello, I’m looking for freepers with Raspberry Pi’s.
Received my Model B Pi about a week ago. I’ve plugged it into 2 HDTVs. Each of them have a port that is HDIM/DVI and a port the that is marked just HDMI. I get nothing on the screen. I have plugged an RCA cable from the Pi into each of the RCA video ports on each and still nothing on the screen. I tried an old analog TV on channel 3 with the RCA cable and still nothing on the screen. I purchased an adapter to plug my RGB computer monitor into the HDMI port on the Pi and still nothing on the screen.
Next, the Pi came with an 8 gig Noobs SD card from Allied so I’m thinking it must be the card. I format a new PNY card using the recommended SD Association formatting tool and the Noob image from Raspberry Pi org. Still no joy.
Am I in possession of a bad Pi or am I completely inept at anything that involves technology? In my defense, I have taught Microsoft application classes at the college level. I have replaced HDs in computer. I have added RAM to computers. I’ve written HTAs and vbscripts.
The activity lights on the Pi:
ACT = 8 green blinks then a 2 second pause
PWR = continuous red
Since my Pi flashes 8 times. I’m pretty confident that the 8 flashes are associated with:
SDRAM not recognized. You need newer bootcode.bin/start.elf firmware.
I’ve tried three different SD cards. When I purchased the Pi B model I purchased a pre-installed version of Noobs with the Pi B. That one does not work.
I purchased a new 16 gig PNY SD and used the recommended SD card formatter tool and installed Noobs on it. That did not work.
I re-formatted the 16 gig PNY SD and installed Raspbian using the recommended Win32 Disk Image tool. That did not work.
I found a 2 gig SD and reformatted it and installed Noobs on it. That did not work.
HOW CAN I DO A FIRMWARE UPGRADE IF I CAN’T SEE WHAT IS ON THE SCREEN AND I CAN’T GET THE PI TO RECOGNIZE MY PI?
Does putting a fresh OS image on an SD the equivalent of getting the latest bootcode.bin/start.elf firmware update?
Doesn’t the Pi itself have firmware that has to be updated?
Can you confirm my suspicions? Do I have a bad Pi?
If you've purchased the card through Amazon, they have an excellent return policy.
One other thing, how many watts does your power supply output???
One thing I discovered, the device must have at least .850 amps or you’ll have issues. At 1 amp @ 5 volts through the micro USB, not a problem driving a mouse, keyboard, VGA adapter and a small set of speakers.
I purchased the recommended power supply when I purchased the Pi from Allied Electronics.
To minimize the number of possible variables I was only plugged in to power, keyboard, and monitor. The monitor was LCD with VGA to HDMI converter.
I don’t have anything to measure power input/output. What do you suggest I buy? Thanks.
The power supply for the Pi is AC-DC 5V @ 1A:90-264V in enclosed wall plug (USB switching GS Series) Mfg is: Mean Well USA Allied MFR Part # GS05U-USB.
I have to think it is the correct power supply since it was recommended.
I read the info at the link and I’m still not entirely clear. Is the firmware on the SD after it has received a fresh OS or is the firmware actually on the PI?
If it is on the PI then I can’t get any video so how am I supposed to update firmware on something that I can’t see?
You might try to update the firmware on the card. If that has no effect, I'd look to return it for another.
I've never updated firmware on the card, but the usual procedure would be to do it from a PC using software that allows you to access the firmware though a USB connection from the PC to the card.
You shouldn't have to do this though unless somehow the firmware has gotten corrupted. Updating it can be a pain sometimes, and you might need another USB driver for your PC.
In any event, working with these cards is a learning experience and that is actually what the designer had in mind in the first place. :-)
After looking in the guide book, looks like the PI firmware itself is protected - and therefore not accessible. Also, make sure you have the SD card inserted all the way in.
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