The Raspberry Pi Thread [4]

@strollin Looks nice. The Pi is getting close to being a usable desktop PC. I say close because peoples definition of "usable" differs somewhat. Like you say, it all depends on what you try to do with it. IMHO, its a good performance for what your paying for it.
My two weather clock Pi's run with no Internet connection. The A+ doesn't have WIFI. My portable is often used where there is no WIFI so the RTC is a must for accurate time. It is after all a Weather Clock.
Do you know what the RTC module in that is? Just curious, mine are DS3231's with a coin cell battery backup. I sure you know this, but you have to setup the RTC module and remove the fake hwclock etc. No software to install, just some file edits and terminal commands to run.

I didn't even bother with the RTC setup. I started doing it but then realized that I really have no need for it since this computer will always operate with an internet connection. Not only that, the correct time isn't critical. I don't know for sure but it probably uses the same clock chip and includes a button cell battery for backup.

strollin said:

I didn't even bother with the RTC setup. I started doing it but then realized that I really have no need for it since this computer will always operate with an internet connection. Not only that, the correct time isn't critical. I don't know for sure but it probably uses the same clock chip and includes a button cell battery for backup.

Ok, cool. Yeah, it will sync the time with an Internet Time server once you get online. Usually takes less than a minute for it to update.
My weather clocks shut down (the OS) with a button press coded into my running python file. I press it, wait for the 10 blinks and then turn the power off with a second switch, or unplug the power supply. The button in yours likely works like the Pimoroni on off shim and does it all with just the one button press.


Nice bit of kit that.

Yep. It works like this:

Action	Press button time
Switch on	at least 150ms
Switch off	2 seconds
Force switch off	5 seconds

It also supports shutting down from the command line. In all cases, it completely shuts off power so you can keep the power supply plugged in at all times, no need to unplug it or have a second switch.

Normally I don't unplug the power supply.
On my Media center Pi I have a push button wired to the run terminals. I shut Kodi down from the menu then just leave it plugged in. When I want to use it again I momentarily press the run button to boot it back up.
On my indoor weather clock I shutdown Raspbian via the Sense Hat Joystick center push, and just leave it plugged in. Same deal here, I use the RUN terminals to boot it up again.
My outdoor Weather clock is a special case. Its in a weather safe case and runs headless. I have a push button to shut down Raspbian via a python command. That Pi can run on a Powerboost and LIPO Battery. It all depends on which position my power switch is in. In the center position the Pi is off and the Powerboost upconverter is off. Its in battery charge only mode. If I move the switch forward the powerboost is turned on and it becomes the power source for the Pi. Put the switch the other way and the powerboost is off and the Pi is powered directly from the power supply, if its plugged in. If I don't have to run it from battery I don't. Saves wear and tear on the powerboost and the battery.

I never shut down my Kodi. It is plugged into the TV'S USB port. When I switch off the TV, Kodi's (RasPi) power is abruptly cut off. After 3+ years, I never had any issue so far. Haha. Anyways, I don't really care because it is not that hard to reinstall libreelec and the addons I use. :)

Dang!
If only Amazon is selling this item. Free next day shipping.
I had to pay Adafruit more than the price of the item itself to get it the next day. :)

badrobot said:

Dang!
If only Amazon is selling this item. Free next day shipping.
I had to pay Adafruit more than the price of the item itself to get it the next day. :)

Scroll pHat HD I'm guessing. I really wish they would do a RGB LED version of that. What color did you get white?

alphanumeric said:

Scroll pHat HD I'm guessing. I really wish they would do a RGB LED version of that. What color did you get white?

yup, scroll phat hd. I just got the white one. I wanted to put my pi zero w into good use.

strollin said:

I bought one of the Pi Desktop cases from Element14: https://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-83477

It's a neat little case that claims to turn your Raspberry Pi into a "real" desktop computer. I installed a Pi 3B+ in it, along with a 32GB mSata ssd. The kit adds a power on/off button for the Pi (along with software to do a proper shutdown when powering off), ability to add an ssd and boot from it (optional), a Real-time clock and a way to mount a camera in the case should you desire.

Using it with a 3B+ and the latest version of Rasbian makes for an OK desktop experience as long as you aren't looking to do anything that is cpu or graphics intensive. It works well for word processing, email or web surfing if that's all you need it for.

The on/off button works as advertised, the real-time clock is actually not needed unless you plan to operate the computer without an internet connection. The ssd is connected thru one of the USB ports so that limits its full performance. I have been using the Pi with a wifi connection for internet along with a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard. I don't have a camera attached. It's a decent little computer, would probably be great for someone who only needs to do basic computing.


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Very neat case. I've been thinking about getting one but I figured making your own case gives it really a more DIY look. So far, this is the cleanest I've done. I repurposed an old plastic speaker case as a case for my Pi Google Assistant with all the ports I need (HDMI, Ethernet, SD slot, etc.) in the back including a square USB for power. :)