Author Topic: Raspberry Pi  (Read 23301 times)

Offline BillTodd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1096
  • Country: 00
  • Colchester Essex (where the lathes were made)
Raspberry Pi
« on: February 29, 2012, 09:16:07 AM »
Anyone actually manage to buy one a Raspberry Pi today?

At £22 they look like a nice cheap development board - I can think of several uses for one now, IF I they were available !

Bill
« Last Edit: February 29, 2012, 10:25:24 AM by BillTodd »
Bill

Offline Bluechip

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1513
  • Country: england
  • Derbyshire UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #1 on: February 29, 2012, 10:02:57 AM »
IF I could they were available !
Bill


Not sure what that means ????

Farnell seem intend to stock them, not that I want one ...

http://downloads.element14.com/raspberryPi1.html


BC


I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

Offline BillTodd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1096
  • Country: 00
  • Colchester Essex (where the lathes were made)
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #2 on: February 29, 2012, 10:25:07 AM »
Quote
Not sure what that means ????
"I'm sorry, I have a cold"

deleted 'could'

When I checked, Farnell were out of stock with no knowledge of when the next shipment would be in.
Bill

Offline Brass_Machine

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5504
  • Country: us
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #3 on: February 29, 2012, 10:55:20 AM »
Didn't know these were coming out. I have someone at work that may be interested...
Science is fun.

We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.

Offline Bluechip

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1513
  • Country: england
  • Derbyshire UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #4 on: February 29, 2012, 01:20:42 PM »
Quote
Not sure what that means ????
"I'm sorry, I have a cold"

deleted 'could'

When I checked, Farnell were out of stock with no knowledge of when the next shipment would be in.

http://news.uk.msn.com/science/mini-computer-flies-off-shelves-1


So it would seem  :scratch:

Why Raspberry Pi I wonder ???

BC

I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

Offline andyf

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1795
  • Country: gb
    • The Warco WM180 Lathe - Modifications
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #5 on: February 29, 2012, 02:17:54 PM »
Quote
Why Raspberry Pi I wonder ???


One of the guys behind it was asked that question in a radio interview yesterday, and replied "Why Apple?"

Andy
Sale, Cheshire
I've cut the end off it twice, but it's still too short

Offline Bluechip

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1513
  • Country: england
  • Derbyshire UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #6 on: February 29, 2012, 03:21:54 PM »
Quote
Why Raspberry Pi I wonder ???


One of the guys behind it was asked that question in a radio interview yesterday, and replied "Why Apple?"

Andy

Good point ...  :scratch:

I would find the product more enticing if it were Steakandale Pi

BC
I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

tumutbound

  • Guest
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2012, 06:54:17 AM »

The Farnell and Element 14 websites were in meltdown for most of the day.
I got an order placed but as my credit card hasn't been hit yet, I'm guessing I'll have to wait until the next batch is ready.
Might just change my order from one (initial release limit) as I keep thinking of things to use these for.

First project is a weather station and web cam. There is machining content on this as I'll have to build a tilt and pan mount for it.
A DRO would be a useful and fairly easy project.

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #8 on: March 01, 2012, 07:21:25 AM »
ARGGHHHHH !! Why the hell were these on the news the last few days... now everyone is out of stock and I bet they are back ordered until next Christmas.

Yes...I had been quietly watching and waiting for these to be released but despite having signed up and ready for updates on availablity, I have missed them yesterday during the period of meltdown!

I`ve got my name down with both RS and Farnells but none know when the next stock is due!
Chris

Offline Bluechip

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1513
  • Country: england
  • Derbyshire UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #9 on: March 01, 2012, 07:40:10 AM »
If they are manufactured in China ...

Ebay will have cheap clones shortly ..

I reckon about 48 hrs .. :lol:

BC
I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

tumutbound

  • Guest
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2012, 07:49:34 AM »
All the board designs are open source so clones are permitted and expected.


Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #11 on: March 01, 2012, 09:08:57 AM »
More stock should be along in around 30 days - maybe sooner, once manufacturers realise just how potentially popular this thing is. Apparently Farnell were recording 600 expressions of interest per second during the peak period.
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline kwackers

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 356
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2012, 12:30:25 PM »
I've got some on order...

I'm not sure I 'get' the idea that it's an handy tool to learn to program. Whilst I haven't looked at the API, a linux based machine with openGL doesn't sound to me like a beginners computer...
If people wanted to program a device like that they'd all be writing software for their smart phones...

Still, at just over £20 a pop it's got a lot of potential and I cant wait to get me grubby hands on it.

Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #13 on: March 01, 2012, 01:10:59 PM »
I've got some on order...

I'm not sure I 'get' the idea that it's an handy tool to learn to program. Whilst I haven't looked at the API, a linux based machine with openGL doesn't sound to me like a beginners computer...
If people wanted to program a device like that they'd all be writing software for their smart phones...

Still, at just over £20 a pop it's got a lot of potential and I cant wait to get me grubby hands on it.

As I understand it, it's not so much the machine itself that is a beginner's computer; it's the packages that will be on it, and the packaging of the OS that will make it an ideal training tool. i.e. it'll come pre-loaded with a programming environment designed to be easy to get into. The stated aim of the project is to give schools the equivalent of the old BBC Micro - something that's a doddle to program. Unlike the Beeb, it'll also be cheap enough to replace the inevitable killed ones; and cheap enough that schools can buy them by the dozen. I THINK, although I'm not sure, that the Raspberry Pi Foundation (the charity that designed & is making them) plans to give them to schools, as funding allows.

The price point makes it supremely attractive to anyone who wants a tiny solid-state computer. The company I work for will find them particularly attractive - we currently pay over £150 for a similar gadget, which is physically bigger & slower than the RasPi AND only has VGA on it (no HDMI). The biggest hassle we will have is re-compiling our s/w to run on the ARM chip (which is actually a bigger job than it sounds - fortunately I have access to a guru who can do that kind of thing).

I quite fancy the idea of using one or two in a car project I have planned.
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline John Stevenson

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Nottingham, England.
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2012, 02:51:13 PM »
Thoughts.

It runs a form of Linux.

It maybe can run a form of EMC ?

When I was speaking to Art Fenarty, of Mach3 fame, a month or so ago he says he can see no reason why it couldn't drive a machine.

John S.
John Stevenson

Offline PekkaNF

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2523
  • Country: fi
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #15 on: March 01, 2012, 03:46:50 PM »
Thoughts.

It runs a form of Linux.

It maybe can run a form of EMC ?

When I was speaking to Art Fenarty, of Mach3 fame, a month or so ago he says he can see no reason why it couldn't drive a machine.

John S.

Now...that calls something that rhymes with clacking bell! That might convert me to bad evil NC.

PekkaNF

Offline kwackers

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 356
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #16 on: March 01, 2012, 05:26:30 PM »
Thoughts.

It runs a form of Linux.

It maybe can run a form of EMC ?

When I was speaking to Art Fenarty, of Mach3 fame, a month or so ago he says he can see no reason why it couldn't drive a machine.

John S.
My thoughts exactly. I looked at the EMC source a while ago with a view to porting it onto something and remember thinking it was a bit of a dogs dinner though...
(Although it might not be such an issue since it'd be going straight onto another linux platform.)

It'd also be pretty good for DRO's. LCD monitors are pennies - especially second hand. Nice big bright displays...
There's not a lot you couldn't use one for, it's tanking along at a decent speed and has the right sorts of hardware on there, give it a year or two and I think the web will be full of stuff for it.

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #17 on: March 01, 2012, 06:54:09 PM »
Without the parallel port already on there, what could you do?
Chris

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #18 on: March 02, 2012, 02:58:31 AM »
The problem with adding a parallel port via the usb socket is that you are addressing the usb port and not the parallel port. So the controller software would need to be able to speak with that. It won't be real time?

You could use something like USBCNC possibly but the only software is Windoze only?
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline John Stevenson

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Nottingham, England.
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #19 on: March 02, 2012, 03:49:58 AM »
Why restrict yourself to what's already out there.

All it needs is a Linux / USB front end. Remember what we are using now didn't exist 10 years ago.
That the whole idea about these things to get a new generation, with fresh idea to start programming.

CNC looks to get interesting
John Stevenson

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #20 on: March 02, 2012, 05:34:55 AM »
I don`t really have knowledge here but why is it that cnc still use parallel and has never moved over to usb directly?

I must not have used a parallel port for a printer in over 6 years, so why hasn`t cnc switch over. Is USB some how limited when it comes to real time?

Chris

Offline kwackers

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 356
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #21 on: March 02, 2012, 06:12:13 AM »
I don`t really have knowledge here but why is it that cnc still use parallel and has never moved over to usb directly?

I must not have used a parallel port for a printer in over 6 years, so why hasn`t cnc switch over. Is USB some how limited when it comes to real time?

Chris
Because parallel is just a port - with a bit for each wire and stepper motor drivers need two wires each, one to step and one to set direction.

You could make a usb to stepper driver type device but if you go to that sort of trouble why not just make the device read the g-code directly and drive the lines itself? At which point why bother with the computer?

Offline David Jupp

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 308
  • Country: gb
  • Teesside - UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #22 on: March 02, 2012, 07:00:32 AM »
There are usb devices in existence which off-load the work of pulse generation from the PC (a significant task) - these allow Mach3 to achieve much higher step rates than is possible when the PC is doing all the work (or perhaps mean you don't need quite such a fast PC).  The PC sill manages user interaction and G-code 'translation'.

Parallel port was originally used 'because it was there'.

The Raspberry Pi could potentially work with one of these USB devices, or the onboard I/O options could be used to send pulses to stepper drivers.

Offline BillTodd

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1096
  • Country: 00
  • Colchester Essex (where the lathes were made)
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #23 on: March 02, 2012, 10:25:50 AM »
Anyone actually manage to buy one a Raspberry Pi today?

At £22 they look like a nice cheap development board - I can think of several uses for one now, IF  they were available !

Bill
Bill

Offline Bluechip

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1513
  • Country: england
  • Derbyshire UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #24 on: March 03, 2012, 07:11:20 AM »
It appears EPE are going to have a gander at the thing :

http://www.chatzones.co.uk/discus/messages/7/13258.html?1330774601

Might even suscribe ... Hmmmmm ..

BC
I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #25 on: March 03, 2012, 07:24:44 AM »
Quote
The Raspberry Pi could potentially work with one of these USB devices, or the onboard I/O options could be used to send pulses to stepper drivers.

Potentially Smooth Stepper could work with this but you would be restricted to windows and Mach3
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline David Jupp

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 308
  • Country: gb
  • Teesside - UK
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #26 on: March 03, 2012, 10:18:45 AM »
Wasn't suggesting it would work 'out of the box', just highlighting that there are alternatives to a parallel port, there would be significant programming to make it all work.  I wouldn't be surprised to see this happen at some point.

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #27 on: March 03, 2012, 11:52:53 AM »
David i think you are dead right, the more people ask for it someone will eventually take the challenge. The advantage of something like this over an ordinary pc is that it is not full of bloatware slowing it down. It keeps it simple letting it get on with what it just needs to do.
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline jim4472

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 6
  • Country: gb
  • Tadley, Hampshire, UK.
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #28 on: March 04, 2012, 10:20:50 AM »
Just been reading an article in this months Linux Format Mag ..

they talk about the Gert Board .. a General Purpose Input Output board to work with it.

http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/411 :thumbup:

there is hope for CNC etc soon.


Jim
 
Location:- Tadley, Hampshire, UK
Skype:- gb7iha

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #29 on: March 05, 2012, 03:40:08 PM »
Jim just noticed you are in Tadley? My grandfather used to live down the Den next to the wood
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #30 on: May 26, 2012, 04:01:24 PM »
Hi Guys,
My Raspberry Pi arrived today. Has anyone else got their pi yet?

I`ve been running squeeze on mine for most of the day but just wiped it off my SD card to give the Raspbian build a try... looks good so far. A touch slower than I expected despite me trying hard to understand its limitations before it arrived however unbelievable for the price!

Chris 

Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #31 on: May 26, 2012, 04:53:53 PM »
Should be getting mine on Monday, Farnell have finally shipped it out  :)
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #32 on: May 27, 2012, 04:40:37 AM »
Finally got mine yesterday and with the T-shirt, now i do feel like a pro geek :dremel:
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #33 on: May 27, 2012, 05:06:57 AM »
Swarfing -  I feel a bit of a sado asking but did you order the t-shirt or a freebie    :scratch:  I didn`t get one....

....now the question is purely out of greed because when I sit here thinking would I actually want a T-shirt, my answer is "probably not" but in some strange way I`m now upset I didn`t get one!!!


Anyway - what build are you using. I tried Squeeze but I switched over to "Hexxeh`s" Raspbian image last night and although it took a little more setting up, it seems good.

Chris

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #34 on: May 27, 2012, 01:37:21 PM »
Hi Chris

They gave T-shirts away with the first batch and you just had to state what size. For some reason even though i was in the first wave i ended up waiting bloomin ages for it. I just chucked Squeeze on today to test it out, will probably leave that on until Ubuntu catches up or i relent and switch to Fedora. seem to have more trouble getting a powered hub running than the R-Pi?

First thing to for me is to get the I/O running and get this thing talking to the Sanguinolou.
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline John Stevenson

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Nottingham, England.
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #35 on: May 27, 2012, 02:38:42 PM »


First thing to for me is to get the I/O running and get this thing talking to the Sanguinolou.

Isn't that an island just off Madagascar ?
John Stevenson

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #36 on: May 27, 2012, 04:16:13 PM »
john i think it is next to Orpington station?
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline raynerd

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2893
  • Country: gb
    • Raynerds Projects - Raynerd.co.uk
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #37 on: May 27, 2012, 04:24:38 PM »
Is that to use with pronterface?

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #38 on: May 27, 2012, 04:35:25 PM »
Not sure yet Chris still exploring
Once in hole stop digging.

Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #39 on: May 28, 2012, 07:26:27 AM »


First thing to for me is to get the I/O running and get this thing talking to the Sanguinolou.

Isn't that an island just off Madagascar ?

Sounds to me like a toilet than can either take it or leave it, its not that bothered.
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline Swarfing

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 417
  • Country: gb
Re: Raspberry Pi
« Reply #40 on: May 28, 2012, 11:12:41 AM »
Well i did just plop it in whether it wanted too or not
Once in hole stop digging.