NEW: PiStop Python module

I love hearing about how people are using the Pi-Stop to discover and learn, many thanks for sending me your stories of what you have got up to with them.

Remember you can now buy them directly from 4Tronix and also CPC Farnell.

I recently I was asked about using them with Python, well it was always my intention to produce a full Python workshop with the Pi-Stops, but I hadn’t quite got around to it.  Although there is the Python Pirate workshop, which I ran back on 29th Nov 2014, it used a rather specific python module for to make the Pi-Stop function as a lighthouse signal (lighthouse.py).

I decided it was about time I created a more general python module for the Pi-Stop.  So I have!

Check out the Pi-Stop Github for details and let me know how you get on with it (and feel free to add/request changes).  I shall add additional comments to the file and some additional tips on how to use it, but it should make a good starting point.

Get the module here: pistop.py

Note: It will work with the Raspberry Pi 2 (as well as Model+ versions – in all 6 locations).  But you will need the latest RPi.GPIO (version 0.5.11) for all the pins to work correctly.

Using the new Raspberry Pi 2 (or Model A+/B+) you can run up to 6 Pi-Stops independently, directly off the GPIO header.

When I get chance I’ll start writing some workshops which make use of it, as well as one which explains how it is constructed.

Enjoy!

Use your Computer’s Screen & Keyboard for your Raspberry Pi

Now you can connect to your Raspberry Pi with just a network cable!

No router or hub required, just a computer or laptop with a network port.

You can even configure it directly on your laptop using a SD-Card Reader, so it is great for those times when there isn’t a nearby screen available to use, but you simply have to get your “Pi On”.

Connect and use your Raspberry Pi with just a Network Cable, a standard Imaged SD Card and Power!

This creates a direct network link between your Computer and the Raspberry Pi, so you can use SSH and X11 (to run graphical programs on your laptop), VNC and use shared network folders.

See the Guide To…Direct Network Connection for more details.

Or see the cut-down version of the instructions:

In A Nut Shell…Direct Network Connection for more advanced users who won’t need all the details.

Please let me know if the Meltwater Mod doesn’t work for you, or if you have additional questions (I am keen to make this as clear and simple as possible).

 

UPDATE 16April13: I’ve also added a fix for using Tkinter and PyGame based python scripts with X11-Forwarding!

Read-The-Fantastic-Manual (RTFM)*

*Yes, F is Fantastic, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.  I would probably say PRTM – Please Read The Manual, but that isn’t quite as well known.

5V DC-DC Switch Mode Power Supply, and RGB-LED Kit User Manuals

As always, the user manual is the last item to be completed (and often never is entirely in engineering)!

Introducing RGB-LED Teaching Kit

I am proud to announce the release of my latest kit, a 5 way RGB-LED test module.

RGB LED Module connected up to Rev1 Raspberry Pi ready to go!

A big thank you to those who have brought the PSU Kit, your kind support meant I was able to continue developing and create this kit.

__________

To see more details see the main RGB-LED Kit Page

To Buy the Kit see the Shop

__________

Sometimes it can be simple.

I’ve been writing some GPIO control stuff recently using a few different languages and tonight it was the turn of python.
Now from using different languages I’ve grown accustomed to using the BCM references for the GPIO pins.  However as some of you may know, these differ slightly between Rev1 and Rev2 of the boards so it is important to ensure your code matches and is easily adapted for the board you are using.

Diagram includes BCM GPIO references (GPIO.BCM), common functions, Header GPIO references, and Pin numbers (GPIO.BOARD).

An easy solution is simply to use a define for each and edit the code accordingly.  But for python I’d often heard it suggested to automatically detect the revision of the board, which seems very sensible to me.

Breadboarding, it is not an extreme sport…

Making circuits and trying things out shouldn’t be difficult and with a few basic items you can get started straight away!

Prototype of H-Bridge Motor Controller on a Breadboard (as featured in MagPi Issue 8)

 

For more information take a look at the:

Guide to…Breadboarding

Adafruit’s Pi T-Cobbler

I recently received the Pi T-Cobbler, a very convenient way to interface with the Raspberry Pi.  It takes the GPIO header and breaks it nicely out into two neatly labelled rows and plugs directly into a breadboard.

Pi T-Cobbler Supplied By AdaFruit

Switched Mode Power Supply Hobby/Education Kit

LM2576HVT-5V Switched Mode Power Supply Hobby/Education Kit – DC to DC suitable for Raspberry Pi or Hobby Projects

Completed assembled unit shown!

Back in stock due to popular demand

__________

( stock 11 kits) £10.99 (Free UK Postage)

Available from eBay (meltwater2000)

http://goo.gl/6BJxR (Link Expires 17th March)

__________________

 

Learning Through Practical Thinking

Introducing Raspberry Pi Hobby Project Kits

Aim of the kits:

The kits are designed with the concept of “Learning Through Practical Thinking” at its core.

The idea is that learning is much more effective when combined with physical activity and discovery, rather than straightforward reading and repetition of cold facts.  The kits will be developed which encourage development of new skills and to apply them as part of practical projects.

Supporting The MagPi

The MagPi Magazine

A Magazine for Raspberry Pi Users

http://www.themagpi.com/

As one of the founders of the MagPi magazine, I have been contributing to the magazine throughout 2012 (under the writing name Meltwater).