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SKB
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Computers & Technology

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Raspberry Pi
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Introduction
What is a Raspberry Pi?


The Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote teaching of basic computer science in schools, similar to the BBC Micro of the 1980s. The original model became far more popular than anticipated, selling outside its target market for uses such as robotics. It does not (usually) include peripherals (such as keyboards and mice) and cases. However, some accessories have been included in several official and unofficial bundles.

The organisation behind the Raspberry Pi consists of two arms. The first two models were developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. After the Pi Model B was released, the Foundation set up Raspberry Pi Trading, with Eben Upton as CEO, to develop the third model, the B+. Raspberry Pi Trading is responsible for developing the technology while the Foundation is an educational charity to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools and in developing countries.

According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, more than 5 million Raspberry Pis were sold by February 2015, making it the best-selling British computer. By November 2016 they had sold 11 million units, and 12.5m by March 2017, making it the third best-selling "general purpose computer". In July 2017, sales reached nearly 15 million. In March 2018, sales reached 19 million.

Most Pi's are made in a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales; some are made in China or Japan.


Operating System
The Raspberry Pi Foundation provides Raspbian, a Debian-based Linux distribution for download, as well as third-party Ubuntu, Windows 10 IoT Core, RISC OS, and specialised media centre distributions. It promotes Python and Scratch as the main programming languages, with support for many other languages. The default firmware is closed source, while an unofficial open source is available. Many other operating systems can also run on the Raspberry Pi, including the formally verified microkernel, seL4. Other third-party operating systems available via the official website include Ubuntu MATE, Windows 10 IoT Core, RISC OS and specialised distributions for the Kodi media centre and classroom management.


Models
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^ Raspberry Pi 4B

The latest version is the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, released on 23rd June 2019 with a 1.5 GHz 64-bit quad core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, on-board 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, USB 3.0 and dual monitor support (4K resolution). The Pi 4 is also powered via a USB-C port, enabling additional power to be provided to downstream peripherals, when used with an appropriate power supply unit.

It is available in 1GB, 2GB or 4GB models with or without a bundled accessories package, which includes, case, PSU, 2x HDMI monitor cables, mouse and keyboard.


Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Specification
Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
1GB, 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM (depending on model)
2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
Gigabit Ethernet
2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with previous boards)
2 × micro-HDMI ports (up to 4kp60 supported)
2-lane MIPI DSI display port
2-lane MIPI CSI camera port
4-pole stereo audio and composite video port
H.265 (4kp60 decode), H264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode)
OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics
Micro-SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
5V DC via USB-C connector (minimum 3A*)
5V DC via GPIO header (minimum 3A*)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled (requires separate PoE HAT)
Operating temperature: 0 – 50 degrees C ambient
* A good quality 2.5A power supply can be used if downstream USB peripherals consume less than 500mA in total.


Official Videos



Raspberry Pi website: https://www.raspberrypi.org/

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by SKB »

A Raspberry Pi 4B review video.


(Explaining Computers) 23rd June 2019

Its strange. I don't need a Raspberry Pi, but I WANT one! :mrgreen:

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by bobp »

I remember the Sinclair ZX series and the BBC Micro. I learnt Basic and Pascal at the time. Looks like a useful bit of kit if you are into learning hope it takes off, and yes I may buy too.

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by SKB »

The Raspberry Pi's are popular with retro gamers too. With something called RetroPi, it can also emulate earlier games consoles such as Nintendo's NES, SNES and N64, using the Pi's SD card slot to upload the "aquired" game data.

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by Caribbean »

I have just counted - I now have eight (Pi Zero through to Pi 3)! Great for tasks where you need a low-power dedicated processor/ controller. Media controller, VPN/WiFi, Bitcoin miner controllers.

Pi 4! Must ..... resist............
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by SKB »

Caribbean wrote:Pi 4! Must ..... resist............
Must... get... 4GB version.... with USB 3.0... and native Gigabit Ethernet.... :twisted:

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by Caribbean »

Noooooo...... Resistance is futile!!
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by bobp »

I see it has a micro SD slot for even more memory :crazy: :geek:
And I assume you can connect a portable HDD to the USB for more storage.. :crazy: :geek:

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Re: Raspberry Pi (Single Board Computer)

Post by Caribbean »

The operating system sits on the SD card, and any spare space can be used for storage, but, as you say, you can plug in a portable HDD via a USB port ( it wouldn't surprise me if someone has figured out how to use an ethernet-connected SAN as well, though I suspect that might take a lot of work to set up).
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by SKB »

Strange. Just bought a new PC case, but I've discovered that it has no case speaker, and none is mentioned in its manual. How will I hear any error beeps? Is no speaker a normal thing now?

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by Defiance »

Motherboards usually supply a small BIOS speaker which plugs directly into the board, that's where you'll get your beeps from

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by SKB »

Ah okay. :thumbup:

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by Defiance »

SKB wrote:Ah okay. :thumbup:
It becomes very handy if you're having problems getting it running smoothly when you're first testing it, you can unplug the little **** when you can't stand the beeps any longer! :angel:

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by SKB »

PlayStation 5 officially revealed!



(PlayStation) 11th June 2020

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Re: Computers & Technology

Post by SKB »

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PlayStation 5 is likely to be the tallest games console ever made, measuring 40 cm (15.74 inches) in height in its upright vertical configuration.
The PS5 height was discovered from measuring its optical disc drive and USB ports.

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Re: Computers & Technology

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PlayStation 5 prices and release dates announced.
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Re: Computers & Technology

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Sony PlayStation 5 Teardown

(PlayStation) 7th October 2020
Your first look at PS5's internal components* that will power the next generation of amazing games.

*Do not try this at home. Risk of exposure to laser radiation, electric shock, or other injury. Disassembling your PS5 console will invalidate your manufacturer’s guarantee.

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Re: Computers & Technology

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Raspberry Pi 400 personal computer

(Raspberry Pi) 2nd November 2020
Inspired by the classic PCs of the 1980s, here is Raspberry Pi 400: a complete personal computer, built into a compact keyboard.

Featuring a quad-core 64-bit processor, wireless networking, dual-display output and 4K video playback, Raspberry Pi 400 is a complete personal
computer, built into a compact keyboard.

Raspberry Pi 400 is ideal for surfing the web, creating and editing documents, watching videos, and learning to program using the Raspberry Pi OS desktop environment.

Raspberry Pi 400 is available in a number of different regional variants and as either a computer kit, containing everything you need to get started (except for a TV or monitor), or a computer unit only.

Get yours today: http://rptl.io/400
Raspberry Pi 400 specifications:

* Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.8GHz
* 4GB LPDDR4-3200
* Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN
* Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
* Gigabit Ethernet
* 2 × USB 3.0 and 1 × USB 2.0 ports
* Horizontal 40-pin GPIO header
* 2 × micro HDMI ports (supports up to 4Kp60)
* H.265 (4Kp60 decode); H.264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode); OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics
* MicroSD card slot for operating system and data storage
* 78- or 79-key compact keyboard (depending on regional variant)
* 5V DC via USB connector
* Operating temperature: 0°C to +50°C ambient
* Maximum dimensions 286 mm × 122 mm × 23 mm


(Explaining Computers) 2nd November 2020
Raspberry Pi 400 -- specifications and demo of the new, faster, keyboard-encased Raspberry Pi 4.

The Raspberry Pi 400 featured in this video was supplied before launch by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

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Re: Computers & Technology

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British computer retailer PC World and it's Carphone Warehouse brands are set to disappear from the high street as parent company DixonsCarphone rebrands all its stores as Currys.
https://www.cityam.com/carphone-warehou ... s-rebrand/

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Re: Computers & Technology

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Sir Clive Sinclair (1940-2021, aged 81)
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Clive Maries Sinclair was born on 30th July 1940 in Richmond, Surrey (now Greater London). Sinclair was an English entrepreneur and inventor, most commonly known for his work in consumer electronics in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

After spending several years as assistant editor of Instrument Practice magazine, Sinclair founded Sinclair Radionics in 1961, where he produced the first slim-line electronic pocket calculator in 1972 (the Sinclair Executive). Sinclair later moved into the production of home computers and produced the Sinclair ZX80, the UK's first mass-market home computer for less than £100, and later, with Sinclair Research, the ZX81 and ZX Spectrum. The latter is widely recognised by consumers and programmers for its importance in the early days of the British and wider European home computer industry. In Eastern Europe homemade ZX Spectrum clones were the only affordable computing equipment for a long period till the mid 1990s.

Knighted in 1983, Sir Clive Sinclair formed Sinclair Vehicles and released the Sinclair C5, a battery electric vehicle that was also a commercial failure. Sinclair then concentrated on personal transport, including the A-bike, a folding bicycle for commuters that weighs 5.7 kilograms (13 lb) and folds down small enough to be carried on public transport.

The lack of funds for Sinclair Research and the failure of the C5 created financial difficulties for Sinclair. Sinclair Vehicles was placed into receivership by October 1985, and in April 1986, Sinclair sold the bulk of Sinclair Research to Amstrad for £5 million. Sinclair Research Ltd. was reduced to an R&D business and holding company, with shareholdings in several spin-off companies, formed to exploit technologies developed by the company. These included Anamartic Ltd. (wafer-scale integration) and Cambridge Computer Ltd. (Z88 portable computer and satellite television receivers)

By 1990, Sinclair Research consisted of Sinclair and two other employees, and its activities later concentrated on personal transport, including the Zike electric bicycle. By 2003, Sinclair Research was collaborating with Hong Kong-based firm Daka. A laboratory was set up for Daka near Croydon to develop products on a royalty basis. The two firms collaborated on a Sea Scooter and a wheelchair drive.

Sinclair had planned to introduce the Sinclair X-1 through Sinclair Research, another attempt at a personal electric vehicle following the Sinclair C5. The X-1 was first announced in 2010, and incorporated design aspects that the C5 had been panned for, including an open egg-like shell for the rider with a more ergonomic seat, a more powerful motor and larger battery storage, and an effectively lower cost accounting for inflation than the C5. However, the X-1 failed to reach the market.

Sinclair received several honours for his contributions towards helping establish the personal computer industry in the United Kingdom. In 1983, he was awarded Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Science by the University of Bath, Heriot-Watt University and University of Warwick. He was knighted in the Queen's 1983 Birthday Honours List. In 1984, he was honoured by Imperial College London by being made a fellow. In 1988, the National Portrait Gallery, London purchased a portrait of Sinclair by photographer Simon Lewis for its permanent collection.

Sinclair was a poker player and appeared in the first three series of the Late Night Poker on Channel 4 television. He won the first series final of the Celebrity Poker Club spin-off. Sinclair was an atheist. He was a member of British Mensa, and chairman from 1980 to 1997.

Despite his involvement in computing, Sinclair did not use the Internet, stating that he does not like to have "technical or mechanical things around me" as it distracts from the process of invention. In 2010, he stated that he did not use computers himself, and preferred using the telephone rather than email. In 2014, he predicted, "Once you start to make machines that are rivalling and surpassing humans with intelligence, it's going to be very difficult for us to survive. It's just an inevitability."

On 16th September 2021, Sinclair died in London following an illness related to cancer that he had for over a decade. He was 81 years old. Sinclair had three children: Crispin, Bartholomew and Belinda.

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