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MX on Linux: Difference between revisions
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→Which Raspberry Pi to buy
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=Which Raspberry Pi to buy= | =Which Raspberry Pi to buy= | ||
A standard desktop computer consumes at least 200 Watts of power (that is when it is idle, it will increase depending on peripherals attached and any processing being done) all the time it is switched on. A Pi Zero W consumes half a Watt when idle, and up to 1.78 | A standard desktop computer consumes at least 200 Watts of power (that is when it is idle, it will increase depending on peripherals attached and any processing being done) all the time it is switched on. A Pi Zero W consumes half a Watt when idle, and up to 1.78 W when running tasks or connected to peripherals. A Pi model 4 B (the latest model at time of writing) consumes 2.85 to 80 W depending on whether it is idle or working hard. Although Cumulus MX does not need to run 24/7, derived values like highest, lowest, average, and so on, will be more accurately calculated if MX is left running. Although the Pi is not the only small computer model available, it is probably the most popular and the easiest one to use if you do want to run MX all the time and not wreck the planet! | ||
If you do a search on the support forum, you will find a lot of different opinions about which model you should buy, but in the end you decide! The following sections contain just suggestions on how to decide, there is no intention to force any single decision. This article focusses on those who buy a Raspberry Pi as a small computer, who might want to use it for other tasks like word processing, and for novices who feel happier to connect a screen and keyboard. This article is less useful if you want to own 2 computers and run your Pi headless by sending commands from your other computer, see [[Raspberry Pi Image]] article instead. | If you do a search on the support forum, you will find a lot of different opinions about which model you should buy, but in the end you decide! The following sections contain just suggestions on how to decide, there is no intention to force any single decision. This article focusses on those who buy a Raspberry Pi as a small computer, who might want to use it for other tasks like word processing, and for novices who feel happier to connect a screen and keyboard. This article is less useful if you want to own 2 computers and run your Pi headless by sending commands from your other computer, see [[Raspberry Pi Image]] article instead. | ||
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== Now research how the various models relate to your needs == | == Now research how the various models relate to your needs == | ||
You can look up online what features are included in the various Pi models, and how they differ in power consumption, and cost. But your decision also needs to consider what you need. Here, I won't describe all the different models, but concentrate on just 2 for simplicity. | You can look up online what features are included in the various Pi models, and how they differ in power consumption, and cost. But your decision also needs to consider what you need. Here, I won't describe all the different models, but concentrate on just 2 (Pi Zero W and 3 B+) for simplicity. However, note that 3 B+ costs only pennies less than the much-more-powerful Model 4; it is probably about to become obsolete [Jan 2021]. Model 4 has all the same advantages as described for Model 3 B+, except that it may use more power. | ||
The model Zero W is appealing as it has low power consumption, it is perfectly adequate for running MX (but has limited speed, it runs the various threads MX uses sequentially) especially if you only use standard MX functionality and don't ask MX to do all the optional extras, and has limited interfaces for peripherals. | The model Zero W is appealing as it has very low power consumption, it is perfectly adequate for running MX (but has limited speed, it runs the various threads MX uses sequentially) especially if you only use standard MX functionality and don't ask MX to do all the optional extras, and has limited interfaces for wired peripherals. | ||
The model 3 B+ is appealing as it has medium power consumption, but can cope better with the multiple threads that MX starts, and has more interfaces built in, such as 4 USB 2 ports (useful if you want to connect a weather station using USB and connect a keyboard). | The model 3 B+ is appealing as it has medium power consumption, but can cope better with the multiple threads that MX starts, and has more physical interfaces built in, such as 4 USB 2.0 ports (useful if you want to connect a weather station using USB and connect a keyboard). | ||
While both models support | While both models support WiFi and Bluetooth, the latter model also allows a wired Ethernet connection, and that may be useful if that is how you connect to your weather station (an Ethernet connection is also advisable if your WiFi connection is not so good). Having an Ethernet connection, as explained later, makes it possible to easily install the Windows Operating System on your Raspberry Pi on first boot. | ||
* Raspberry Pi Zero W | * Raspberry Pi Zero W | ||
** Pi Zero W has WiFi | ** Pi Zero W has WiFi, one micro USB port and an HDMI output. Because it has WiFi, it is good for headless running, and this leaves the micro USB port free to connect a USB weather station. | ||
** If you need more physical connections than that | |||
** Installing onto a faster Pi might speed parts of the installation process, but for actual ‘production’ running this slower, and simpler, Pi will be perfectly adequate. | ** Installing onto a faster Pi might speed parts of the installation process, but for actual ‘production’ running this slower, and simpler, Pi will be perfectly adequate. | ||
** It could run a web server, but that might really slow it down. | ** It could run a web server, but that might really slow it down. | ||
** If you run this headless, all updates are done remotely, | ** If you run this headless, all updates are done remotely, for example using an SSH terminal program like PuTTY and a file transfer program like FileZilla on your PC. | ||
* Raspberry Pi | |||
* Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (or 4 B; considerations are very similar) | |||
** The faster speed of this Pi although NOT necessary for running Cumulus MX, will cope better if you are asking MX to do lots of processing (e.g. updating database tables or external sites as well as standard processing). | ** The faster speed of this Pi although NOT necessary for running Cumulus MX, will cope better if you are asking MX to do lots of processing (e.g. updating database tables or external sites as well as standard processing). | ||
** Pi | ** Pi 3 B+ has a socket for an external power supply, Ethernet socket (supports wired link); a HDMI socket for audio/video to TV, or computer monitor; a standard jack audio socket for external headphone, or speaker; 4 standard USB type 2 sockets for weather station, mouse, keyboard, USB stick, or other storage device; plus other connections (e.g. camera). | ||
** This might be better if you also want to run a web server, and if you want to do other tasks (e.g. word processing - '''Libre Office''' is installed as standard on a Pi) on the same Pi. | ** This might be better if you also want to run a web server, and if you want to do other tasks (e.g. word processing - '''Libre Office''' is installed as standard on a Pi) on the same Pi. | ||
** Also consider this model if it is to be used on a remote site so when you visit it is useful to be able to plug in | ** Also consider this model if it is to be used on a remote site so when you visit it is useful to be able to plug in other peripherals, and to spend as little time on updating as possible. | ||
Other models are available, but you need to check their specification against your needs. For example, the current model | Other models are available, but you need to check their specification against your needs. For example, the current model 4 B has more capabilities, but may be less appealing as it also consumes more power. | ||
== What else to buy == | == What else to buy == | ||
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You may want to buy a case, that will protect your Pi from accidental damage. A case specifically designed for your Pi model will have cut-outs in the right place for each interface connection, and will have sufficient ventilation for the electrical components to not over-heat. Some designs have additional holes for securing peripherals. | You may want to buy a case, that will protect your Pi from accidental damage. A case specifically designed for your Pi model will have cut-outs in the right place for each interface connection, and will have sufficient ventilation for the electrical components to not over-heat. Some designs have additional holes for securing peripherals. | ||
You may need a power supply. | You may need to buy a power supply. | ||
*This could be an official Raspberry Pi power supply. | * This could be an official Raspberry Pi power supply. | ||
*Alternatively, | * Alternatively, other power supply units that have a micro USB connector will often suffice, as the power consumption of a Pi (whichever model) is fairly small, but it will be powered on 24/7, so a low power consumption ‘switched mode’ type is preferred – i.e. one that does not become warm when plugged in with nothing attached. | ||
**You may have a suitable one left over from an earlier mobile phone. | ** You may have a suitable one left over from an earlier mobile phone. | ||
** A Pi 3 B+ running other tasks may require a more powerful power supply. | |||
** A Pi 4 needs more power and has a USB C connector. | |||
You may need to buy connection leads: | You may need to buy connection leads: | ||
*You may need a HDMI lead to connect your PI to your TV or a spare computer monitor. | * You may need a HDMI lead to connect your PI to your TV or a spare computer monitor. | ||
*You may need a USB lead to connect to your weather station (the Pi model Zero requires a micro USB, the Pi model 3 requires a standard A end USB) and your station probably has a USB A end connection. | * You may need a USB lead to connect to your weather station (the Pi model Zero requires a micro USB, the Pi model 3 requires a standard A end USB) and your station probably has a USB A end connection. | ||
*If your weather station connects by Ethernet, you will need one lead to connect the station to the router and possibly another to connect the hub or router to the Pi. | * If your weather station connects by Ethernet, you will need one lead to connect the station to the router and possibly another to connect the hub or router to the Pi. | ||
If you do choose a model 3 (or later), consider whether you do want to buy a USB mouse and USB keyboard to use with it. | If you do choose a model 3 (or later), consider whether you do want to buy a USB mouse and USB keyboard to use with it. | ||