RPi Model A usage scenarios

Hi Coder27,

RaspberryPi is probably an ideal platform for robotics and you don't really need an ethernet port for that. So Model A is just fine and totally wins here.

For kids/teachers you mentioned in your post at RaspberryPi forums, I suppose the $35 version (B) is the way to go.

More usages for Model A:

1. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2013/turning_the_raspberry_pi_into_an_fm_transmitter.htm

2. http://m0xpd.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/raspberry-whispers.html

3. small ftp/http server accessible via WiFi (data stored on SD card)

4. home automation (via GPIO) with control via WiFi

5. information desk display

lots more....

If you can't find usage for Model A - it's probably not for you (smile)

Hi coder27,

I'm not aware of many scenarios (except maybe simple data logging type stuff) that require the 1-USB port but no IP connectivity.

Personally I always expect either a serial port, or IP connectivity on a development board (USB is not so useful to me unless it is one of those

FTDI things, but even then I sometimes prefer 3.3V levels out of the board, because then I can interface to anything, not just devices with

FTDI drivers.

My home keyboard is a Sun (now Oracle) one which has a built-in hub, but it is slow USB not high speed,

which is fine for a mouse, but I've not tried it with Rasp-Pi. I could try it if you'd like me to. I've only used Ethernet and serial

on the original Rasp-Pi board (I don't have a model A) after initial config. The keyboard not cheap though, about $50+postage

according to Oracle's website. The quality is ok.

I suppose someone could adapt the firmware to read WiFi details from the SD card, but I think it may be hard to cater for all dongles,

It all sounds messy, so probably configuring via serial port is easiest, but it does require a level converter board to get it into your PC of course.

As an idea, someone could make device (from a Rasp-Pi, but cheaper still could be any simple AVR micro) that could be used to configure

all other Model A's in the classroom. Basically it would be coded to log into the model A's via serial (no need for level converter since it is 3.3V to 3.3V levels) and configure the device and then issue shutdown. It could even be powered from the same supply. Then one could unplug, and move on to

the next one.

Model A should work nicely with a Motorola Atrix Lapdock, which has an internal hub for its keyboard and mouse.  You can plug an Ethernet or WiFi dongle into one of the two Lapdock A ports.  The only problem with this scenario is that Model A only has 256MB RAM vs Model B's 512MB.  But then, maybe the Model A is only using up a supply of pre-ordered 256MB chips and once they're gone you'll be seeing 512MB Model As.  With RasPi, you never know and it's always a surprise -- part of the fun, I guess.

A big advantage of Model A is much lower power consumption, since the LAN9512 uses a lot of power on a board with linear regulators.  So if you've got a stand-alone embedded appliction that needs fairly low power, Model A is a much better bet.  That said, neither board is an ultra-low power board like some of the ARM Cortex-M0/0+/3/4 boards.  But it's pretty low power for a GNU/Linux board.

A wireless keyboard/mouse combo is another solution. The single USB port is a fairly serious limitation to me and so pretty much requires

a hub. This is really not a big deal but it does add to the cost. I agree with John that stand alone applications is probably what it will do

best.

> A wireless keyboard/mouse combo is another solution

Good point.  Even better would be a combination Bluetooth/WiFi dongle.

I notice that this has already been tried on the Model B:

http://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=27678&p=314994

I'm waiting to test it for couple of application where the Rpi will be headless and probably just with a WiFi dongle for remote access via ssh and/or tightvnc.

-J

I have this: Wireless Mouse/Keyboard combo...

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=XC5174

I've turned a Model A Raspberry Pi into a Piratebox using instructions at http://piratebox.aod-rpg.de/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=raspberry . Have a Dlink DWA-125 plugged into the only USB port.  Works a treat!.