Raspberry Pi Model B (512 MB) - FAQ

jbilecsu — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 05:18:10 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by jbilecsu on 10/8/2021 5:18:10 AM

29 November 2012 - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have ordered Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) but instead I have received a Raspberry Pi model B (512MB), is it a mistake in your system? Should I return the product?

A: No, this is not a mistake; we have deliberately sent you Raspberry Pi model B (512MB) with additional RAM at no extra cost.

Q: I have received a Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) but the Raspberry Pi foundation has launched the Raspberry Pi model B (512MB) recently. Can I exchange mine for the increased RAM product?

A: No, based on the demand of the product we will not exchange the Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) for the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB).

Q: Can I return my Raspberry Pi model B (256MB)?

Yes, if it is within our day return policy. Please see the terms and conditions for your region.

Newark element 14 customers (North America) : http://www.newark.com/jsp/content/freetoair.jsp?content=termsconditions

Farnell element14 customers (Europe) : http://farnell.com/ select your country and terms and conditions will be at the footer of the web page or on the Rasp pi Microsite.

element14 (Asia Pacific) http://farnell.com/ select your country on the right side of the Farnell site, terms and conditions will be available at the footer of the web page.

Q. How can I tell if I received the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB)?

A. With several versions of the Raspberry Pi now in the market, you can confirm what version you have by running a command:

cat/proc/cpuinfo

If you are running revision 1.0 you will see code numbers 2 or 3

If you are running revision 2.0 you will see code numbers 4 or 6.

If you are running the Raspberry new Pi Model B (512MB) Revision 2.0 you will see code numbers 13 or 14

Q: What are the key differences between Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) and the new (512MB)?

A: It doubles the RAM memory, which effectively more than doubles the user accessible memory (on the 256MB board approximately 50% of the RAM is dedicated to the operating system)

Other More Technical Differences:

     USB output fuses removed: allows greater capacity to power external USB devices.
      i2s mod: Raspberry Pi has three independent i2s busses running on it. The decision to swap the two that are surfaced to P1 and S5 means the i2c available for expansion is less busy and more reliable. This allows the user to have higher quality audio. It is now a digital audio signal (rather than analog on the previous version)
      Version ID links and Additional Expansion: Version ID links were included to read version ID, but are not ever used. Instead they have been redeployed to add extra 4 x programmable I/O lines. There are now 4 more extra input/output pins for electronic interfacing.
      Current leakage from HDMI port: Fixed problem with CEC line in HDMI interface.

SMSC +1V8: The SMSC 1V8 power has been disconnected from the system supply.

New mounting holes: These can be used to properly mount the Pi in an enclosure or other rig. Note - Users risk damaging their Pi if they over tighten any retaining screws they choose to use.

In addition, we have seen cases where the SD card that comes with the Raspberry Pi will need to be updated; otherwise it will show it as the 256MB version... The update can be easily done and is outlined here

Q: Are you planning to launch any other new versions or upgrades soon?

A: No, for the time being the Raspberry Pi model B (512MB) is the latest product available. Check out element14/raspberrypi on an ongoing basis for news of any exclusive Raspberry Pi’s accessories and starter kits coming soon.

Q: Will my Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB) have been manufactured by Sony in the UK?

A: All the initial Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB) has been manufactured by Sony in the UK. You can tell this by the ‘Made in the UK’ statement on the board itself (next to micro USB connector). To meet worldwide demand we will continue to manufacture future boards in both the UK and China. Irrespective of the manufacturing location all boards supplied by element14 will be Revision 2.0 512MB

Q. I heard I can now order more than one Raspberry Pi. Is this true?

A. Yes,

Our Farnell element 14 customers ( Europe) you can now order up to 100 pieces of the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB).Your Raspberry Pi is expected to be delivered within 3 weeks. At the same, you are welcome to order up to 100 units of any accessories going with new Raspberry Pi .

Our Newark element14 customers (North America) you can now order up to 20 pieces of the new Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB). Your Raspberry Pi is expected to be delivered between 4-6 weeks.

Q. When will customized cases be available?

A. We have introduced three cases: white, black and transparent one for Farnell element14 customers.

MULTICOMP MC-RP001-WHT
MULTICOMP MC-RP001-BLK
MULTICOMP MC-RP001-CLR

For Newark element14 customers: red and transparent as below:

BUD INDUSTRIES
PS-11591
ADAFRUIT INDUSTRIES
859

Q: Can I track and trace my order?

Yes, you can. All orders placed after 25^th October on our new consumer Microsite (Farnell element14 customers only) are now available to track with UPS tracking system. Your Raspberry Pi order will be sent by UPS standard delivery service. You will get your tracking number as soon as your parcel leaves our warehouse (Newark element14 customers)

15 October 2012 - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the key differences between Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) and the new (512MB)?

A: It doubles the RAM memory, which effectively more than doubles the user accessible memory (on the 256MB board approximately 50% of the RAM is dedicated to the operating system)

Other Differences:

USB output fuses removed: allows greater capacity to power external USB devices.

i2s mod: Raspberry Pi has three independent i2s busses running on it. The decision to swap the two that are surfaced to P1 and S5 means the i2c available for expansion is less busy and more reliable. This allows the user to have higher quality audio. It is now a digital audio signal (rather than analog on the previous version)

Version ID links and Additional Expansion: Version ID links were included to read version ID, but are not ever used. Instead they have been redeployed to add extra 4 x programmable I/O lines. There are now 4 more extra input/output pins for electronic interfacing.

Current leakage from HDMI port: Fixed problem with CEC line in HDMI interface.

SMSC +1V8: The SMSC 1V8 power has been disconnected from the system supply.

New mounting holes: These can be used to properly mount the Pi in an enclosure or other rig. Note - Users risk damaging their Pi if they over tighten any retaining screws they choose to use.

Q: I have ordered Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) but instead I have received a Raspberry Pi model B (512MB), is it a mistake in your system? Should I return the product?

A: No, this is not a mistake; we have deliberately sent you Raspberry Pi model B (512MB) with additional RAM at no extra cost. There will have been a note in your parcel informing you that you have received the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB).

Q: I have received a Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) but the Raspberry Pi foundation has launched the Raspberry Pi model B (512MB) recently. Can I exchange mine for the increased RAM product?

A: No, we will not exchange the Raspberry Pi model B (256MB) for the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB).

Q: Can I return my Raspberry Pi model B (256MB)?

A. (America) Newark element14 operates a 60 day return policy, thus you can return your product in accordance with the policy if it is within 60 days.

(Europe) Farnell element14 operates a 21 day returns policy, thus you can return your product in accordance with the policy. For your terms of purchase please go to your local Farnell element14 website - Terms of purchase are available for you on the bottom of the website

If you would like to receive the new Raspberry Pi model B (512MB), you will need to place a new order with us for this product via our website.

Q. How do I know what version of the Raspberry Pi I have?

With several versions of the Raspberry Pi now in the market, you can confirm what version you have by running a command:

cat/proc/cpuinfo

If you are running revision 1.0 you will see code numbers 2 or 3

If you are running revision 2.0 you will see code numbers 4 or 6.

If you are running the Raspberry new Pi Model B (512MB) Revision 2.0 you will see code numbers 13 or 14

Q: Are you planning to launch any other new versions or upgrades soon?

Q: Will my Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB) have been manufactured by Sony in the UK?

A: Yes, all the initial Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB) have been manufactured at Sony in the UK. You can tell this by the ‘Made in the UK’ statement on the board itself (next to micro USB connector). To meet worldwide demand we will continue to manufacture future boards in both the UK and China. Irrespective of manufacturing location all boards supplied by element14 will be Revision 2.0 512MB.