USA Based Startup Builds RPi Add-on
Pi-oT, a Cleveland based startup has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a Raspberry Pi add-on for commercial and industrial IoT automation. The unit is a full mountable chassis with fan and DIN-rail that extends the Pi’s GPIO with 26-pin terminal connectors and provides 5x relays, 8x ADCs, and power outputs. We have reported on a variety of uses for the Raspberry Pi SBC, from home automation to development in IoT, to hobby projects, and in education settings. It is not surprising to see an automation module developed for IoT industrial applications around the popular and powerful SBC.
The Choices
The Kickstarter campaign has passed its low initial target and is set to ship at the end of October. There is an early launch discount on the unit’s price of $40 for commercial and $50 for industrial backers. That early bird type special is 15% off the commercial and industrial first batch shipping, which goes out shortly after the campaign ends.
Raspberry Pi And More in Industrial Settings
Pi-oT had initially wanted to bring a B2B IoT module that was a PC-based industrial solution but had found themselves testing and prototyping using the Raspberry Pi. The problem with that was all the auxiliary hardware was hobby-grade, and not good enough for industrial settings. To really utilize the inherent power and versatility of the Raspberry Pi SBC, there needed to be a full module that could interface with the RPi’s 40 Pin GPIO Connectors. The simple design they came up with used the open-source MCP3008/3208 python library and allows the assembly to be used with other SBCs and even Arduinos.
Commercial and Industrial Versions
The commercial versions of the Pi-oT have the 5x SPDT relays with jumpers that allow control of the relays through the selectable GPIO pins. There is a 10-bit, 8-xhannel analog-to-digital converter for sensor reading and data-logging. The python library is used to read the analog inputs. The Industrial version is essentially the same as the commercial version but with heavier 2-oz copper PCB traces and higher-rated Panasonic relays. The ADC is 12-bit instead of 10-bit.
The Module Power Specs
In either version of the assembly, there is 5V and 3.3V, and ground pins. The system can then be back powered through the 5V terminal or the optional Micro-USB female adapter for $3 extra. Pi-oT is reporting that there will be over-voltage protection on the board. The 3.3V pin enables other sensors and peripherals to be powered as well.
Every unit comes with a 5V High Flow fan to maintain overall heat below throttling temperatures, with supporting fan card. Additional Fan Cards can be purchased for $7 each.
The GPIO pins are exposed from the Raspberry Pi where they can be easily accessed in the module.
Pricing and Information
The units will be offered on Kickstarter until October 2. The launch promotional had a $5 off discount if you purchased on August 27, 2019. The 15% off discount will be valid until October 2, and maybe beyond. The campaign is already fully funded. The Kickstarter Campaign is on-going now.
The information in this article was provided in part from the linuxgizmos.com article.
Stephen started writing about technology after publishing sci-fi short stories. His first White-Paper, written in 2008, was well received and inspired him to continue writing about technology. Today he writes in the technology space full time, covering a multitude of topics. During the time he wrote part-time he edited hundreds of titles for large publishers, in science and technology. He lives in Staten Island, with his wife and children.
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