Category Archives: Linux

All things linux

Got an Idea? Need Help? Raspberry PI prototyping!

Just another thing that I helping with lately.  If anyone need help with a new idea for a Raspberry PI, or IoT device message me.  I have been  through several POC’s (proof of concepts).

Keep in mind, if you are working on a new product; or sensitive information I keep all client info secret, and have no issues with an NDA.

  • Home Automation
  • Voice Recognition
  • Several TTS/STT Options
  • Custom Hardware
    • Integration with existing hardware
  • Custom Software
    • Custom Plugins/Adjustments
    • Coding
  • R&D on Subject Matter
    • Build
    • Test
    • Design
  • … and whatever else is needed …

Happy to just answer questions; or see what I can do to help.  Just contact me.

Building E-Vehicle/Robot for Son!

I am building a robot (named aptly: Kill Switch) from old parts I had laying around, and it is powered by hub motors from a ‘hover-board’.  The stats were pretty strong for small kids; so I am building a lot of safety into it.

This will include software, and hardware measures to ‘take over’ the device, and even limit speed.  Eventually I will be able to return him back to a certain spot with playtime is over.  I hope to automated charging as well eventually.  There are a lot of features I have ready; however I am still building out the hardware.

This can be difficult to do and keep extremely safe.  So for starters I am testing it only; and I have 2 kill switches I am putting in to ensure safety.  One the person will have to keep his foot on constantly for the buggy to run.  The other is a simple quick kill switch.  (Eventually these will be automated).

The Device already has an RPI3 with a small motor-controller for future automation’s.  This will control other aspects of the vehicle via software.  Such as speed limitations, power usage, GPS, WIFI, BT.  I will also be using a pico router to establish a LAN around the device.  This is for media, as the vehicle will have speakers/screen to watch/host media on the LAN.

Hardware Safety Features:

  • Dash Kill Switch
  • Foot Kill Switch
  • Flip/Tilt Sensor
  • Lights
  • Front
  • Rear

Once testing is completed, and it works; I will go through how I set it up.  However, this will be piece by piece as I do it.  I have even considered some youtube videos.  However, that will depend on my success in doing this on a budget.  I am also using completely reclaimed parts, minus a couple bolts I bought.  So its been free so far.

On that note, I have been building the chassis, but if anyone in the Dallas, TX area has an old go-cart frame that rolls/steers, I am looking.  I think it would make it a lot lighter.  Shoot me a message, info is on my contact me page.

 

MUCH More to come… Please keep an eye on the series…

-M

Setting up Raspberry PI 3 Wifi (Via CLI/BASH)

To all Raspberry PI Tinkerers…
I have had several people as for a how-to on setting up wifi on a Raspberry PI via command line.  It is actually quite easy.

Here is a quick tutorial I hope helps.

First, we need to open the file that controls what wifi we connect to.

sudo nano /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

This will open the file that controls what access points your RPI looks for.

Here is an example of how one should look (RPI3):

country=US
ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1
network={
        ssid="SSID_HERE"
        psk="KEY_HERE"
        key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

Now that this file has been updated; we will need to reboot to ensure everything comes back up correctly.
Ensure that your RPI is connected to wifi.

Simply type: ifconfig

Then it will show all the interfaces, the wireless is usually “WLAN0”, or something that starts with a “W”.
The ethernet will usually start with an “E”, for example “ETH0” is very common.

Don’t forget! Linux Learning Resources

This is kept under the Linux Learning Project and Learning Resources section of the site, and is updated occasionally with new links.  Feel free to suggest one by contacting me directly.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Help/Chat:

Resources:

Need DevOps Help?

  • Had issues with your DevOps pipeline?
  • Need help streamlining automation or configuration management?
  • Need to green field or “lift and shift” applications into the cloud?

If you are trying to do any of these, and running into issues please contact me.  I am now open to consulting directly.  Fixing even a few small inefficiencies can have a huge impact on the bottom line.  Not only that, if the DevOps philosophies are really taken up, its likely that the employee base will also be happier, and proud of their accomplishments as a team.

As far as technologies I support, please take a look at my Technologies page.  (Updated often)  I am also happy to take on new ones for a project if needed.

Creating an efficient pipeline is what I do; and a fully functional system that is working well can be an amazing thing.

 

Matthew Curry
MattCurry.Com

 

The Eagle Has landed….

All,

I have made it…. the move is complete!   I just wanted to say thank you for everyone that has been waiting on me.  I know I have taken a while on a few things, and I am finally in a position to run with everything again.  I finally have a decent internet connection [330mbps/330mbps]; so I will also be able to host things at high speed for us now as well.

As far as the installer goes, I hope to be done very soon with it ;  I am putting my final touches on it for the Pixel desktop.  If I get time I might be able to get Bluetooth working!  However, I have to get caught up first.

For those waiting on hardware, most has been shipped with a few exceptions.  I have notified those people.  I have a true ‘shop’ area again, and this will allow me to be much more efficient.  Meaning shorter wait times/etc…

 

Sincerely,

-M

Thank you to all… Jasper v1.6 Image News!

First, I would like to say thank you to the community members for helping out. I have gotten a lot of input on the new image.  This has also given me better feel for what the community wanted in an image. Which leads me to the next bit of news.

Some of you are undoubtedly wondering why I have not released my Jasper v1.6 image as of yet.  Well, I can assure you there are very good reasons.

Firstly,  I have had some severe family/health issues come up as of late which take priority.  I am also in the middle of moving a family of 5.  Combine that with the other reasons below, and I feel that most will feel the wait to be worth it.

This leads me to the next bit of news, however shocking it may be.

  1.  There will be no version 1.6 image.
    1. There will be no image at all…
  2.  Instead, there will be a full installer.
    1. This is one of the reasons for the delay.
  3.   The installer will work with a full GUI, and on the desktop.
    1. Examples:
      1. Full ubuntu Install.
      2. Fresh RPI install with GUI.
  4. The installer will be iterated on by feature going forward.
    1. We can add community approved features one at a time.
      1. Example:
        1. Change Jaspers Name
        2. Change STT after setup
        3. Etc.

FAQ (COMING SOON)

  • So whats that mean for me?
  • What do I do if I am running Jasper v.15?
  • Where do I get the installer?
  • Do I need to upgrade?

 

Jasper Polling Results for Image v1.6

  • Results of the Polls:
  • Presetup profile.yml enabled
  • GUI packages will be left on the devices
    • Increasing Size Dramatically
    • Increasing Update Time Dramatically
  • Jasper will not be pre-installed
    • There will be an installer with options
    • Daemon off by default
  • Home Assistant will be pre-installed
    • Daemon off by default
    • Mosquito MQTT Server installed with it

 

Would you prefer to have the profile.yml presetup as in v1.5?
  • Yes: 9
  • No: 0
Do you want GUI option, even though its not suggested?
  • Yes: 5
  • No, it will break: 2
Should v1.6 Have Jasper Already Installed?
  • Yes:  2
  • No:  1
  • I want installer:  7
Should HomeAssistant be included in v1.6?
  • Yes:  4
  • No:  1
  • Whats that?:  1

What is Revision Control? (GIT/SVN)

A component of software configuration management (aka SCM), version control, also known as revision control or source control, is the management of changes to files and source. Changes are usually identified by a number or letter code, termed the “revision number”, “revision level”, or simply “revision”. For example, an initial set of files is “revision 1”. When the first change is made, the resulting set is “revision 2”, and so on. Each revision is associated with a timestamp and the person making the change. Revisions can be compared, restored, and with some types of files, merged.

Revision control can be very confusing to someone new, as you can see there are many ways to say the exact same thing.  This can make it difficult to pick up the concepts.  There are also many different kinds as you can see here.  However, the major one I would hope everyone would be familiar with is GIT, and SVN for the older folks. JJ… 😛

Git, invented by Linus Torvalds as mentioned here is the most prolific and widely used one out currently.  I also have a links under my Learning Resources page that are great for learning GIT.  Please keep in mind that GIT, and GitHub or two differnt things.  One is the software/method, and the other is a service that simply sells said software as a service.