MX on Linux: Difference between revisions

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 WattW when running tasks or connected to peripherals. A Pi model 4 B (the latest model at time of writing) consumes 2.85 to 80 WattW 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!

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 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 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 wireless linksWiFi 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 youyour wantWiFi toconnection installis anot web server, on yourso Pigood). Having an Ethernet connection, as explained later, makes it possible to easily install the Windows Operating System on your Raspberry Pi on first boot.

** Pi Zero W has WiFi and, one micro- USB port whichand isan allHDMI thatoutput. Because it has WiFi, it is neededgood for headless running, and this leaves the micro USB port free to connect a USB weather station.

** If you run this headless, all updates are done remotely, sofor theexample connectivityusing an SSH terminal program like PuTTY and speeda file oftransfer theprogram actuallike PiFileZilla areon lessyour importantPC.

** Pi Three3 B Plus+ 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).

** 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 a monitor and 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 Four4 B has more capabilities, but may be less appealing as it also consumes more power.

You may need to buy a power supply.

* This could be an official Raspberry Pi power supply.

* Alternatively, anyother power supply unitunits that hashave a micro USB connector will dooften 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 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.

* 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.