One of the possible issues with the model B+ is that the composite video output has been removed, to be replaced by a composite audio jack that provides both video and stereo audio output. WinkleInk has investigated and found an adapter on eBay that works really well with the B+. You can read all about it here and see the eBay lot here.
Really, really happy that it’s got launched – it’s a great resource for anyone who wants to go to a Jam and/or wants to know how a Jam works.
Now… what’s going on this month, and what can I get to… 🙂
PiTop is a laptop that you build yourself and contains, within it’s plastic case, a Raspberry Pi model B+. They’ve just launched their crowdfunding campaign over on IndieGoGo and they’re already going great guns with over 50% of their total raised in a little over 2 days. The complete kit, for Earlybirds, currently costs $249 plus shipping (which is very expensive at $35 for UK/Europe). It looks like a nice product, although at that price one has to consider value-for-money before backing it. I’d like to get my hands on one to try it out and give a considered review.
They’ve also launched three HATs: one that allows you to use LCD panels with the Pi, one that acts as a robot control board and one that is all about home automation. At $75, they are over-priced, but they do look good on the surface, so maybe it’s worth it…
On 13th October, Dr Sam Aaron presented to the London Ruby Users Group about how Sonic Pi grew from a simple program producing beeps to being a live coding development environment that is installed by default on the Raspberry Pi. The presentation was recorded and you can view it by visiting the Skills Matter website.
Martin O’Hanlon is currently building a robot and he wants it to autonomously drive in a straight line. This isn’t as easy as it sounds but he’s hit on a solution – use encoder discs on his motors and count the number of ‘clicks’. He explains more on his blog and he’s published the code to do it.
Russell Barnes, over at RasPi.Today, has interviewed Lance Howarth, the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. In it, he speaks about the £1 million education fund that the Foundation has set-up to aid in the education of 5-18 year olds. Russell also catches up with Richard Saville (aka The Average Man) about his ProtoCam Kickstarter campaign. You can listen to the podcast here.
