TIPI Pi Zero WH Questions

[twoodland]

While I wait for the TIPI interface board to be back in stock on ArcadeShopper, I thought I would go ahead, get the Raspberry Pi and prepare it. In looking at the various options that are compatible, I am leaning towards buying the Raspberry Pi Zero WH (wireless w/header). For those of you who have experience with running a TIPI, I have a some questions that I know will help me and maybe other future TIPI users:

 

If I buy the Raspberry Pi Zero WH (I am guessing that having the header already soldered onto the board is a bonus) instead of the Pi Zero W, do you know if it would plug directly onto the TIPI interface board without interference or would I need to have a cable jumper?

 

In looking at the Raspberry Pi comparison chart (http://socialcompare.com/en/comparison/raspberrypi-models-comparison) other than cost, size and the time it takes to update the TIPI software, is there a drawback to buying a Pi Zero with respect to using TIPI and it's features? Would I be limiting any foreseeable future expansion of features?

 

I am asking because I would much rather spend more for a Pi 3 B+ if it would provide a better TIPI experience (speed, performance, expansion capability). It may be that the Pi Zero W or WH is suitable for current and near future TIPI requirements and that the Pi 3 B+ is overkill.

 

Thank you in advance for your time and input.

 

[Omega-TI]

It looks like you've put quite a bit of thought and research into your decision already. I agree with your final analysis, sometimes spending a little bit more (and it's really not that much more) can make the experience more enjoyable.

 

Arcadeshopper is the only I guy I know that runs a Pi Zero on the TIPI (saw his at Fest West). One negative I remember reading about the Pi Zero is the time it takes to update the device.

 

Taking future upgrades into account is always smart, so I don't consider having a little 'overhead' as being overkill, especially when we are only talking a mere $20.00 bucks difference tops. A Moped can get you there, but a car makes for a more enjoyable drive.

 

I know there are cases for the Pi Zero, but I don't know how they work with the header and attached to the TIPI. Of course cases are another matter that may or may not factor into to your equation.

[+arcadeshopper]

benefits of pi zero w:

- can be mounted with a single connector (the WH you just use the cables like a Pi3) to be "all in one" on your TI.. less desk mess..

- that's all I got..

 

cons:

- slow one core only.. so slow.. did I mention it's slow? it's slow..

- long boot time, see point above

- telnet lags a bit see point above

- long upgrade time see point above

 

but for just doing disk storage it's pretty easy to set up and portable..so YMMV

[+jedimatt42]

If you want it to just attach to the back of the TIPI board that has male headers in a shroud, you need the PI Zero W to have a 2x5 female header like so:

 

 

 

As for future horse-power demanding features... I don't intend any, but the thing is designed as an extensible software platform.

 

-M@