by Van Warren Walter Louisiana SIA 08.18.23
Below is a Raspberry PI 3B+ computer and a battery.
Want to know more? https://www.pishop.us/
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ Model shown here is $35, and the enclosure was around $12. There is a Raspberry Pi Zero W available. It's about the size of a stick of gum. It also has wireless capabilities and sells for $15. Search the web for ideas on how the Raspberry Pi can be used and available accessories and kits.
The Model 3B+ microcomputer has a slot for a Micro SD card. There are 4 USB ports, an Ethernet port, a power connection, an HDMI connection for a monitor or TV, and a headphone connection. Also is a chip with wireless capability.
Note: Multiple connected devices can run off one Raspberry Pi.
I inserted the microcomputer card into a specially-made case and added a cooling fan. What do you do with it now?
Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager on your
computer: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Download the latest build of the [date]-CustomPi-COS.img to your laptop or desktop. Insert the SD card into the computer or an adapter connected to the computer. Image the SD Card. Remove the imaged SD card and place the Micro SD into the SD card slot on the Raspberry Pi.
A 5V 2.5A power supply and the cord can be purchased for the Pi at https://www.pishop.us/, or you can use a battery like I used if no power outlets are close-by. Once power is connected to the Pi, it automatically boots up. After 3 minutes, the system is booted, and the wireless is activated. Open your iPad, Tablet, iPhone, or home computer and select the wireless connection A5. Enter the wireless password, and the device will connect to the Raspberry Pi. On your iPad or whatever device you are connected to. Go to the browser and type https://cos.local.
The petition form will open and is ready to be used. Have a signer fill in the petition form. Once all the data is entered, select and click the Submit button, the data will be sent wirelessly to the Raspberry Pi and placed on the Micro SD card. It will be stored under the COS directory form.csv file on the SD card. The petition will disappear, and a new petition will display.
When the event is over for the day, power off the Raspberry Pi, and remove the MicroSD card. Please place it in a reader or a slot on your computer. Locate the COS directory and open the form.csv. It will open with Excel. Look for any gross errors, and add the date for today's event and the event name in the Excel sheet.
Email the file to the Help Desk, and then when you have confirmation, the email is received. Run the CustomPi-COS.img program, which will clear all the data on the Micro SD card for the next event
With the Raspberry Pi, you do not need an internet connection to enter petitions electronically, and no more deciphering poor handwriting and scribbling.
The device is being tested, and the software is being updated. I will keep everyone apprised of our progress.
