RAREblog

Grove RTC The DS1307 RTC (Real Time Clock) is widely available, but adding one to a Raspberry Pi turned out to be a bit of a Yak shave. I'm gradually adding code and wiring instructions to my babelboard hardware and software projects, and I thought it was time to cover an RTC. I had a Grove RTC board from years ago and decided I'd document connecting that to a Raspberry Pi. The need for Battery Power First Yak Shave moment: RTCs normally use a coin battery to maintain power so they can keep time when their host is off, and the battery in my Grove board was way past its use-by date. This happened on Sunday evening, and the local supermarkets were shut, but the local convenience store was open. No CR1220, though, so I had to wait until the next day to get started. While I was waiting I read the data sheet for the DS1307 chip and realised I had another problem. Don't connect this chip directly to your Pi! Seeed Studios describe the DS1307 breakout as P...

Totem kit Totem and Pimoroni have combined forces to make my Christmas very early this year! Earlier this month I discovered Totem Maker kits . I bought a 2 wheel drive bluetooth robot and was delighted at how easy it was to assemble and drive. Totem are based on Vilnius, but my first order arrived quickly. I have a couple more robot designs in the pipeline and decided to use one of the larger Totem kits for prototyping them. Some of the kits are now stocked by Pimoroni , so I ordered one, along with the extra components I needed for the next robot. The kit appeared the next day. Instructions   The Totem kit is beautifully packaged and the instructions are outstanding: visually attractive, clear and easy to follow. I'll report on progress as I work on the robot design. I'll be showing the end result at next month's Margate Raspberry Jam and at the London Arduino Maker day in March. I'll post more details here as they become available. Jetson Nano U...