Raspberry Pi

[truehl]

Hi folks,

GREAT NEWS!

I'm very happy to tell you that SqueezePlug for Raspberry Pi (Beta) is ready for download.

SqueezePlug Media-Server version 4.08b1 for Raspberry Pi is based on the existing and very famous versions of SqueezePlug for other ARM based devices like SheevaPlug, Dockstar and GoFlex Net.

I did some hard work to get it running on such a tiny device, but now it's working great and with a good performance. I ran it for 2 days now stable and have no issues.

SqueezePlug for Raspberry Pi offers the same set of features like the versions for all other devices. So SqueezePlug for Raspberry Pi has a lot of very cool features:

SqueezePlug is a platform for different Media-Servers:
- Logitech Media Server (f.k.a. Slimserver, SqueezeBox Server)
- MiniDLNA
- Mediatomb
- Twonky
- TVMobili

All these servers are ready to install by a click.

Included features are:
- Support for wireless USB-Sticks
- SqueezeSlave (Media Player running on RPi with no additional HW) Server and player on the same device
- Option to install a SqueezeSlave "Stand Alone Player"
- Scripts for all SqueezePlug configurations
- Samba Server already included

The installation is based on the Debian distribution (debian6-19-04-2012.img). The kernel and all packages are up to date. There is no X-Server or other graphic things installed. They are completely removed. The intention of SqueezePlug is to run a headless Media-Server. So SSH is installed and activated. All you have to do is this:

1. Download, unzip and burn the sd-card
2. Start the Pi and find out the IP-Address (e.g. from an attached monitor or from your router).
3. login with user: root and pw: nosoup4u
4. Choose Raspberry Pi from the initial screen.
5. Reboot the RPi by typing: shutdown -r now
6. Connect again and type: setup
7. Choose the options you need and the scripts will do the rest for you.

Please visit my blog to download the new image: http:/squeezeplug.de
Look for sp_rpi_408b1.zip

I'll update my Wiki later to regarding Raspberry Pi.

Have fun,
Greetings,
Thomas

[sbp]

Hi truehl, nice work.

Could you tell us a little more.
Where is your OS located, on a hdd or an internal memory?
Have you done anything to reduce the writing to storage media?
How is the performance compared to a dockstar?

Thanks steen

[truehl]

Hi truehl, nice work.

Could you tell us a little more.
Where is your OS located, on a hdd or an internal memory?
Have you done anything to reduce the writing to storage media?
How is the performance compared to a dockstar?

Thanks steen

The OS is loaded on an SD-Card. I prefer 4 GB SanDisc class 6. HD is also possible but not tested yet. Writing is no problem, there is no need to reduce writing. The performance is less than on Dockstars or Sheevas, but it' quite o.k. For me. Scanning the full library is a bit slow, but you won't do that daily. Connecting multiple players is no problem, I've tested 4 the same time! Even SqueezeSlaves runs fine. You should allays remember that Raspberry Pi costs only 35 $. That's not much for a Server and a player!

I hope that helps!

Greetings,
Thomas

[sbp]

Hi Truehl

Thank you for the information - I think I will try if I can find a raspberry.

Where did yoy buy your Raspberry?

Why do you state that no write optimization is needed - as far as I know a SD-card has only a limited number of write cycli.
So is your system loaded into RAM, and have you blocked writing to log files?

Regards
Steen

[avr300]

You can buy the PI from either Farnell or RS.

[truehl]

Why do you state that no write optimization is needed - as far as I know a SD-card has only a limited number of write cycli.
So is your system loaded into RAM, and have you blocked writing to log files?

Hi Steen, yes, theoretically you are right. I've used write reductions on the cards and on USB-sticks long before. My "production machine" is running with SD-Card fot now over 2,5 year with the same SD-Card and I have had no issues with that. Most things are handled in RAM, but there are writes to SD-Card of course. I also use a swap partition on the card without any issues. So the problem is a theoretical one. If the card bricks, it is not a big thing. I've made an image so I can easiely recover the card. 4 GB SD-Cards are very cheap, so I can't see a problem here. If you like, I can tell you how to reduce writes to the card.

Greetings,
Thomas

[KMorgan]

Hi

I'm interested in using a rasp pi as a server, but it will need to run the 3rd party Spotify app. Is it up to the task?

Keith

[sbp]

Hi Steen, yes, theoretically you are right. I've used write reductions on the cards and on USB-sticks long before. My "production machine" is running with SD-Card fot now over 2,5 year with the same SD-Card and I have had no issues with that. Most things are handled in RAM, but there are writes to SD-Card of course. I also use a swap partition on the card without any issues. So the problem is a theoretical one. If the card bricks, it is not a big thing. I've made an image so I can easiely recover the card. 4 GB SD-Cards are very cheap, so I can't see a problem here. If you like, I can tell you how to reduce writes to the card.

Greetings,
Thomas

Hi once again, thank you for your answer. I am trying to find a place to buy a raspberry, so as soon as I have bit one, I will let you know how it goes.

Steen

[brentano]

Thanks great Link, by the time I get my Raspberry Pi, these guys will have sorted it all out, ready for me (beginner) to follow.
Looking forward to a great experience.

[RudolfJan]

Hi folks,

GREAT NEWS!

...

I did some hard work to get it running on such a tiny device, but now it's working great and with a good performance. I ran it for 2 days now stable and have no issues.

SqueezePlug for Raspberry Pi offers the same set of features like the versions for all other devices. So SqueezePlug for Raspberry Pi has a lot of very cool features:
...
Thomas

This really sounds great. Got the message that I can preorder the Raspberry PI now. Still, it's hard to believe for me that it's really performing well. Can you elaborate a bit more on that aspect? I intend to use a NAS to store my music files, just like I do now.

How does it perform on:

rescanning the collection
Loading the database to the Duet handset on startup
Filling the buffer for Internet radio

Of course it's good to have it working, but is it still nice after using it a longer period?

Rudolf