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Raspberry Pi 512MB Memory Chip[/caption]According to Eben Upton, the founder of the non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation, the $35-US Model B version of the Raspberry Pi Linux computer is now shipping with an upgrade which doubles the RAM (Random Access Memory) to 512 MB. The price however stays the same, and the fortunate beneficiaries include everyone that has already ordered Pi units that ship on or after October 15, 2012, even if they ordered the previous unit with only 256 MB. Additionally a firmware update is now available to enable access to the additional RAM. Users have been asking the foundation to create an even more powerful Model C version, but Upton is strongly committed to a maximum $35 price-point. The only change in Raspberry Pi specifications at this time, is the increase in RAM.
BrewPi & the Working Man's Bubbly
In a previous article we covered some Pi usage scenarios. The foundation now reports, via Liz Upton, that they've become aware of "....a few small commercial breweries who are already using Raspberry Pi
s to drive automation of things like pressure and mash temperature, but until now everybody brewing with a Pi has had to come up with their own solutions". Now however, a Pi and beer-lover has created an open-source fermentation controller to accompany the Raspberry Pi, and that information is available for anyone to use. The BrewPi setup is user-configurable and provides control over the fermentation process through a web browser interface. Many will appreciate the fact that in addition to producing helpful graphs, it also controls temperature to within one-tenth of a degree Celsius.Pi School
The Raspberry Pi Foundation also reports they are now beginning to see exactly the types of school related, Pi-based educational usage scenarios for which the foundation was created. The organization is actively communicating with numerous businesses and charitable bodies worldwide that are providing Pi units to schools.
Tom Dubick, who teaches engineering in North Carolina for example, has students "working on systems using sensors, motors, lights and microprocessors from robotics to wearables, alongside programming in Scratch and Python".
Here's what that engineering teacher had to say: "Our students are doing math and science when they learn how a computer works or a micro-controller can be programmed. They are doing engineering when they develop an unique use of the Raspberry Pi to solve a problem. It will be a great opportunity for our students to experience the creativity and beauty found in engineering and design. It’s like a sandbox and you get to play and try new ideas. I am excited to see what you will do with the Raspberry Pi that hasn’t even been thought of yet."
In the United Kingdom a school in London is holding weekend sessions for 240 children to teach them the basics of coding. It seems that the foundation is at least beginning to fulfill its mission and purpose.
