The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card size computer board that can run the same basic functions as a PC, but costs a fraction of the price. The device has been used in numerous applications from atmospheric monitoring to robot cars and home automation. A Raspberry Pi Jam is an organised community event where people get together and share knowledge, learn new things and meet other Raspberry Pi enthusiasts. This particular event was structured as a show and tell, meaning that participants were given the opportunity to demonstrate their Pi projects and discuss them with other like-minded Pi enthusiasts.
Jointly hosted by RS Components and Entelect Software, 40 people attended this local event, which kicked off with a keynote address by Eben Upton, the inventor of the Raspberry Pi.
Upton’s address provided guests with an insight into the initial concept of the Pi and the startup phase of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. He explained that the idea of the Raspberry Pi came about through trying to boost interest in computer programming and STEM learning. The concept was to create an affordable computer valued at $35, which needed to be both functional and simple enough for a child to learn coding. The team initially envisioned selling 1000 Raspberry Pi boards, but demand peaked rapidly and five years later over 15 million units have been sold around the world.
During the event, RS Components and Entelect Software representatives shared their expert knowledge with the participants. Projects were judged by a panel according to predetermined criteria, such as, novelty, creativity, technology choices, user experience, simplicity and future potential. First place went to Willie Strydom for a home automation project designed to consolidate various applications into a single user interface accessed from an app on an iPhone or Apple watch. Second place went to Gareth Stephenson for a ‘Pi Cluster’ project that tested the concept of cluster computing using the Raspberry Pi. Third place went to Schalk van Heerden for a prototype concept of a fully automated micro-brewery.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Pepperl+Fuchs Channel Partner Conference Pepperl+Fuchs
News
Pepperl+Fuchs recently hosted its Channel Partner Conference. Under the theme ‘Together, Breaking Ground in Africa’, the conference served as both a celebration of partnerships and a strategic forum focused on future growth.
Read more...Bühler celebrates expansion, innovation and sustainability
News
Bühler has marked another milestone in its dedication to regional support with the expansion of its Cape Town Service Centre. Hosting its annual customer day, the company showcased the facility’s new offerings and highlighted its commitment to service excellence, local innovation, and sustainability.
Read more...From the editor's desk: First break it, then fix it Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Welcome to another year with SA Instrumentation & Control. May it be a happy and healthy one where you can rise to the challenges ahead and still enjoy all the good things we have in this country.
...
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s new service and repair centre SEW-EURODRIVE
News
As part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its service offering, SEW-EURODRIVE has broken ground on a new 17 000 m2 Service and Repair Centre. The establishment of the state-of-the-art facility plugs the gap for expert repair services for gearboxes in Africa.
Read more...EtherCAT Technology Group holds its annual Plug Fest
News
The 2024 EtherCAT Plug Fest of the EtherCAT Technology Group offered participants a valuable opportunity to test the interoperability of their 9 EtherCAT MainDevices and 10 EtherCAT SubDevices. Using the knowledge gained, they will be able to improve compatibility and optimise their products for use in the field.
Read more...Leading the way in industrial automation and digital transformation Iritron
News
As a pioneering engineering, integration, and manufacturing firm, Iritron has built a reputation as a trusted partner in critical industries such as mining, energy and manufacturing. By embedding innovation and expertise into its four foundational pillars, the company continues to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern industry.
printer friendly version