As the demand for single board computers surges amidst the ongoing silicon shortage, BIGTREETECH steps in with their BTT Pi V1.2 board. This product aims to offer a viable alternative to the Raspberry Pi, which has been in short supply and often overpriced due to scalpers. Let’s dive into what this board offers and how it stands out.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The BTT Pi V1.2 board arrives well-packaged with several accessories, including an SPI cable, a heatsink, a Wi-Fi antenna, stickers, and the board itself. Notably, the inclusion of a heatsink is a thoughtful addition, eliminating the need for separate purchases.
Features
Power Supply Flexibility: One of the standout features of this board is its ability to be powered directly from a 12 to 24-volt 3D printer power supply. This can significantly streamline your setup, reducing clutter and making integration with your 3D printer seamless.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity: The board comes with a separate Wi-Fi antenna, which is particularly useful for those who run their 3D printers in basements or areas with weak Wi-Fi signals. Initial tests suggest that the board performs well even without the antenna when in close proximity to the router.
Heatsink and Cooling: The board features a heatsink to cool the CPU and memory, enhancing its performance and longevity. Additionally, there’s an option to connect a 5-volt fan, further aiding in maintaining optimal temperatures.
Ports and Compatibility:
- USB Ports: Four USB 2.0 ports.
- Micro HDMI: Allows for easy connection to displays.
- MicroSD Slot: For storage and OS installation.
- GPIO Pins: Colored GPIO pins for easy identification.
- USB-C Power: Modern and efficient power delivery.
However, it’s important to note the absence of a CSI camera port and DSI display port, which might be a drawback for those relying on Raspberry Pi cameras and displays.
Performance and Setup
Setting up the BTT Pi V1.2 is straightforward. It runs a regular Debian version of Linux, and the initial configuration involves downloading the image from BIGTREETECH’s repository, writing it to an SD card, and modifying the config file to set up Wi-Fi credentials.
During testing, the board handled tasks efficiently, but there were some challenges when trying to use an ADXL sensor for input shaping with Klipper firmware. This might require additional troubleshooting or community support to resolve fully.
Conclusion
The BIGTREETECH BTT Pi V1.2 board is a robust alternative to the Raspberry Pi, especially for 3D printer enthusiasts. Its thoughtful design, flexibility in power supply, and included accessories make it a compelling choice. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of CSI and DSI ports, it offers excellent value at around $35. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable single board computer for your 3D printing needs, the BTT Pi V1.2 is worth considering.
Pros:
- Flexible power supply options
- Included heatsink and Wi-Fi antenna
- Good performance for 3D printing applications
- Affordable
Cons:
- No CSI or DSI ports
- Some compatibility issues with certain sensors
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