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Raspberry Pi Setup Guide

QPCrummer edited this page Sep 2, 2024 · 1 revision

Raspberry Pi OS Setup Guide

Note: This is for Raspberry Pi OS, not Raspbian

1. Downloading OpenLightsCore

On a PC or Mac, download the executable file from the Github Releases. Stick this file on a USB drive and insert the USB drive into the Pi via USB.

2. Flashing an OS on the Pi

On a PC or Mac, insert a microSD card (using an adapter) into your computer. Install the Raspberry Pi Imager. Run this imager and select your microSD card and install the appropriate version of Raspberry Pi OS, most likely the 64-bit version. Once completed, remove the microSD card and insert it into the bottom of the Raspberry Pi.

3. Boot the Raspberry Pi

Power on the Raspberry Pi and wait as it reboots multiple times to install Raspberry Pi OS. Insert a username and password. It can be whatever since this Pi will not be connected to the internet and less likely to get broken into.

4. Create a startup script

Create a new bash file wherever you like. Name it openlights.sh. Inside of this file, type the following:

sleep 3
"/media/USER/USB DISK/open_lights_core" 2>&1 &

Make sure you change USER to your username. This is the one set in step 3. Make sure you change USB DISK to whatever the name of the USB drive is. Mine happened to be USB DISK when I plugged it in. Save the bash file.

5. Add an autostart file

Run sudo nano /etc/xdg/autostart/openlights.desktop in the console. Type the following inside of the console:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Open Lights
Exec=BASH_PATH
Type=Application

Replace BASH_PATH with the path to your openlights.sh file from step 4. Press Ctrl and x to bring up the save menu. Then press y then Enter to save it.

6. Test

Reboot the Raspberry Pi to see if the program boots up shortly after arriving to the desktop. It should be within about 5 seconds after the desktop appears.

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