A new accessory for the much acclaimed Raspberry Pi is now available with the release of the PiFace Control and Display. This addition allows users to control the computer and see information but doesn’t need a separate screen or keyboard.
Available from Farnell element14 the PiFace Control and Display sits neatly on top of the Raspberry Pi and uses its own on-board buttons and a navigation wheel to control applications and functions, with information shown on a built-in LCD display. By separating the Raspberry Pi from the traditional monitor, keyboard and mouse combination, PiFace Control and Display is said to improve mobility, save valuable space and power and means the credit card sized computer can be used in many different locations and even controlled via an infrared remote control.
This latest addition is ideal for use in a media server environment, home network, Internet radio or in custom built applications and it comes with all the necessary software and sample code. Custom designed cases for Control and Display are also available from Farnell element14.
PiFace Control and Display was expressly created to support the educational objectives of the Raspberry Pi Foundation and to get as many people as possible really engaged in programming and electronics design”, said Dr Andrew Robinson designer and creator of the PiFace series of accessories.
“It’ll hopefully attract more people into coding, its ideal for people to build their own gadgets such as digital music players – the infrared receiver, together with the on-board navigation controls and display have wide appeal. In addition, Control and Display is really easy to use and its simplicity opens up a new raft of potential applications for novice and experienced Raspberry Pi users.”
“The PiFace series of accessories have made it easy to connect the Raspberry Pi to the world of ‘physical computing’ and this new board allows Pi owners to come up with even more great applications,” said David Shen, Group CTO at Farnell element14. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the PiFace Control and Display is used.”
Farnell element14
