Comment by jwr

9 days ago

This is a wonderful hack!

But — using a Raspberry Pi and Linux is overkill for this. It introduces huge unnecessary complexity. A simpler approach would be to go with Zephyr and a small microcontroller (ARM Cortex M4).

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jwr

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0_____0  9 days ago

It's not unnecessary complexity if the thing wouldn't get made otherwise, especially for a personal project.

bahaaador  9 days ago

Thank you!

I think that's a fair point about potentially wasted resources, something like Pico would have been and a leaner choice if this was going to be mass-produced. But for me, part of the decision was my comfort level with system programming and what I desired to tinker with and learn along the way and still, it's a very affordable option (around 20 CAD I believe)

Perhaps I'll look into porting it to Pico in future as new challenge and learning experience. Thank you for your sharing your thoughts.

  • imhoguy  9 days ago

    I had same worries like yours but worry not, check MicroPython/CircuitPython when you get a chance. You load it up onto Pico and play with REPL in IDE. It is easier than debugging Go on large-RPi.

  • jwr  9 days ago

    Please don't get me wrong: I really do appreciate the hack value and I absolutely understand choosing this route to scratch a personal itch!

    My point was more general: I see a lot of things getting built using Linux that really have no need for this level of complexity. And it doesn't come free: complex systems are more fragile, there are more things that can go wrong.

    In this particular case, I'd recommend taking a look (for example) at the Seeed XIAO nRF52840 module and Zephyr: around $10, very capable CPU, very good Bluetooth stack (Zephyr+Nordic), USB-C connector.

imhoguy  9 days ago

Right, I think it is doable (an would say even easier/faster) with Raspberry Pico Pi W controller, it has BT and can behave like USB HID device.