I couldn’t do my job without this. - PiKVM

Linus Tech Tips
9 Nov 202209:57

TLDRThe video script introduces a Raspberry Pi-based device, Pi KVM v3, which enables remote control of a PC via Ethernet and 5G, allowing for tasks like overclocking and BIOS interaction. It's an open-source solution with a customizable hardware hat and optional ATX adapter, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercial KVMs. The setup process and potential applications, such as remote IT support, are discussed, with a comparison to other DIY and commercial options in the market.

Takeaways

  • 🏨 The speaker was stranded in a hotel due to COVID and used a device to work remotely.
  • 📱 A smartphone over 5G was used to power on a computer remotely without being connected to a network.
  • 🖥️ The device allowed the user to interact with a computer as if physically present, including BIOS and overclocking capabilities.
  • 🛠️ G-Skill's Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory is designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors with one-click overclocking.
  • 🔗 Meet Pi KVM v3, an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi that enables remote control of a PC via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • 🎮 The latency is around 100 milliseconds, making it unsuitable for gaming but sufficient for basic tasks.
  • 📊 The system allows for adjustment of frame rate and bit rate for H.264 encoding based on bandwidth availability.
  • 🔌 The device can be used as a network bridge, serial port, and even a USB drive for disk images.
  • 🏠 It enables remote IT support for family members without the need for them to understand complex technical procedures.
  • 🛠️ The setup includes a Raspberry Pi 4, a specialized hat with multiple network jacks, and an optional ATX adapter for direct motherboard connections.
  • 💰 The full Pi KVM package is available for $250, which is considered a good price compared to commercial options and DIY alternatives.

Q & A

  • What did the speaker do during their two-week hotel stay?

    -The speaker watched YouTube and performed COVID tests by using cotton swabs on their nose during their hotel stay.

  • How did the speaker manage to work remotely from their hotel room?

    -The speaker used a device that allowed them to connect to their office test bench and work from their hotel room.

  • What is special about the computer the speaker used during their hotel stay?

    -The computer was special because it could be powered on and controlled remotely over 5G, without being plugged into the network, and even allowed the speaker to overclock the PC.

  • What is G-Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory?

    -G-Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory is a type of memory built for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors and supports one-click memory overclocking.

  • What is Pi KVM v3?

    -Pi KVM v3 is an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi that was launched on Kickstarter and allows remote control of a PC via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

  • How does the delay of Pi KVM v3 compare to other similar devices?

    -The delay of Pi KVM v3 is not too bad, with a claimed best performance of 100 milliseconds, which is considered amazing for a device in its category.

  • What is the maximum resolution and frame rate supported by Pi KVM v3?

    -Pi KVM v3 supports a maximum resolution of 1080p60.

  • What additional features does Pi KVM v3 offer besides remote PC control?

    -Pi KVM v3 can be used as a network bridge, a serial port, and even a USB drive for connecting disk images, allowing for the installation of an entire operating system remotely.

  • How can privacy concerns with Pi KVM v3 be addressed?

    -Privacy concerns can be addressed by configuring Pi KVM v3 with Tailscale VPN's free personal plan, which allows access once it connects without having to deal with networking complexities.

  • What are the components inside the Pi KVM v3 box?

    -Inside the Pi KVM v3 box is a Raspberry Pi 4 and a specialized hat that provides USB connection, HDMI output, and three RJ45 network jacks.

  • What is the cost of the Pi KVM v3 and TinyPilot Voyager 2?

    -The custom Pi KVM v3 package costs $250, while the TinyPilot Voyager 2, a similar product with additional features, sells for $360.

  • What is Squarespace and how can it be useful for building a brand online?

    -Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that allows users to build a website, engage with their audience, and sell products or content easily, without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Remote Work Innovation with Pi KVM v3

The speaker discusses their experience with COVID and how the Pi KVM v3, an open-source Raspberry Pi hat, enabled them to work remotely from a hotel. This device allowed them to connect to their office computer, even perform tasks like overclocking, without being physically present. The speaker highlights the capabilities of the Pi KVM v3, such as using a smartphone's 5G connection to power on a computer and control it without being connected to the network. They also mention the product's potential for remote IT support, with privacy considerations addressed by using a VPN. The inner workings of the device, including its Ethernet and USB connections, are explained, as well as its cost-effectiveness compared to commercial options.

05:05

🛠️ Setting Up and Cost Analysis of the Pi KVM v3

This paragraph delves into the setup process of the Pi KVM v3, starting with downloading the appropriate image and moving on to physically connecting the device to a network and power source. The speaker advises on changing default passwords for security and introduces the streamlined KVM interface, which resembles IPMI. The paragraph also discusses the cost of the Pi KVM v3, offering a breakdown of pricing for just the custom hat and the complete package, including additional features. A comparison is made with commercial options and DIY alternatives, emphasizing the value and convenience of the Pi KVM v3 package.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡COVID

COVID refers to the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which has led to a global pandemic. In the context of the video, the speaker mentions having contracted COVID and being stranded in a hotel for two weeks, highlighting the personal impact of the pandemic and setting the scene for the discussion of the technology that followed.

💡KVM

KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. It is a hardware and software product that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. In the video, the Pi KVM v3, an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi, is discussed as a solution for remote control of a computer, enabling the speaker to work from a hotel room while stranded due to COVID.

💡Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers used for educational and hobbyist purposes. In the video, a Raspberry Pi 4 is used as the core of the Pi KVM v3, which allows the user to remotely access and control their office computer from their hotel room, demonstrating the versatility and utility of Raspberry Pi in creating custom computing solutions.

💡Ethernet

Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), including wired Ethernet connections. In the context of the video, Ethernet is used to connect the Pi KVM to the local network, facilitating the remote control of the computer and emphasizing the importance of stable network connections for such applications.

💡Overclocking

Overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock rate of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) beyond the manufacturer's specifications to achieve greater performance. In the video, the speaker mentions the ability to overclock their PC remotely using the Pi KVM v3, showcasing the level of control and customization this device offers.

💡BIOS

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, which is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process of a computer. The video highlights that the Pi KVM v3 allows interaction with the BIOS, indicating a deep level of access and control over the remote computer, even at the most fundamental system level.

💡1080p60

1080p60 refers to a video resolution of 1920x1080 pixels displayed at 60 frames per second. This is mentioned in the context of the maximum video quality achievable with the Pi KVM v3, emphasizing the device's capabilities in terms of visual quality for remote desktop access.

💡H.264 encoding

H.264 encoding, also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 or AVC, is a widely used video compression standard that provides good quality video streaming at low bit rates. In the video, the user can adjust the bit rate for H.264 encoding to manage bandwidth usage, which is crucial for remote access over potentially limited or variable network connections.

💡Tailscale VPN

Tailscale VPN is a secure, easy-to-use virtual private network (VPN) service that allows devices to connect directly to each other over the internet. In the video, it is suggested as a solution for remotely accessing the Pi KVM without worrying about complex networking configurations, such as static IP addresses or port forwarding, making the process more accessible and convenient.

💡ATX adapter

An ATX adapter is a component that connects to the front panel connectors of a computer's motherboard, allowing control of power and reset functions, as well as monitoring indicators like power and HDD LEDs. In the video, an optional ATX adapter is discussed as part of the Pi KVM setup, enabling direct control of these functions for a more complete remote computing experience.

💡DIY

DIY stands for 'Do It Yourself,' referring to the act of building, modifying, or repairing something without the assistance of professionals or experts. The video mentions the possibility of building one's own Pi KVM or TinyPilot, providing an alternative for those who prefer a more hands-on approach and are willing to invest time and effort into creating a custom solution.

💡Squarespace

Squarespace is a website building platform that offers tools and templates for creating websites, online stores, and portfolios. In the video, Squarespace is endorsed as an all-in-one solution for individuals or businesses looking to establish an online presence, emphasizing its ease of use and customization options for those who may not have extensive technical skills.

Highlights

The individual was stranded in a hotel due to COVID but was able to work remotely using a special device.

The device in question is a small box that connects to a test bench at the office, allowing the user to work from the hotel room.

The user could use their smartphone over 5G to power on their computer without wake-on-LAN, as the device isn't even plugged into the network.

The device also enables remote interaction with the computer's screen and BIOS, as if the user was physically present.

Remote overclocking of the PC is possible using this device.

The device is sponsored by G-Skill, which offers Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors with one-click memory overclocking.

The device is called Pi KVM v3, an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi that was launched via Kickstarter and has been shipping for about a year.

Pi KVM v3 allows for remote control of a laptop over Ethernet with minimal delay, although not suitable for gaming.

The device supports up to 1080p60 video quality, with adjustable frame rate and bit rate for H.264 encoding.

No special requirements are needed from the host PC as the device operates independently, only requiring HDMI and USB connections for control.

The USB connection can also serve as a network bridge, support a serial port, and even function as a USB drive for disk images.

Pi KVM can remotely install an operating system by uploading an ISO and selecting the appropriate mode.

The device can help family IT gurus remotely diagnose and repair issues without guiding the user through complex procedures.

Privacy concerns can be addressed by disconnecting the device when not in use or configuring it with Tailscale VPN's free personal plan for secure access.

The device consists of a Raspberry Pi 4 with a specialized hat that includes a USB connection, HDMI output, and three RJ45 network jacks.

The device's design allows for optional ATX adapter connectivity for direct control of the Pi KVM from the machine it's connected to.

Once set up, the device provides a functional interface similar to IPMI, with power and reset buttons, and the ability to view the boot sequence in a web browser.

The cost of the device is competitive compared to commercial options, with the full package priced at $250, which includes the Raspberry Pi 4, pre-installed SD card, and additional accessories.

DIY options are available for those comfortable with building their own Pi KVM or TinyPilot, with the potential to create a system for as low as $50.

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