Basic questions about the WiPi netboot please

[LittleMegaGamer]

Just some basic (dumb) questions about the WiPi Netboot please.
I premise that I don’t have a Naomi yet, and I am a newly owner of a Pi.

I am on the step one. I wrote the 32gb image on the SD card and running it on a Raspberry Pi 3b+ with a 3.5” LCD screen. Obviously, my Pi is not connected with a network to a Netdimm board (yet), will I suppose to find anyway the network called WiPi-Netbooter from a mobile device? Just asking because I didn’t find any.

How I can safely shutdown the Pi either when it will run with the Naomi or on its own like in this case?
I aware that if it was running a Pi OS I could use a specific command, in this last case the only chance that I had it was to unplug the cable.

 

[ForestOfDreams]

Honestly it is kind of a pain but once you are used to it, it isn't bad.
I'd recommend a used $30 no simm card phone to dedicate to the selection menu since you have to dedicate its wifi/internet for it.
If you have a dedicated screen, you don't need that, you'll just use the 3.5 lcd, but you also can't use the openjvs hat for controls either which I do.
If you want one brewing academy stocks them.

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

Honestly it is kind of a pain but once you are used to it, it isn't bad.
I'd recommend a used $30 no simm card phone to dedicate to the selection menu since you have to dedicate its wifi/internet for it.
If you have a dedicated screen, you don't need that, you'll just use the 3.5 lcd, but you also can't use the openjvs hat for controls either which I do.
If you want one brewing academy stocks them.

Hi,
I have a second smart phone to use as the Pi will be in the cab.
I am waiting for the Naomi at the moment, and my intention was just to test the Pi and browsing in the WiPi mode.
Are you able to answer my questions please?

 

[Orakelschaf]

since you have to dedicate its wifi/internet for it

You don't "have" to. It is one of the many options.

A) you can connect the pi to netdimm over crossover cable. The Webmenu is reachable by dedicated Wifi (this is the default option and all other options can be configured by this way)
B) You can connect the WIPI to an already existing Wifi an. Wipi Webmenu is reachable by local LAN. Can be a computer, a mobile phone, a fridge
C) You connect the pi and the netdimm to a network switch. Wipi is reachable by your fridge, computer, whatever internet device.

Btw there is a very good pdf in the wipi project which explains a lot of that stuff

How I can safely shutdown the Pi

I just unplug it. Attached a powercable with a switch. Not sure if the wipi webmenu has a shutdown uption somewhere (if not it could be easily coded in)

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

You don't "have" to. It is one of the many options.

A) you can connect the pi to netdimm over crossover cable. The Webmenu is reachable by dedicated Wifi (this is the default option and all other options can be configured by this way)
B) You can connect the WIPI to an already existing Wifi an. Wipi Webmenu is reachable by local LAN. Can be a computer, a mobile phone, a fridge
C) You connect the pi and the netdimm to a network switch. Wipi is reachable by your fridge, computer, whatever internet device.

Btw there is a very good pdf in the wipi project which explains a lot of that stuff

Thanks for your comment.
I will put my question in another way, just to be clear:
Does the Pi need to be connected (through an Ethernet cable) to the Dimm board to generate the WiPi-Netbooter network?
If it doesn't, it means I had some issues (between Pi, SD or img file) as I ran the Pi with the WiPi img, but it didn't generate any wireless network (?)
(Of course, I have a local LAN at home)
What do you think about it?

I just unplug it. Attached a powercable with a switch. Not sure if the wipi webmenu has a shutdown uption somewhere (if not it could be easily coded in)

Ok, just asked as in the manual it's indicated just "Safely shuts down the Pi" with no further indications. Perhaps just unplugging it is the way, but maybe there is an option in the menu.

 

[Orakelschaf]

Does the Pi need to be connected (through an Ethernet cable) to the Dimm board to generate the WiPi-Netbooter network?

No.

Wipi is just an Linux with a WEB GUI and some script magic. - The Wipi image itself does NOT auto detect the netdimm in any way (you have to manual setup the netdimm in the wegui)

If it doesn't, it means I had some issues

In the past couple of months i have read multiple times that people have problems with it. No idea what the solution is

Just some ideas:

- bad sd card?
- image not written corectly to the sd?
- wrong pi version? (3 and 4 should work)
- to low amper psu for the pi?

Perhaps just unplugging it is the way

even if it somehow corrupts the sd card/filesystem/wipi ... wipi is easy enough to reflash and setup.

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

No.

Wipi is just an Linux with a WEB GUI and some script magic. - The Wipi image itself does NOT auto detect the netdimm in any way (you have to manual setup the netdimm in the wegui)


In the past couple of months i have read multiple times that people have problems with it. No idea what the solution is

Just some ideas:

- bad sd card?
- image not written corectly to the sd?
- wrong pi version? (3 and 4 should work)
- to low amper psu for the pi?



even if it somehow corrupts the sd card/filesystem/wipi ... wipi is easy enough to reflash and setup.

So I should find the WiPi network whether the Pi is connected or not to the Dimm board. I suspected that. Now I know it for sure. Good! Thanks!

I tested the WiPi on a Raspberry 3b+ which came with a 64gb third-party microSD (unknown brand).
Before the WiPi test, I tested a Pi OS just to see if everything worked, and it did, except for the 3.5-inch LCD screen, where I got a black screen with a top left underscore blinking after the driver installation (this screen didn't come with the Pi).
Then, I burnt the 32gb img on the same microSD and you know the rest of the story, no network found.
Just for the record, I tested the WiPi with the screen installed on the Pi (I don't think the screen was the problem), and I powered the Pi with its stock PSU.

Anyway, I sent everything back.

What is your setup?
My plan now is to buy a good 32gb micro SD like the models suggested in the manual.
I would also buy a Pi Model 3 as I will use it only for the WiPi (I understand the Pi 3 is an obsolete device now)
What would you recommend?
If I buy the Pi 4, could I power it from the CN12 output on the Naomi filter board, or will it need a proper power source?
Thanks

 

[Orakelschaf]

It doesnt matter if you run on Pi3+ or Pi4 - Get what you prefer and is available to you. I dont think that Pi4 runs the Wipi Image any better. Dont bother with Pi5 (its overkill)

I wouldnt bother with a screen hat or attached display of any kind. On an normal screen only the webgui is displayed which is isnt good to use that way.

I use Pi3/Pi4 in my setups (i run multiple noami setups) and use 90% the time the web gui (either by tablet or PC/Laptop) or the OSM / NFC Reader for Launching games.

I never bothered with getting the pi powered by the naomi, - I use a 3A 5V USB PSU with an on/off switch. This way i can reset the naomi/pi seperatly. That question has to be answered by somebody who uses the CN12

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

It doesnt matter if you run on Pi3+ or Pi4 - Get what you prefer and is available to you. I dont think that Pi4 runs the Wipi Image any better. Dont bother with Pi5 (its overkill)

I wouldnt bother with a screen hat or attached display of any kind. On an normal screen only the webgui is displayed which is isnt good to use that way.

I use Pi3/Pi4 in my setups (i run multiple noami setups) and use 90% the time the web gui (either by tablet or PC/Laptop) or the OSM / NFC Reader for Launching games.

I never bothered with getting the pi powered by the naomi, - I use a 3A 5V USB PSU with an on/off switch. This way i can reset the naomi/pi seperatly. That question has to be answered by somebody who uses the CN12

Thanks! You have been very helpful.
I have an extra socket in the cab, so I think I will power the Pi from there for now.
I will let you know how this story ends once I get the Naomi.... hopefully another arcade project done

 

[CamoYoshi]

Figure I would toss in my own experiences here for folks:

- Power is king. You need a steady 5V support capable of delivering at minimum 1A if you are using the Pi 3's built-in WiFi to manage your WiPi setup. I usually have folks just run it off the Naomi filter board (CN12) using a JST NH to Micro USB cable, as if your 5V is powerful enough to run your Naomi, it's powerful enough to run your Pi as well.

- Sudden power offs of the Pi is perfectly acceptable as the Pi is designed around this, as long as you are not writing data to the SD card (adding new games, changing settings, etc.)

- Using a phone is probably the best way to interact with the Pi; however a lot of modern iOS/Android phones like to boot themselves off of WiFi networks with no internet access. This can usually be overridden with a setting on your phone. I also recommend setting your phone to *not* autoconnect to the WiPi-Netbooter network and instead just manually connect (You can have it remember the password to the network without actually autoconnecting).

- A good quality reputable brand MicroSD with good performance is highly recommended. Don't cheap out, a SanDisk Extreme class 10 32GB card is only $5.

- A crossover cable is *not* required as both the Pi and NetDIMM's network adapters support Auto-MDIX. The cables I sell are straight-through and work perfectly fine.

(Disclaimer - I sell a lot of Naomi accessories through my online store and these are my experiences supporting such configurations both personally and for customers.)

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

I will use a 500w ATX PSU from an old PC to power the Naomi NetDimm setup. I made the adapter cable already.

Thinking to chop a molex connector and take 5V and ground wires to power a Pi 4 by using a USB to 5-pin adapter.
What do you think about it?

My Naomi is on its way, and I am not sure if buying a used Pi 3 Model B or a new Pi 4. Will Pi 4 be more performant for transferring the games?

 

[CamoYoshi]

I will use a 500w ATX PSU from an old PC to power the Naomi NetDimm setup. I made the adapter cable already.

Thinking to chop a molex connector and take 5V and ground wires to power a Pi 4 by using a USB to 5-pin adapter.
What do you think about it?

My Naomi is on its way, and I am not sure if buying a used Pi 3 Model B or a new Pi 4. Will Pi 4 be more performant for transferring the games?

The total wattage is less of a factor. Make sure your power supply has sufficient amperage on both the 3.3V+ and 5V+ rails to power the Naomi. I recommend a minimum of 8A on each. A name brand, genuine power supply such as a Seasonic, Silverstone or FSP Group is recommended. Don't cheap out, it's not worth it.

You could certainly hack off a Molex or SATA connector to power your Pi; though you can also just go buy an adapter cable that adapts those to a USB-A female connector so you wouldn't have to hack and splice. They are commonly available on eBay - Just make sure they are wired correctly as I've bought some that had them wired incorrectly from the factory.

The Pi model makes very little difference with the performance of loading games as the NIC on the NetDIMM is only 100Mbit, not to mention the overhead of the game transfer protocol reduces that further. As long as your MicroSD is a good quality class 10 card you will see no speed increase going from a Pi 3 to a Pi 4. The only possible performance gain you would see would be the Pi's boot speed upon power-on, but I often find that isn't a major factor as the NetDIMM and Naomi take longer to boot than the Pi anyways.

 

[LittleMegaGamer]

The total wattage is less of a factor. Make sure your power supply has sufficient amperage on both the 3.3V+ and 5V+ rails to power the Naomi. I recommend a minimum of 8A on each. A name brand, genuine power supply such as a Seasonic, Silverstone or FSP Group is recommended. Don't cheap out, it's not worth it.

I will give a chance to the PSU that I already have and see how it goes. If the Naomi won’t boot up I will get a new one…. It is not a fancy PSU, but it never failed powering my old GroovyMame Pc…

Here is the adapter already done

You could certainly hack off a Molex or SATA connector to power your Pi; though you can also just go buy an adapter cable that adapts those to a USB-A female connector so you wouldn't have to hack and splice. They are commonly available on eBay - Just make sure they are wired correctly as I've bought some that had them wired incorrectly from the factory.

Yes, I saw them for sale…. Mostly they come set for 12v (some people fried their Pi with it) Wouldn’t be a problem to chop a Molex and wire up just the wires…. I asked just in the case the amperage would be too high for the Pi (?) staying on your comment I would say it could work

The Pi model makes very little difference with the performance of loading games as the NIC on the NetDIMM is only 100Mbit, not to mention the overhead of the game transfer protocol reduces that further. As long as your MicroSD is a good quality class 10 card you will see no speed increase going from a Pi 3 to a Pi 4. The only possible performance gain you would see would be the Pi's boot speed upon power-on, but I often find that isn't a major factor as the NetDIMM and Naomi take longer to boot than the Pi anyways.

This indication was very helpful and drove me on my initial idea, so I bought a brand new Pi 3 for 25€ locally.
I have already a micro usb plug wired for 5v and Ground, now I have to decide if I will go to the filter board with a JST or straight to the PSU (?) what’s the best choice?

Thanks for your tips!
Please, share the link of your shop.. I assuming it is based in US …I will have a look

 

[CamoYoshi]

I will give a chance to the PSU that I already have and see how it goes. If the Naomi won’t boot up I will get a new one…. It is not a fancy PSU, but it never failed powering my old GroovyMame Pc…

As long as the 5V regulation on the PSU when under load is good (stays under 5.1V) it should work OK for a Naomi. Naomis do not like to run high on the 5V rail as the ICs powered on that rail are sensitive.

Here is the adapter already done


Yes, I saw them for sale…. Mostly they come set for 12v (some people fried their Pi with it) Wouldn’t be a problem to chop a Molex and wire up just the wires…. I asked just in the case the amperage would be too high for the Pi (?) staying on your comment I would say it could work

This indication was very helpful and drove me on my initial idea, so I bought a brand new Pi 3 for 25€ locally.
I have already a micro usb plug wired for 5v and Ground, now I have to decide if I will go to the filter board with a JST or straight to the PSU (?) what’s the best choice?

Thanks for your tips!
Please, share the link of your shop.. I assuming it is based in US …I will have a look

Amperage is not a factor as the Pi will simply draw what it needs and the PSU is not a fixed current power supply. Instead it will deliver whatever amperage is being asked of it based on the voltage droop under the 5V+ rail. Every switch mode power supply works like this unless it has a fixed current setting (which no ATX PSUs do).

Powering the Pi via the Naomi or the PSU is really a case of preference. It ultimately doesn't matter. I usually have folks power the Pi from the Naomi for convenience especially if they are using a Sun or other JVS PSU.

My shop is at https://shop.fabtekgames.com/ - I do offer international shipping but it will likely not be cheap unfortunately.