RockPi4

[wornish]

Anyone running KStars on the RockPi4 ?

[Dr_Ju_ju]

As I replied to your other post, I'd recommend running Mate, which will allow everything to run, but I have to admit I'm having some issues getting LinGuider to work....

[wimvb]

I have been running INDI/Kstars on a Rock64 (Rockchip RK3328) for several years, and also have a RockPro64 (Rockchip RK3399). Because the RockPro64 is larger, I haven't mounted it on my telescope yet. (I bought it because it uses 12V instead of 5V, so one less cable.) I use Armbian as OS, and have the stable pre-compiled version of INDI/Kstars installed, which runs without any issues. I think I must have been one of the earliest users of 64 bit systems, because I had to ask the developer of linux phd2 to add 64 bit to the repository. Anyhow, early problems were mostly related to instabilities in the OS, and (un-)availability of 64 bit software. I used to have Ubuntu/Mate installed, but switched to Armbian a little more than a year ago, and haven't had a problem since.

Edited June 23, 2021 by wimvb

[wornish]

1 hour ago, wimvb said:

I have been running INDI/Kstars on a Rock64 (Rockchip RK3328) for several years, and also have a RockPro64 (Rockchip RK3399). Because the RockPro64 is larger, I haven't mounted it on my telescope yet. (I bought it because it uses 12V instead of 5V, so one less cable.) I use Armbian as OS, and have the stable pre-compiled version of INDI/Kstars installed, which runs without any issues. I think I must have been one of the earliest users of 64 bit systems, because I had to ask the developer of linux phd2 to add 64 bit to the repository. Anyhow, early problems were mostly related to instabilities in the OS, and (un-)availability of 64 bit software. I used to have Ubuntu/Mate installed, but switched to Armbian a little more than a year ago, and haven't had a problem since.

I have just got Armbian running on RockPi4B (RK3399), did you compile KStars/Indi from source?

Edited June 23, 2021 by wornish

[wimvb]

No, I just added the repository and installed indi/kstars

 

[wornish]

I decided to use TwisterOS which is Armbian based on Ubuntu.

I added the repository as suggested and it worked like a dream.

Now running Kstars 3.5.3 stable.

The Rockpi4B with the Western Digital NVME Black M.2 memory simply flies. Its way  faster than the my RPi4 with an external SSD.

 

Now I just got to figure out how to get vnc working and I will be very happy.

Edited June 23, 2021 by wornish

[wimvb]

6 hours ago, wornish said:

Now I just got to figure out how to get vnc working and I will be very happy.

I installed xrdp and use windows remote desktop. I never got to grips with nor really liked vnc. Rdp is also available for mac and android, although using it on a tablet without a proper keyboard or mouse is a pain. I only use it on my tablet when I need to polar align at the start of astro season, so I can have a screen close by.

[StevieDvd]

Is there a good UK seller for the RockPi4?  I like the fact it has a proper wifi connector on the pcb amongst other things.

[wornish]

I got mine from ALLNET China.  Couldn't find a uk supplier.  It arrived in 6 days.  

The Rockpi4b is supposed to have the wifi connector on it but the one I got does not!  The internal wifi works reasonably well even in the ECOPi aluminium case.    (UPDATE) Just discovered that they do offer a UFL antenna connector for $0.60. as an option and will even fit it for you.  Wish I had known that before.

One thing worth mentioning is that it does get warm.  The rk3399 chip certainly needs a heatsink, the case I got has a built in large heatsink and came with thermal paste to ensure you get a good connection.

I have now got vnc working using tightvncserver on the rockpi and open vnc on my Mac.

I am impressed with how this little thing runs.

Edited June 25, 2021 by wornish