The HDMI port on my controller died. It boots up and everything (but the monitor) works. I started looking at a replacement and see that there’s still plenty of stock out there. From A to B+. It looks like mine has the B in it but is there any reason not to go with the B+? Pricewise it’s not much different. I assume going with a 4 isn’t an easy option (if all that’s needed is to modify the holes for the USB and Ethernet I’m fine with that).
I cannot give any feedback on the B vs B+ but I can inform you that before switching to a Masso, I ran a Pi CM4-lite mounted to a “CM4 to Pi3” card, from Waveshare. This was due to trying to run firmware V2, and didn’t want to leave the back off or cut into it, as well as wanting an external WiFi antenna. It worked fine using the 64bit 1.X versions of the firmware. The software is loaded on an SD card just as it does on the Pi3. No cutting or filing the back plate to fit, and the CM4 has a jack for an external WiFi antenna (OK, I drilled a tiny hole). Here are links to everything mentioned:
Pi CM4 https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/compute-module-4/?variant=raspberry-pi-cm4001000
CM4 to 3B Card https://www.waveshare.com/cm4-to-pi3-adapter-b.htm
WiFi Antenna https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/compute-module-4-antenna-kit/
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I’m trying not to spend too much on repairing the controller. Not that I normally go cheap but if it costs too much then upgrading to the Masso becomes an option. The main reason for upgrading to the Pi4 would be to future proof since the Pi3 is obsolete. There’s still lots of new ones out there and I suspect that’ll be the case for some time. I might use the WiFi though so that could be an option.
I’m still undecided on replacing the controller with the Masso (no touch) and adding stepper drivers. Things about the BB controller is that I can repair it if needed. It doesn’t make sense with the Pi controller to try and repair it when a replacement can be had for so cheap. Also I’ve used the BB OS for so long now it’s second nature. I’ve grown accustom to using the joypad.
One thing that does appeal to me for upgrading is that I could also upgrade my CNC knee mill to the Masso. The controller on that is a very good, but expensive one that’s difficult to use.
Hey Alex,
It just adds 5 GHz Wifi
I bought a Pi3 B+. I didn’t see the need to reinvent the wheel since it’s not limiting things. I was debating adding an external antenna to the Pi 3 but I’ve never used the WiFi or the ethernet (even though I could easily run a cable) yet so I’m not sure if I ever would.
The Image is for a 3b not a 3b+. The 3b+ will not work.
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I said I bought the B+ but it was actually given to me by a friend. He’s already mailed it to me so I’ll have it in a week. After finding out that it’s not going to be plug and play I bought a used B off of ebay so I’ll have both.
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