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

Linus Tech Tips
9 Nov 202209:57

TLDRThe script discusses the experience of using the Pi KVM v3, an open-source Raspberry Pi hat that enables remote control of a PC via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It highlights the device's capabilities, such as screen mirroring, BIOS interaction, and remote overclocking, while mentioning its limitations like gaming performance and video quality. The setup process, cost, and comparison with commercial options are also covered, emphasizing its value for IT professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Takeaways

  • 🏨 The speaker was stranded in a hotel due to COVID and used a device to work remotely.
  • 📱 The device allowed the use of a smartphone's 5G connection to power on and control a computer without being on the same network.
  • 🖥️ The speaker could interact with the computer's screen, Windows, BIOS, and even overclock the PC remotely.
  • 🤔 The working principle was inquired by the speaker, highlighting the features of G-Skill's Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory for AMD Ryzen processors.
  • 🌐 The Pi KVM v3, an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi, was introduced as a cost-effective solution for remote PC control.
  • 🔗 The Pi KVM v3 was tested on a laptop via Ethernet, showing a decent performance with minimal delay.
  • 🎮 It was noted that the device is not suitable for gaming due to network latency and limited to 1080p60 resolution.
  • 🛠️ The device allows for system maintenance and troubleshooting without the need for physical access, which is beneficial for IT support.
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns were mentioned, suggesting the device be disconnected when not in use and configured with a VPN for secure access.
  • 💰 The cost of the Pi KVM v3 was discussed, with the full package being a cost-effective alternative to commercial options.
  • 🔧 The script concluded by comparing the Pi KVM v3 to other DIY options and commercial products, emphasizing its value for IT managers and enthusiasts.

Q & A

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

    -The speaker watched YouTube and performed nasal swab tests using cotton swabs.

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

    -The speaker used a device called Pi KVM v3, which allowed them to connect to their office test bench and work from their hotel room.

  • What is unique about the way the speaker's computer was powered on using their smartphone?

    -The speaker's computer was powered on via their smartphone over 5G without being connected to the network, utilizing the wake-on-LAN feature.

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

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

  • How does the Pi KVM v3 function in terms of latency and frame rate?

    -The Pi KVM v3 operates with a latency of 100 milliseconds at best and supports a maximum frame rate of 1080p60.

  • What additional features does the Pi KVM v3 offer apart from basic remote control?

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

  • How can privacy concerns be addressed when using the Pi KVM v3?

    -Privacy concerns can be mitigated by configuring the Pi KVM with Tailscale VPN's free personal plan, which allows access once it connects without the need for 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 a USB connection, HDMI output, and three RJ45 network jacks.

  • How much does the complete Pi KVM v3 package cost, and what does it include?

    -The complete Pi KVM v3 package costs $250, which includes the custom hat, case, cooler OLED display, a 2GB Raspberry Pi 4, and a 32GB pre-imaged SD card.

  • What is the main advantage of the Pi KVM v3 over commercial options?

    -The main advantage of the Pi KVM v3 is its affordability and flexibility, offering a middle ground between DIY options and more expensive commercial alternatives.

  • What is Squarespace and how can it be used according to the script?

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

Outlines

00:00

💻 Remote Work Solution During COVID Quarantine

The speaker discusses their experience with COVID-19, highlighting how a small device enabled them to work remotely from a hotel room. This device allowed them to connect to their office computer, perform tasks such as using their smartphone to power on the computer, and even overclock the PC without being physically present. The speaker introduces the Pi KVM v3, an open-source hat for Raspberry Pi, and explains its capabilities, including the ability to control the computer remotely, set up a network bridge, and install operating systems from a distance. They also mention the potential privacy concerns and suggest using a VPN for secure access.

05:05

🛠️ Setting Up and Cost Analysis of the Pi KVM v3

The speaker provides a detailed guide on setting up the Pi KVM v3, starting with downloading the image using a Pi Imager or similar tool, connecting the device to the network, and finding the IP address. They emphasize the importance of changing default passwords and introduce the streamlined interface of the KVM, which offers power and reset buttons for remote control. The speaker then discusses the cost of the Pi KVM v3, comparing it to commercial options and highlighting its affordability. They also mention the possibility of building one's own Pi KVM or TinyPilot for a lower cost, but note the challenges of the DIY approach and the current availability of Raspberry Pis.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡COVID

COVID refers to the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. In the context of the video, the speaker mentions having contracted COVID and being stranded in a hotel for two weeks, which sets the stage for the introduction of the technology that allowed them to work remotely during their isolation.

💡KVM

KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. It is a hardware and software product that allows a single person to control multiple computers from one or more central points. In the video, the Pi KVM v3 is introduced as an open-source solution for Raspberry Pi that enables remote access and control of a computer, which was crucial for the speaker during their COVID isolation.

💡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 component 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 power of this small device.

💡5G

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, characterized by higher data transfer rates, lower latency, and improved connectivity compared to its predecessors. In the context of the video, the speaker mentions using their smartphone's 5G connection to power on the computer, highlighting the advanced capabilities of modern mobile networks in facilitating remote work solutions.

💡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 faster processing speeds. In the video, the speaker describes their ability to overclock their PC remotely using the Pi KVM v3, showcasing the level of control and customization this technology offers.

💡BIOS

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, which is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process of a computer. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that they could interact with the BIOS remotely through the Pi KVM v3, indicating the depth of access and control provided by this device.

💡Ethernet

Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used to connect computers on a local area network (LAN). In the video, the Pi KVM v3 is shown to be connected to the local network via Ethernet, which provides a stable and reliable connection for remote access and control of the computer.

💡1080p60

1080p60 refers to a video resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels displayed at 60 frames per second. This is mentioned in the video as the maximum resolution and frame rate supported by the Pi KVM v3, which is important for users seeking a smooth visual experience during remote access.

💡H.264 encoding

H.264 encoding, also known as MPEG-4 AVC, is a widely used video compression standard that efficiently reduces the size of video files. In the context of the video, the user can adjust the bit rate for H.264 encoding through the Pi KVM v3's system menu to manage bandwidth usage during remote sessions.

💡Tailscale VPN

Tailscale VPN is a secure, open-source VPN (Virtual Private Network) solution that simplifies the process of creating a private network between devices. In the video, it is suggested as a way to configure the Pi KVM for easy and secure remote access without the complexities of traditional networking configurations.

💡ATX adapter

An ATX adapter is a component that allows the connection of ATX form factor power supply cables to other devices or systems. In the video, an optional ATX adapter is mentioned as part of the Pi KVM setup, enabling direct control of power and reset functions of the computer from the remote KVM interface.

💡DIY

DIY stands for 'Do It Yourself,' referring to the practice of building, modifying, or repairing something without the assistance of professionals or experts. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the possibility of building one's own Pi KVM or TinyPilot, highlighting the accessibility and flexibility of these open-source projects for those willing to undertake a DIY approach.

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 allows the user to see the computer screen, interact with Windows, and even the BIOS, as if they were physically present.

The device enables remote overclocking of the PC, showcasing its advanced capabilities.

G-Skill's Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory is mentioned as being built for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors with one-click memory overclocking.

The device is based on an open-source project called Pi KVM v3, which was funded on 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 rates and bit rates 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 serves multiple purposes, including acting as a network bridge, a serial port, and a USB drive for disk images.

The device can install an entire operating system remotely by uploading an ISO and selecting the desired mode.

Pi KVM can remotely diagnose and repair issues for less tech-savvy users, simplifying the support process.

Privacy concerns are acknowledged, and the device can be configured with Tailscale VPN for secure access without complex networking.

The device consists of a Raspberry Pi 4 with a specialized hat that includes USB, HDMI, and multiple Ethernet ports.

The Ethernet ports on the hat enable special functions, such as connecting to a serial port or an optional ATX adapter for direct motherboard control.

The setup process involves flashing the memory card, connecting to the network, and changing default passwords for security.

The device offers a streamlined interface similar to IPMI, with power and reset buttons for remote control of the connected PC.

The cost of the complete package, including the custom hat, case, OLED display, Raspberry Pi 4, and pre-imaged SD card, is $250, which is considered a good price compared to commercial options.

DIY options are available for those comfortable with building their own Pi KVM or TinyPilot, with the potential to create a system for around $50 with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.

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