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Elecrow’s latest invention, CrowPi3, is an all-in-one raspberry pie 5 platform that bundles several popular Arduino modules in a book-shaped suitcase. A 4.3 ”LCD sits in the center with a camera at the top. The module is usually used to introduce electronics, such as an LEDboard or an LED matrix, also. They are all connected to the PI through their 40-pin header connector. The unit has a built-in battery pack.
Elecrow is running a kickstarter campaign that will end on 5 July. The main sales point of the product is that it can be used as a hardware enabling for AI designs. How true it is that software depends on the ecosystem that ships with it. Elecrow is smart using raspberry pie as part of its design. It opens thousands of AI and ML libraries for the younger generation targeted by this product.
Crowpi3: Price and Availability
Crowpi3 is available in nine configurations on kickstarter Web pageEarly birds provide the highest value for money and start at $ 159 for the original kit, except for PI computer. The 8GB PI 5 with the battery and a gamepad will add an additional $ 130.
Crowpi3: Design
The CrowPI3 main experiment ships with a transparent plastic cover on the board, which helps protect delicate circuits and LCD modules while moving.
Specification
Supported Board: Raspberry Pie 5, PI Pico, Arduino, Micro: Bit
Number of extensions: 28 Arduino- Compatible module
size: 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm
weight: 1.1 kg
Video: 4.3 ”800 x 480 IPS LCD, 1 x HDMI
Audio: Stereo Speaker, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Power supply: 27W 12V Power Adopter
Two small magnets hold the cover in place, while a rubber lease at the top acts as a handle, making it look similar to the suitcase. The unit measures 28.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 3.8 cm for a unit of 1.1 kg, and feels solid. Two bottom coaches are easily accessible by slipping plastic doors. A raspberry pie board holds the board, while the other can store small parts.
Alecro went up and beyond a small amount of thirty electronic modules. Even more impressive is that they are all associated with PI expansion connectors. If there is too much trouble for working with PI, two additional sockets adjust a raspberry pick pico board or an arduino, while the breadboard space allows to easily add other modules.
The Raspberry Pie 5 provides more than double the processing power of its predecessor. Crowpi3 uses all connectors and interfaces of PI; Two HDMI connectors connect to integrated displays and an alternative outer screen. The user can use only three USB 3 ports, which is the fourth reserved for a two-megapixel camera. A 4.3-inch 800 x 480 IPS screen provides excellent brightness and viewing angle, although the small viewing area makes the text challenging.
The case integrates two 3300mAh rechargeable batteries, which should work for PI and screen for several hours. Networking 1 GB is available using Ethernet port or PI’s Wi-Fi module. A pair of speakers provides stereo sound output, which can be bypassed using the plugged headphones in the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
CrowPi3: in use
The unit is turned on by pressing the right-side power button. Closes a long press unit on the same button. Two red LEDs indicate whether the unit is charging and current. The cooling system is always without temperature control and produces less than a fan but noticeable sound. The underlying screen is more than a gimmick. An external performance is recommended for real development.
The Elecrow ecosystem makes on a customized version of the Raspian OS, especially sewn for interactive learning. The UI digs the traditional desktop with an icon and instead looks like a dashboard with two different classes. On the left, the AI modules are included, while the right is the pythan-based projects. The user will have to create an account to start using CrowPI3.
The most challenging part of the installation of CrowPi3 is up and running the OS. Elecrow provides a 40GB image, which is the treasure of material, but is very large to be useful. In contrast, the latest Raspian desktop image with recommended applications is less than 4 GB. Elecrow should provide a Lite version of OS with the external additional user package for the image.
CrowPi3: Competition
There are very few platforms that are similar to CrawP3. With the underlying module which demonstrate the ability to control the peripheraes of the PI and various extension connectors spread around the case, Cropi 3 is a unique product. The curated software library also plays an essential role in the product.
Joy-PI Advanced Products is the same as Cropy 3 and supports PI4. It consists of modules such as touch sensors and ultrasonic range finders and sports and a single small 1 inch LCD. However, the price is more than Crowpi3, more than 470. It lacks a battery and major components such as cameras to create an AI platform.
CrowPi3: Decision
With its latest all-in-one station, Elecrow promotes an AI-centered product on a large scale through its kickstarter campaign. Crowpi3 makes many electronic modules, such as well -manufactured and oozes quality with LCD and touchscreen. However, software support for voice and image recognition distinguishes it from the competition. We liked the general appearance and portability of the platform, with a cute handle that completes the suitcase appearance. Do not let the toy appearance become foolish; The platform can be used for more severe accessories such as software development, but with a large external screen.
He said, the unit feels crowded. Alecro feels that Crumming will win over the general public as several modules in a small space. The fact is that the stage can overwhelms beginners with its complexity. In addition, auxiliary materials such as skimatics are missing. You are on your own if the unit breaks down and you want to repair something. Finally, the fan is noise and will have a distraction.
Buy it As a gift for children who like to build and break the goods.
Don’t buy it If you want to dirty your hands quickly with Pi5.
