Trying a buffer
Don’t get me wrong; I think that Raspberry Pi is wonderful. Goes with all sorts of ideas, and the setup is something that requires a matter of minutes. But, I’ve found one small flaw. A sudden loss of power to the unit leaves it unable to reboot. I’ve checked in the forums, and it has to do with cache files that don’t close properly.
Since these tend to be projects, rather than production units, and since I can’t predict when the lights will go out, I have decided to try an ingenious hack. I may have one. A couple of years back, I spotted one of those portable “power packs” that are available for cellphones. Standard voltage (after all, I run my Pi from the equivalent of a cellphone wall wart). And so, since I no longer use a cellphone, this seemed like the perfect way to buffer my power needs.
I’ve put the power pack in line with the regular power supply. In theory, if I lose power, the supply will pick up the fifteen seconds or so until the house generator kicks in. So far, so good. I don’t intend to go all ninja on things just yet, and my access to Radio Caroline is restored.
Winter is coming. Time to store the BBQ away. Tonight, just as the moon was rising, I prepared a pair of fine steaks. No bugs outside, but I did need a jacket and shoes. Also a compromise. With a half-tank of propane on hand, I can either grill until the final hiss, or keep something around for a mid-winter urge to burn some meat.
(after note: my battery idea didn’t work)
