Table of Contents
Raspberry Pi Setup for ErgoTech Software (MIX or TransSECS Deployments) Using Bookworm
This guide explains how to prepare a Raspberry Pi for TransSECS Devices, TransSECS Servers, or MIX.
It is written for someone who may be using Linux or a Raspberry Pi for the first time. You do not need to be familiar with Linux. The guide shows the commands to enter and explains what each important step is doing.
Choose the article you need
Start with Raspberry Pi Base Setup. It prepares the operating system, networking, Java, system logging, startup maintenance, and timekeeping.
After the base setup is complete:
- Use Installing Your TransSECS Deployment on a RPi for TransSECS Devices or TransSECS Servers Deployments (and Programmatic TransSECS applications).
- Use Installing MIX on a Raspberry Pi for MIX.
- Use Setup Chrome Kiosk on Raspberry Pi only when the Raspberry Pi itself will drive an HDMI monitor or touch screen for an MIStudio designed MIX UI.
- Go to Raspberry Pi Troubleshooting and Support Checks when something is not working.
A Raspberry Pi which has completed the base setup can be used to create a clean SD-card master image before installing a particular ErgoTech application.
A few Linux terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SSH | A text terminal connection from your PC to the Raspberry Pi. Most setup work is done through SSH. |
sudo | Runs one command with administrator privileges. The Pi may ask for your password. |
nano | A simple text editor which runs inside the SSH terminal. |
| service | A program which Linux starts automatically and can restart if it stops. |
| systemd | The Linux service manager which starts and monitors services such as MIX or TransSECS. |
| logrotate | A Linux utility which prevents log files from growing indefinitely. |
| bootfs | The small boot partition on the SD card. It contains Raspberry Pi boot configuration files. |
Editing a file with nano
Many setup steps use nano. For example:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
Use the arrow keys to move around the file.
Useful keys are:
- Ctrl+W searches for text.
- Ctrl+K removes the current line.
- Ctrl+U pastes a line which you removed with Ctrl+K.
- Page Up and Page Down move through a long file.
- To paste text from your PC, copy it normally and paste into the terminal. In many Linux terminals, Shift+Insert also pastes.
To save your changes and leave nano:
- Press Ctrl+O.
- Press Enter to accept the filename.
- Press Ctrl+X.
To leave without saving, press Ctrl+X, then press N when nano asks whether to save the modified buffer.
If nano reports Permission denied when saving a system file, leave without saving and reopen the file with sudo nano.
Before changing an existing configuration file
When practical, make a dated backup first. For example:
sudo cp /etc/rc.local /etc/rc.local.bak.$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)
This makes it much easier to return to the previous configuration if a typing mistake is made.