Installing OS onto a Raspberry Pi: Difference between revisions

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'''WARNING: THIS IS A PAGE IN PROGRESS! DO NOT FOLLOW IT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE BUILDING OF A CAMERA FROM SCRATCH'''
  Ahoj! In this section, you will flash (or install if you wish) an OS Linux onto your SD card or USB flash key and boot your Raspberry Pi for the first time.
  Ahoj! In this section, you will flash (or install if you wish) an OS Linux onto your SD card or USB flash key and boot your Raspberry Pi for the first time.


= Install the OS by flashing the image =


= OS install =
== Flash the image onto a microSD card or a USB flash drive ==


== Download the image ==
: '''NOTE:''' The process is the same for types of storage; only the target differs.


Pre-built Images are available with the RMS software pre-installed on Raspbian. Raspbian is the operating system typically used on the Raspberry Pi.
1. Download the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model, and save it on your PC in any directory.
* If you have '''Raspberry Pi 4B''', we recommend you download [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/projects/sd_card_images/RMS_RPi4Bullseye_image_20250429.img.xz this image].
: This image is based on '''Bullseye''' 64-bit.
* If you have '''Raspberry Pi 5''', download [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/projects/sd_card_images/RMS_RPi5Bookworm_image_20240910.img.xz this image].
: This image is based on '''Bookworm''' 64-bit, and it is the only image that works with Raspberry Pi 5.
: '''NOTE:''' You can use this download for Raspberry Pi 4B, but some functions do not work, such as the RTC module, and you must install '''AnyDesk'''. At this time, we see no advantage in running this image on Raspberry Pi 4B.


The current publicly released images of RMS are:  
: '''For archive uses''', you can download the previous 32-bit image for Raspberry Pi 4B, which is based on '''Buster''' 32-bit [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/projects/sd_card_images/RMS_RPi4_image_20230804.img.xz image]. We do not support this image, so you should use it only if you really need it and know what you are doing.
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/sa9csd4m3jr1vqo/RMS_image_20191203.zip?dl=1 RPi3B+ ]
and  
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/3pwwenty43dazq4/RMS_RPi4_image_20210626.zip?dl=1 RPi4 ].  


== Install Balena Etcher ==
: If you encounter problems with any of the images, contact the Technical Support group at https://globalmeteornetwork.groups.io/g/techsupport.
: '''TIP:''' [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Images_checksums Here], you will see a list of checksums and sizes of images.


The image is flashed to the microSD card using the Etcher utility for Windows (32 or 64-bit), MacOS or Linux (64-bit), which can be found [https://www.balena.io/etcher/ here]
2. Download '''[https://www.balena.io/etcher/ balenaEtcher]'''.
:  The process shown here uses '''balenaEtcher''' because it is the simplest tool for beginners. If you are familiar with a different USB flashing utility (such as, '''Rufu''' or '''Raspberry Pi Imager'''), feel free to use these. It these alternatives do not work for you, use '''balenaEtcher''' and the process documented here.
:  If you use '''RPi imager''', select ''Custom'' for the OS, then select the image you downloaded. You also can configure the hostname, wifi details, and ssh key details with '''Custom Settings'''.
: '''IMPORTANT:''' DO NOT change the username and password. These are embedded in the image.
3. Insert a microSD card or a USB flash disk into your PC and note the letter it was assigned.


== Flash a pre-built image to an microSD card or a USB flash key ==
4. Run '''balenaEtcher''', then flash the image file onto your microSD card/USB flash drive.


The process is the same for an microSD card or a USB flash key, just the target will differ.
5. Select ''Flash from file'', then find the image file and select it.  


When you first boot up the Pi make sure you have a keyboard, monitor and mouse attached as you will be taken through a setup process by the RMS software.  
6. Select your USB flash drive as the ''Target''.
:  Even though the system disks are hidden, they usually verify the name, letter, and size of your USB flash drive to verify you chose the correct target.
7. Click ''Flash'' once again to verify the target and confirm it, then wait for the process to finish.
: '''NOTE:''' If you see an error, you may need to run '''balenaEtcher''' as administrator.
8. Eject the USB flash drive in Windows, then remove microSD card/USB flash drive.


Please see the [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1MTL85YMYH33u8OZ9Tl0JjSZXcLn8mOmNrCOC0I28Drw/edit Quick Start Guide] about how to flash them to an SD card.
9. Insert the microSD card/USB flash drive into your Raspberry Pi.
: Raspberry Pi should already be connected to a TV or monitor, a keyboard, and mouse connected.  
: If a TV or monitor is not connected, refer to '''[[#Booting without a TV/Monitor|these instructions]]'''.
10. Wait for the boot.
: If the boot takes too long to begin, refer to the next section. If the Pi booted successfully, follow the on-screen instructions.  


Notes:  
: This is what the selection should look like:
 
* the pre-installed RMS software images incorporate an auto-updating feature, so that the RMS software is updated to the current release whenever your Raspberry Pi RMS is booted. This way, your station is always running the most recent set of updates.
 
* For installations into other Linux or windows environments, executing the command ''git pull'' will update to the most recent RMS release.
 
* The code was designed to run on a RPi, but it will also run an some Linux distributions. We have tested it on Linux Mint 18 and Ubuntu 16. For information on installing into other Linux releases, check portions of the section listed below for installing on RPi, and also check installation instructions found on [https://github.com/CroatianMeteorNetwork/RMS GitHub]
 
This page is meant for the people who would like to boot a Raspberry Pi directly from a USB device and would like to avoid using a microSD card due to various reasons e.g. USB 3.X devices are faster, by some considered more reliable or simply some of them are available unused at your disposal. This page deals with and brings the how-to for the Raspberry Pi 4B only.
In general Raspberry Pi 4B is able to boot from any USB device out of the box. Please see the caveats section for the possible issues you may encounter and how to solve them. As such Raspberry Pi 4B can be booted from a USB flash, USB-attached Solid State Disk (SSD) or USB-attached Hard Disk Drive (HDD) either 2.5” or 3.5”. The list of proven devices that are in use by other members will be provided in each section. The easiest setup with almost no caveats comes with a USB flash drive which is as easy as booting from a microSD card. By using a USB-attached SDD or HDD there are some things you need to consider.
 
== USB flash disk ==
=== How-to ===
 
# Download the zipped Image for Raspberry Pi 4B [https://www.dropbox.com/s/3pwwenty43dazq4/RMS_RPi4_image_20210626.zip?dl=1 here] and save it on the PC somewhere.
# Download the [https://www.balena.io/etcher/ BalenaEtcher], if you haven’t done it yet.
# Insert a USB flash disk into your PC, and note the letter it was assigned.
# Run BalenaEtcher, and flash the image file onto your USB flash disk: Select Flash from file, find your zip file and select it. As Target select your USB flash disk. Normally the system disks are hidden but verify the name, letter and size of your USB flash disk to be sure you have the correct target. Click Flash, once again verify the target and confirm it. Wait for the process to finish. (In case you will receive an error you may need to run BalenaEtcher as administrator)
# Eject the USB flash disk in windows if necessary and then remove your USB flash disk from your PC and insert it into your Raspberry Pi, which should be connected to a TV or Monitor, and have a keyboard and mouse connected. Power on a Raspberry Pi. Make sure that a microSD card is not inserted.
# Wait for the boot. If the boot takes too long to occur, please have a look at the next section. If it booted successfully, follow the on-screen instructions. You may return to the previous page as you are done with flashing the image onto a USB flash disk.
 
This is what the selection should look like:
[[File:BalenaEtcher_selection.png|center]]
[[File:BalenaEtcher_selection.png|center]]


This is what the process should look like:
: This is what the process should look like:
[[File:BalenaEtcher_process.png|center]]
[[File:BalenaEtcher_process.png|center]]


=== Pre-2021 Raspberry Pi 4 Bootloader update ===
== Pre-2021 Raspberry Pi 4 bootloader update - USB flash drive ONLY ==
 
If you encountered a problem booting Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB device (common for all USB devices, not only flash disks), the most probable reason is that your Raspberry Pi 4 is from an older batch and its bootloader has to be updated. The procedure is simple and you will need a blank small MicroSD card to continue, the data are around 1MB in size, so any small microSD card will do the job. The process is nicely described in [https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html#updating-the-bootloader the raspberry pi official documentation].


NOTE:
If you encountered a problem booting Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB device (common for all USB devices, not only flash disks), the most probable reason is that your Raspberry Pi 4 is from an older batch and you must update its bootloader.  
* In case you are looking for more extensive USB booting guide click [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Booting_from_a_USB_device here]


== [OPTIONAL] Install the software from scratch  ==
The procedure is simple, and you need a small capacity, blank microSD card to store about 1MB of data. The process is nicely described in '''[https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html#updating-the-bootloader the raspberry pi official documentation]'''.


'''Note: if you're setting up a Raspberry Pi you should use the prebuilt image as this comes with all necessary software installed and is ready to use.'''. If you really really '''really''' do want to install on the RPi from scratch, you can follow the instructions below:
: '''NOTE:''' If you are looking for an extensive USB booting guide, click ''[https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Booting_from_a_USB_device here]''.


=== Install for Raspberry Pi 4 ===
The preinstalled RMS software images incorporate an auto-update feature, which updates the RMS software to the current release whenever you boot Raspberry Pi RMS. Your station always runs the most recent set of updates!


Detailed instructions [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ImeNqBTD1ml2iisp5y7CjDrRV33wBeF9rtx3mIVjh4/edit?usp=sharing here]
== The first boot ==


===  Install for Raspberry Pi 3 ===
This is how the first boot of RMS linux looks:
[[File:The_first_boot_raspi.png|1500px|center]]


'''We no longer recommend the Pi3, as it doesn't have the performance or memory to handle busy meteor showers. '''
Now is a good time to send an email to '''denis.vida@gmail.com'''. Include a short introduction that includes your country, then tell him you are building a camera and you need a station code. You use a station code when you set up the RMS software, after your camera is fully installed and positioned.


Detailed instructions [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ChaXx6WkuGfcQ_f5yRbwUOOMxEgIJrjq932UZE6cRjE/edit here].
= (Optional) Install the software from scratch =
This installation is for users who want to complete more advanced tasks. If you the procedure in the previous section, do not continue with the sections that follow.
: '''NOTE:''' When you set up a Raspberry Pi, you should use the prebuilt image, which includes all necessary software installed and ready to use. If you decide to install the software on the RPi from scratch, follow the instructions on '''[https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Advanced_RMS_installations_and_Multi-camera_support this page]'''.


=== Install for Linux ===
Next, you will focus your camera and assemble the bits and pieces for the first test.


Detailed instructions [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Installation_for_Linux here]
'''[https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Build_%26_Install_%26_Setup_your_camera_-_The_complete_how-to Back to the signpost page.]'''


=== Linux GUI and multi-Camera support ===
= Boot without a TV or monitor =
If you do not have a TV or monitor connected to the Pi when you set it up, you must use '''VNC''', a remote-access tool.


Detailed instructions [https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTh_CtwxKu3_vxB6YpEoctLpsn5-v677qJgWsYi6gEr_QKacrfrfIz4lFM1l-CZO86t1HwFfk3P5Nb6/pub here]
1. After you burn the microSD card, insert it into the Pi and switch on the power.
: You should see the lights on the Pi flicker for a minute or two. If the lights do not flicker, it is possible the microSD card image did not properly burn.  


=== Installation for Windows ===
2. If the lights flicker as ecpected, wait at least three minutes after the lights stop flickering before you proceed.
Data capture does not work under windows. However you can use the other tools on your PC, where its much quicker to run SkyFit2 to calibrate your camera to the sky, or you want to use BatchFFToImage to convert data to jpeg format to share on Social Media.  
: '''NOTE:''' There are several stages to the initial boot, so it will take a while.


Click '''[[Windows_Installation|here]]''' for detailed instructions. The instructions were tested on Windows 10 64-bit, but should work on any Windows version where git and Anaconda are available.  
3. While you wait, download '''[https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/ VNC Viewer]'''.
: You do not need to create an account or subscribe, so ignore the buttons and links. After a few seconds, the download will start.  


Aside: If you are a Windows whizz, please feel free to investigate why data capture doesn't work!
4. To connect to the Pi using VNC, you must know either its name or its IP address.
: '''NOTE:''' If you did not set the hostname when you burned the microSD card, (this is an option available in Raspberry Pi Imager), its name is probably ''raspberrypi''.
: To find its IP address using the manufacturer name, run '''[https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com/ Advanced IP Scanner]'''. This tool starts with Raspberry Pifind.


=== Installation for MacOS ===
5. Open '''VNC Viewer''' and enter the name or IP address into the box at the top.
As with Windows, installation for MacOS is useful if you want to analyse the data offline. If you do want to install it, please follow the instructions '''[[MacOS_Install | here]]'''.
: After a few seconds, you see a login dialog box.  


6. The default username is '''rms''' and the initial password is '''rmsraspberry'''. Change these credentials as soon as you log in.


You are now done with this section and now you are going to focus your camera and put all bits and pieces together for the first test. Exciting, isn't it? [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Build_%26_Install_%26_Setup_your_camera_-_The_complete_how-to Back to the signpost page.]
: Now, you should now see the Pi desktop and the '''RMS_FirstBoot''' window.

Latest revision as of 00:33, 3 September 2025

Ahoj! In this section, you will flash (or install if you wish) an OS Linux onto your SD card or USB flash key and boot your Raspberry Pi for the first time.

Install the OS by flashing the image

Flash the image onto a microSD card or a USB flash drive

NOTE: The process is the same for types of storage; only the target differs.

1. Download the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model, and save it on your PC in any directory.

  • If you have Raspberry Pi 4B, we recommend you download this image.
This image is based on Bullseye 64-bit.
This image is based on Bookworm 64-bit, and it is the only image that works with Raspberry Pi 5.
NOTE: You can use this download for Raspberry Pi 4B, but some functions do not work, such as the RTC module, and you must install AnyDesk. At this time, we see no advantage in running this image on Raspberry Pi 4B.
For archive uses, you can download the previous 32-bit image for Raspberry Pi 4B, which is based on Buster 32-bit image. We do not support this image, so you should use it only if you really need it and know what you are doing.
If you encounter problems with any of the images, contact the Technical Support group at https://globalmeteornetwork.groups.io/g/techsupport.
TIP: Here, you will see a list of checksums and sizes of images.

2. Download balenaEtcher.

The process shown here uses balenaEtcher because it is the simplest tool for beginners. If you are familiar with a different USB flashing utility (such as, Rufu or Raspberry Pi Imager), feel free to use these. It these alternatives do not work for you, use balenaEtcher and the process documented here.
If you use RPi imager, select Custom for the OS, then select the image you downloaded. You also can configure the hostname, wifi details, and ssh key details with Custom Settings.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT change the username and password. These are embedded in the image.

3. Insert a microSD card or a USB flash disk into your PC and note the letter it was assigned.

4. Run balenaEtcher, then flash the image file onto your microSD card/USB flash drive.

5. Select Flash from file, then find the image file and select it.

6. Select your USB flash drive as the Target.

Even though the system disks are hidden, they usually verify the name, letter, and size of your USB flash drive to verify you chose the correct target.

7. Click Flash once again to verify the target and confirm it, then wait for the process to finish.

NOTE: If you see an error, you may need to run balenaEtcher as administrator.

8. Eject the USB flash drive in Windows, then remove microSD card/USB flash drive.

9. Insert the microSD card/USB flash drive into your Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi should already be connected to a TV or monitor, a keyboard, and mouse connected.
If a TV or monitor is not connected, refer to these instructions.

10. Wait for the boot.

If the boot takes too long to begin, refer to the next section. If the Pi booted successfully, follow the on-screen instructions.
This is what the selection should look like:
BalenaEtcher selection.png
This is what the process should look like:
BalenaEtcher process.png

Pre-2021 Raspberry Pi 4 bootloader update - USB flash drive ONLY

If you encountered a problem booting Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB device (common for all USB devices, not only flash disks), the most probable reason is that your Raspberry Pi 4 is from an older batch and you must update its bootloader.

The procedure is simple, and you need a small capacity, blank microSD card to store about 1MB of data. The process is nicely described in the raspberry pi official documentation.

NOTE: If you are looking for an extensive USB booting guide, click here.

The preinstalled RMS software images incorporate an auto-update feature, which updates the RMS software to the current release whenever you boot Raspberry Pi RMS. Your station always runs the most recent set of updates!

The first boot

This is how the first boot of RMS linux looks:

The first boot raspi.png

Now is a good time to send an email to denis.vida@gmail.com. Include a short introduction that includes your country, then tell him you are building a camera and you need a station code. You use a station code when you set up the RMS software, after your camera is fully installed and positioned.

(Optional) Install the software from scratch

This installation is for users who want to complete more advanced tasks. If you the procedure in the previous section, do not continue with the sections that follow.

NOTE: When you set up a Raspberry Pi, you should use the prebuilt image, which includes all necessary software installed and ready to use. If you decide to install the software on the RPi from scratch, follow the instructions on this page.

Next, you will focus your camera and assemble the bits and pieces for the first test.

Back to the signpost page.

Boot without a TV or monitor

If you do not have a TV or monitor connected to the Pi when you set it up, you must use VNC, a remote-access tool.

1. After you burn the microSD card, insert it into the Pi and switch on the power.

You should see the lights on the Pi flicker for a minute or two. If the lights do not flicker, it is possible the microSD card image did not properly burn.

2. If the lights flicker as ecpected, wait at least three minutes after the lights stop flickering before you proceed.

NOTE: There are several stages to the initial boot, so it will take a while.

3. While you wait, download VNC Viewer.

You do not need to create an account or subscribe, so ignore the buttons and links. After a few seconds, the download will start.

4. To connect to the Pi using VNC, you must know either its name or its IP address.

NOTE: If you did not set the hostname when you burned the microSD card, (this is an option available in Raspberry Pi Imager), its name is probably raspberrypi.
To find its IP address using the manufacturer name, run Advanced IP Scanner. This tool starts with Raspberry Pifind.

5. Open VNC Viewer and enter the name or IP address into the box at the top.

After a few seconds, you see a login dialog box.

6. The default username is rms and the initial password is rmsraspberry. Change these credentials as soon as you log in.

Now, you should now see the Pi desktop and the RMS_FirstBoot window.
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