Installing OS onto a Raspberry Pi: Difference between revisions

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: '''NOTE:''' The process is the same for types of storage; only the target differs.
: '''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.
1. Download the '''Trixie''' image for '''Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi5''', and save it on your PC in any directory. The '''Trixie RMS''' image is [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/projects/sd_card_images/RMS_RPi5_RPi4_Trixie_20260116.img.xz here].
* 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.
: Additional documentation for Bookworm RMS can be found in wiki section 2.3 "Advanced RMS installations and multi-camera support".


: '''NOTE:''' You can use this download for Raspberry Pi 4B, but some functions may 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.
  RMS_RPi5_RPi4_Trixie_20260116.img.xz is 2.5 GiB (2,735,084,084 bytes)
  '''Checksum''': 235281AB4E8E9449BAC2D2AD107B605D
 
A second image option '''(only for Pi4)''' is Bullseye RMS, but this Operating System (OS) version has been placed on retired status by the Raspberry Pi organization. As a result, there may not be new OS patches or updates. The only reason to choose Bullseye for Pi4 would be that you '''require''' remote access using AnyDesk, RealVNC Server, NoMachine, or TeamViewer. The '''Bullseye RMS''' image is
[https://globalmeteornetwork.org/projects/sd_card_images/RMS_RPi4Bullseye_20260116.img.xz here].
 
  RMS_RPi4Bullseye_10260116.img.xz is 3.0 GiB (3,223,859,108 bytes)
  '''Checksum''': BD56C691A2E8EA0081CAD5218BD57D22
 
Both Trixie and Bullseye support '''RustDesk''' remote access with file transfer. Trixie includes '''Raspberry Pi Connect''' for remote access and file transfer but Bullseye is not able to run this software from the Raspberry Pi organization. Both images support VNC connections, providing PC and Pi are on the same local network (LAN). Only Bullseye supports file transfer using VNC.
 
Trixie and Bullseye RMS images offer '''Samba share''' directories ~/RMS_data and ~/shared. You can map these shares so they appear as local drives on your PC, and use these drive mappings to transfer files.


: '''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.


: If you encounter problems with any of the images, contact the Technical Support group at https://globalmeteornetwork.groups.io/g/techsupport.  
: 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.


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.


4. Run '''balenaEtcher''', then flash the image file onto your microSD card/USB flash drive.
2. Download '''Raspberry Pi Imager''' v2.0 (or newer) [https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/ here].


5. Select ''Flash from file'', then find the image file and select it.  
3. Start '''Raspberry Pi Imager''' and flash the RMS image
  - Select your Raspberry Pi device
  - Under Choose operating System, Scroll down to Custom Image, and locate the RMS image you downloaded.
  - Select your storage device (the storage media you plan to use on the Pi)


6. Select your USB flash drive as the ''Target''.
'''IMPORTANT:'''
:  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.  
Depending on the image you are flashing, you may be asked if you want to change a few things before continuing. DO NOT change the username and password. These are embedded in the image. You can change wifi options, or change them later after you have booted the Pi.
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.
  - Choose Write image, then Expect to see this warning: "You are about to ERASE all data on: xxxxxxxxx Storage Device USB Device"
: Raspberry Pi should already be connected to a TV or monitor, a keyboard, and mouse connected.  
  - Click on the button "I UNDERSTAND, ERASE AND WRITE"
  - The write pass will be followed by a verify pass
  - Finally you should see Write complete!
 
4. Eject the USB flash drive, then remove microSD card/USB flash drive.
 
If you encounter errors during flashing, you can verify the '''checksum (CRC)''' of your download to make sure it was downloaded correctly. If the checksum of the image is good and errors persist when flashing, your target storage media may be bad.
 
'''Balena Etcher''' and '''Rufus''' are other flashing software options for RMS images. If you have issues flashing an image and have confirmed a good checksum for your download, try using different flashing software. Balena Etcher can sometimes generate false error messages at the end of the flash operation. Raspberry Pi Imager works fine when flashing the same downloaded image.
 
5. 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]]'''.
: 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.
: This is what the selection should look like:
[[File:BalenaEtcher_selection.png|center]]


: This is what the process should look like:
10. Wait for the boot.
[[File:BalenaEtcher_process.png|center]]
If the boot takes too long to begin, refer to the next section. If the Pi booted successfully, follow the on-screen instructions.


== Pre-2021 Raspberry Pi 4 bootloader update - USB flash drive ONLY ==
== Pre-2021 Raspberry Pi 4 bootloader update - USB flash drive ONLY ==
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== The first boot ==
== The first boot ==


This is how the first boot of RMS linux looks:
This is how the first boot of RMS Linux looked for an earlier RMS image, we will upload a new screen image for Trixie RMS soon:
[[File:The_first_boot_raspi.png|1500px|center]]
[[File:The_first_boot_raspi.png|1500px|center]]


Line 67: Line 71:


= (Optional) Install the software from scratch =
= (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.
This installation is '''only''' for knowledgeable 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]'''.
: '''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]'''.


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4. To connect to the Pi using VNC, you must know either its name or its IP address.
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''.  
: '''NOTE:''' If you did not set the hostname when you burned the microSD card, (this is an option that may 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.
: 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.


Revision as of 21:31, 22 January 2026

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 Trixie image for Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi5, and save it on your PC in any directory. The Trixie RMS image is here. 

 RMS_RPi5_RPi4_Trixie_20260116.img.xz is 2.5 GiB (2,735,084,084 bytes)
 Checksum: 235281AB4E8E9449BAC2D2AD107B605D

A second image option (only for Pi4) is Bullseye RMS, but this Operating System (OS) version has been placed on retired status by the Raspberry Pi organization. As a result, there may not be new OS patches or updates. The only reason to choose Bullseye for Pi4 would be that you require remote access using AnyDesk, RealVNC Server, NoMachine, or TeamViewer. The Bullseye RMS image is here. 

 RMS_RPi4Bullseye_10260116.img.xz is 3.0 GiB (3,223,859,108 bytes)
 Checksum: BD56C691A2E8EA0081CAD5218BD57D22

Both Trixie and Bullseye support RustDesk remote access with file transfer. Trixie includes Raspberry Pi Connect for remote access and file transfer but Bullseye is not able to run this software from the Raspberry Pi organization. Both images support VNC connections, providing PC and Pi are on the same local network (LAN). Only Bullseye supports file transfer using VNC.

Trixie and Bullseye RMS images offer Samba share directories ~/RMS_data and ~/shared. You can map these shares so they appear as local drives on your PC, and use these drive mappings to transfer files.


If you encounter problems with any of the images, contact the Technical Support group at https://globalmeteornetwork.groups.io/g/techsupport.


2. Download Raspberry Pi Imager v2.0 (or newer) here.

3. Start Raspberry Pi Imager and flash the RMS image 

 - Select your Raspberry Pi device
 - Under Choose operating System, Scroll down to Custom Image, and locate the RMS image you downloaded.
 - Select your storage device (the storage media you plan to use on the Pi)

IMPORTANT: Depending on the image you are flashing, you may be asked if you want to change a few things before continuing. DO NOT change the username and password. These are embedded in the image. You can change wifi options, or change them later after you have booted the Pi. 

 - Choose Write image, then Expect to see this warning: "You are about to ERASE all data on: xxxxxxxxx Storage Device USB Device"
 - Click on the button "I UNDERSTAND, ERASE AND WRITE"
 - The write pass will be followed by a verify pass
 - Finally you should see Write complete!

4. Eject the USB flash drive, then remove microSD card/USB flash drive.

If you encounter errors during flashing, you can verify the checksum (CRC) of your download to make sure it was downloaded correctly. If the checksum of the image is good and errors persist when flashing, your target storage media may be bad.

Balena Etcher and Rufus are other flashing software options for RMS images. If you have issues flashing an image and have confirmed a good checksum for your download, try using different flashing software. Balena Etcher can sometimes generate false error messages at the end of the flash operation. Raspberry Pi Imager works fine when flashing the same downloaded image.

5. 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.

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 looked for an earlier RMS image, we will upload a new screen image for Trixie RMS soon:

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 only for knowledgeable 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 that may 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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