Tag: Raspberry Pi

ANAVI Info uHAT Used in Yocto Project I²C Tutorial on Raspberry Pi 5

ANAVI Info uHAT is an affordable, open-source Raspberry Pi add-on board that brings extra functionality in a compact form. It features a mini OLED display, three buttons, red and green indicator LEDs, and slots for various sensors. Each kit includes a 0.96″ yellow-blue I²C OLED display with a resolution of 128×64 pixels.

Originally crowdfunded on Crowd Supply in 2022, the board is now available from various distributors, including Mouser. While our documentation is based on Raspberry Pi OS, ANAVI Info uHAT works with any Raspberry Pi computer model and Linux distribution running on Raspberry Pi.

At the start of 2025, Leon Anavi launched a series of video tutorials on the Yocto Project and OpenEmbedded. The Yocto Project, a collaborative initiative under the Linux Foundation, has become the de facto industry standard for creating custom Linux distributions tailored for embedded devices.

In Episode 9 from September 2025, Leon demonstrates how to enable I²C on a Raspberry Pi and use it with an SSD1306 mini OLED display. To simplify wiring, he used the ANAVI Info uHAT, attaching it directly to the Raspberry Pi 5’s 40-pin header, while the OLED display connected to its dedicated I²C port.

Thanks to meta-raspberrypi, a community-maintained Yocto/OpenEmbedded BSP (Board Support Package) layer, enabling I²C and autoloading its Linux kernel modules is as simple as adding two lines to conf/local.conf:

ENABLE_I2C = "1"
KERNEL_MODULE_AUTOLOAD:rpi += "i2c-dev i2c-bcm2708"

The demonstration from the video tutorial also included useful packages in the Yocto image to scan for I²C devices and interact with the SSD1306 OLED display:

IMAGE_INSTALL:append = " i2c-tools ssd1306"

After building core-image-base and booting it on the Raspberry Pi, you can test the OLED using the open-source ssd1306_bin tool. Here are some sample commands from the tutorial:

ssd1306_bin -n 1 -I 128x64
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -c
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -r 0
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -x 1 -y 1
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -l "Hello World"
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -x 1 -y 2
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -l "The Yocto Project"
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -x 1 -y 3
ssd1306_bin -n 1 -l "on Raspberry Pi 5"

This tutorial builds on concepts from previous episodes in the series, so if you are new to the Yocto Project on Raspberry Pi 5, it is highly recommended to start from the beginning. Watching the full video will give you a detailed walkthrough and context for each step.

You may also like

Introducing ANAVI TPM 2.0: Trusted Security for Your Raspberry Pi

We are excited to unveil our latest product: ANAVI TPM 2.0, a powerful, open source hardware add-on board that brings industry-standard TPM 2.0 security to Raspberry Pi single board computers.

Built around the Infineon Optiga SLB 9672 chip, ANAVI TPM 2.0 connects to your Raspberry Pi via the SPI on the 40-pin header, making it easy to add hardware-based cryptographic security to your projects. From secure key storage and digital signatures to disk encryption and measured boot, TPM 2.0 enables a wide range of security-critical applications. It even functions as a True Hardware Random Number Generator (TRNG), a crucial feature for any system requiring high-entropy randomness.

Whether you are a developer, engineer or hobbyist, ANAVI TPM 2.0 offers a reliable solution to enhance trust and integrity in your Raspberry Pi setup. To support different use cases, the board will be available in two hardware configurations:

  • Horizontal version with a standard 2×5 (2.54 mm) female header
  • Vertical version with a 2×5 (2.54 mm) female header mounted at a 90-degree angle

ANAVI TPM 2.0 will launch soon via a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply, our trusted long-term partner. As usual, we will manufacture the boards in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, EU. Please, subscribe on the Crowd Supply page to be notified when the campaign goes live and be among the first to secure your board!

You may also like

Crowdfunding Sucess Story: ANAVI Dev Mic is Shipping Soon

ANAVI Dev Mic is an open source hardware computer microphone powered by Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. It was successfully crowdfunded through Crowd Supply on Sep 26 2024.

ANAVI Dev Mic connected to a laptop as an external USB-C microphone

The initially estimated shipping date was Nov 17, 2024. However, we have great news to share! A few days ago we dispatched all ANAVI Dev Mic kits to Crowd Supply’s warehouse. This means that shipping to backers will start ahead of schedule. Over the next few weeks, orders will be processed through their fulfillment system.

ANAVI Dev Mic eco-friendly packaging

If you have backed the crowdfunding campaign and you need to update your shipping address, please do so via your Crowd Supply account as soon as possible. Shipping to backers will begin soon, and you’ll receive a tracking number once your order is on its way. You can also check your order status and other details through your account.

DIY kits with ANAVI Dev Mic

Each kit is packaged in an eco-friendly cardboard box made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and responsible packaging.

We sincerely thank you for supporting our open-source computer microphone! If you missed the crowdfunding period you can still order your new microphone from Crowd Supply. In the coming months we stock ANAVI Dev Mic through other trusted distributors and online stores. As usual, stay tuned for further technical updates and new exciting open source projects!

You may also like

ANAVI Dev Mic Crowdfunding Success: Thank You for Your Support!

Our crowdfunding campaign at Crowd Supply for ANAVI Dev Mic successfully wrapped up on September 26th, and we couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you! Over 30 backers from eight countries supported this open-source hardware project for a computer microphone powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.

ANAVI Dev Mic is a compact, affordable, exceptionally adaptable open-source microphone. The printed circuit board has been designed with KiCad and feetures Seeed Studio XIAO module with the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and an omnidirectional digital microphone that work together to ensure high-quality sound capture and processing.

The production of the printed circuit boards and component assembly is now complete, and we’ve also finished the laser-cut acrylic enclosures. Packaging materials, including cardboard boxes and stickers, are ready to go. In the coming weeks, we’ll complete packaging and transfer everything to the warehouse. From there, Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service will ship the ANAVI Dev Mic kits to all our backers.

Thank you again for your tremendous support, feedback, and contributions to our GitHub repositories. More updates are coming soon—stay tuned!

You may also like

Step-by-Step Video Guide: Assembling Your ANAVI Dev Mic

The ANAVI Dev Mic is a small, open-source microphone kit designed for hobbyists and developers. It’s easy to assemble on your own, even with minimal tools. While you can complete the assembly using just your hands, a screwdriver will make the process quicker.

Components

When you open the ANAVI Dev Mic kit, you’ll find the following parts:

  • Black PCB with gold plating and white markings
  • Acrylic top cover
  • Acrylic bottom cover
  • Four 10 mm screws (M2.5)
  • Eight M2.5 nuts

NOTE: The kit does not include a USB-C cable. You can use one you already have or buy one separately.

Step 1: Remove Protective Layer

The acrylic covers are laser-cut and come with a protective film on both sides. Carefully peel off this film to reveal the clear acrylic.

Step 2: Attach the Top Cover

Take the PCB and the top acrylic cover, which has a circular cutout for the microphone. Align the cover with the corresponding circle on the PCB. Insert a screw into each of the four mounting holes and secure them with the nuts provided.

Step 3: Install the Bottom Cover

Next, place the bottom acrylic cover over the side of the PCB where the XIAO RP2040 module is located. Secure the cover by tightening it with the remaining four nuts.

Step 4: Connect and Use

With these simple steps completed, your microphone is ready to go. Just plug ANAVI Dev Mic into your computer using a USB-C cable, and you’re good to go!

You may also like

Transform Wii Nunchuk into a USB-C Joystick for Your PC with ANAVI Handle


Let’s explore how to retrofit a classic Wii Nunchuk controller using ANAVI Handle, an open source hardware USB-C adapter that lets you connect a wired Nunchuk controller to any modern PC, be it a laptop or desktop. In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure the Nunchuk as a joystick and enjoy the open-source game “Tiny Crate”, all within your web browser.

Hardware Requirements

To get started, you’ll need:

  • A personal computer
  • A USB Type-C cable
  • An ANAVI Handle along with a Wii Nunchuk (or another compatible controller)

Software Configuration

Begin by connecting your Wii Nunchuk controller to your computer using the ANAVI Handle, an open-source hardware adapter. Next, edit the config.json file to enable joystick mode by adding:

{
    "type": "joystick"
}

The ANAVI Handle’s default open-source firmware (written in CircuitPython) uses the analog stick and buttons on the Nunchuk to control movement in joystick mode. After modifying config.json, disconnect and reconnect the ANAVI Handle to apply the changes.

The ANAVI Handle’s RGB LED provides visual feedback on the connection status:

  • A green light indicates a successfully connected Nunchuk controller.
  • A blue light shows the controller has been disconnected from the ANAVI Handle.
  • A red light signals an absent or improperly connected Nunchuk controller.

In the video, you’ll see the green light illuminated, confirming that everything is functioning correctly.

To quickly verify that your controller is working in joystick mode, load the HTML5 Gamepad Test in a modern web browser. This open-source tool is available on GitHub under the MIT license and provides a simple way to check your controller’s functionality.

Let’s Play!

Once everything is set up, you’re ready to dive into games that support joysticks!

While preparing this video, I discovered an incredible game called Tiny Crate. It’s a 2D puzzle game with charming pixel art graphics and joystick compatibility. Despite being a puzzle game, its game play evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic jump-and-run titles. Tiny Crate is an open-source game, with its source code available on GitHub. Developed using the Godot game engine, it’s playable on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android.

I featured Tiny Crate while demonstrating the ANAVI Handle during the “Show and Tell” segment of Pi Wars, a Raspberry Pi-based, non-destructive robotics competition. Pi Wars 2024 took place on April 20th-21st in Cambridge, UK, attracting 58 teams of robot engineers. During my demonstration, children of all ages were captivated by Tiny Crate, so much so that many were too absorbed in solving game levels to notice the ANAVI Handle or the Nunchuk controller. This speaks volumes about the quality of Tiny Crate and the effectiveness of the ANAVI Handle in seamlessly converting the Nunchuk controller into a USB HID device.

If you’re passionate about gaming innovation and eager for a new experience, all you need is a Nunchuk controller and an ANAVI Handle. After a successful crowdfunding campaign ANAVI Handle is available at Crowd Supply. We will soon stock it at our other distributors. Follow this guide and get ready to enjoy hours of fun with your favorite games!

You may also like

Classical Gaming on a PC with RetroPie and Nintendo Wii Nunchuk Controller

Thanks to open source it is possible to enjoy your favorite arcade, home-console, and classic PC games on a budget setup. In this video tutorial, we will transform an old netbook into a portable retro-gaming machine using Raspberry Pi OS and RetroPie.

RetroPie is a software package designed to enable the emulation of classic video game consoles that sits on top of a full OS. In this tutorial we will install it on top of a Linux distribution. RetroPie allows users to play games from a wide range of vintage systems by using emulators for platforms such as:

  • Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, Lynx
  • Commodore 64
  • Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super NES (SNES), Nintendo 64 (N64), Game Boy, Game Boy Advance
  • Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, Sega 32X, Sega Master System, Game Gear
  • Sony PlayStation 1

Required Hardware

This is the required hardware for this tutorial:

  • Personal computer (PC). For example an old netbook like Acer Aspire One D257 or Asus EeePC (or similar) with an Intel Atom or AMD CPU is a great fit.
  • ANAVI Handle open source hardware USB adapter for Wiimote attachments
  • Wii Nunchuk controller (or another compatible controller)

Software

Follow the steps below to install and configure all the required software on your computer.

Step 1: Install Raspberry Pi OS for Desktop

Raspberry Pi Desktop for PC and Mac is a 32-bit GNU/Linux operating system designed for older and less powerful computers. It’s based on Debian, a popular Linux distribution, and includes the Raspberry Pi OS desktop environment along with a set of recommended software. If you have an aging computer that can’t handle modern commercial operating systems, Raspberry Pi OS can revitalize it, making it usable again. To get started, download the OS, flash the ISO file onto a USB drive, boot from the USB on your computer, and proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Install RetroPie

Follow the official documentation for installing RetroPie on a PC running Debian or Ubuntu. Use the RetroPie setup script to perform a Basic Install.

Step 3: Transfer ROM files

After RetroPie is installed, you’ll need to move ROM files for your favorite games into the correct directories. If you followed the steps above, the main directory for all ROMs is located at ~/RetroPie/roms (or /home/pi/RetroPie/roms, which is the same). There are subdirectories for each supported emulated system, such as NES, SNES, and others.

Step 4: Connect ANAVI Handle and Nunchuk

The next step is to connect a Wii Nunchuk controller to your computer using our open-source hardware adapter. Edit config.json and enable keyboard mode:


{
    "type": "keyboard"
}

ANAVI Handle comes with open source firmware written in CircuitPython. The keyboard mode includes a D-pad (directional pad, aka arrows), along with A and B keys. Save the changes to config.json. Ensure they take effect by disconnecting and then reconnecting the ANAVI Handle. After that configure the controls in RetroPie using the Nunchuk controller and ANAVI Handle.

The RGB LED on ANAVI Handle indicates the connection state

Connection States Through RGB LED

The default open-source firmware uses the RGB LED to display three different connection states:

  • A green light means the Nunchuk controller is properly connected.
  • A blue light indicates the controller has been disconnected from the ANAVI Handle.
  • A red light warns that the Nunchuk controller is missing or not connected correctly.

In the demo video, you’ll see the green light on, signaling that you’re ready to enjoy some classic games!

Enjoy Retro Gaming on the Go

Once everything is set up, you can begin your retro-gaming adventure! Power on your computer. RetroPie will start automatically (unless you’ve configured it differently), allowing you to dive into a world of classic arcade, home console, and homebrew games. Whether you’re fighting aliens or challenging a heavyweight champ, a whole world of gaming awaits you. heavyweight champ, a whole world of gaming is waiting for you.

If you have an old Netbook, give it a second chance as portable gaming machine! Get a Nunchuk controller and our open source ANAVI Handle, follow this tutorial, and get ready to relive the golden age of gaming!

You may also like

ANAVI Handle was Certified as Open Source Hardware with UID BG000134

The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) officially certified our new gadget ANAVI Handle in April. ANAVI Handle is a small USB-C adapter with XIAO RP2040 that allows you to use Wii Nunchuk-compatible controllers as USB HID peripherals on your personal computer. You can configure ANAVI Handle to adapt the controller as a joystick, keyboard or a mouse.

OSHWA, a prominent U.S.-based non-profit, manages the Certified Projects Directory and annually hosts the prestigious Open Hardware Summit. Their certification program ensures that a project’s interpretation of “open source hardware” aligns with the community’s standards, promoting transparency and accessibility.

Each certified hardware version is identified by a unique identification number (UID) that includes a country code and a numerical sequence. On April 19th, ANAVI Handle version 1.0 was certified with the UID BG000134. This UID, displayed through the OSHW Certification Mark, simplifies navigation and information access for interested parties. The “BG” prefix indicates that the ANAVI Handle is from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, a city renowned as Bulgaria’s second-largest and Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with over 6000 years of history.

Our projects, including the ANAVI Handle, are distinguished by our unwavering commitment to complete openness. Every aspect of our design and functionality is made accessible to all, reflecting the true spirit of the open-source community. From the KiCad-designed printed circuit board to the highly-configurable firmware powered by CircuitPython, we exclusively use free and open-source software.

We launched ANAVI Handle on the market through a successful crowdfunding campaign at Crowd Supply. Place your order now to be among the first to experience the ultimate open-source USB adapter for your Nunchuk controller!

You may also like

ANAVI Handle Crowdfunding Success: Kits Ready for Distribution and Available for Purchase

Exciting update, folks! The ANAVI Handle crowdfunding campaign wrapped up successfully a few weeks back. We’ve shipped all the kits to Crowd Supply’s warehouse, and they’re gearing up for distribution. In the next couple of weeks, orders will flow into Crowd Supply’s fulfillment system and be swiftly processed.

The ANAVI Handle is an open-source hardware USB adapter for the Nintendo Wiimote connector. Its open-source firmware transforms the Nunchuk controller into a USB mouse, keyboard, or joystick. If you missed out on the crowdfunding phase, don’t worry—you can still snag a kit from Crowd Supply.

You may also like

Happy New Year!

2024 Open Source Hardware

As we step into 2024, we extend our warmest wishes to all makers and engineers passionately involved in open-source software and hardware ecosystem. May the coming year be filled with groundbreaking projects, collaborative efforts, and success in all your endeavors!

2023 in Review

2023 was a significant turning point for the tech industry. It marked rise of AI and also the end of the global chip shortage, providing relief to both small and large manufacturers and paving the way for new cutting-edge devices. Among the highlights of 2023 was the very anticipated release of Raspberry Pi 5 single board computer.

ANAVI Arrows and ANAVI Macro Pad 12

In 2023, our open source hardware lineup expanded with a couple of new mechanical keyboards ANAVI Macro Pad 12 and ANAVI Arrows. Both are OSHWA certified and support QMK and KMK. We have dedicated considerable efforts to streamline the production of our existing products, ensuring that we maintain competitive retail prices while meeting the growing demand for years to come. Despite rising production costs, we have maintained our prices without any increases.

2024 Roadmap

Looking ahead to 2024, we’re thrilled to unveil a range of exciting products. The ANAVI Miracle uHAT takes center stage, allowing users to conduct a symphony of color with this open source add-on board for Raspberry Pi single board computers. Featuring compatibility with addressable RGB LED strips like WS2812B, mini I2C OLED display, and sensors, it opens up a world of possibilities for dynamic and interactive projects. We hope to launch a crowdfunding campaign for ANAVI Miracle uHAT at Crowd Supply in Q1 2024.

ANAVI Miracle uHAT for Raspberry Pi

But that’s not all. Our lineup for 2024 also includes plans for USB adapter board designed for Wii Nunchuk compatible joysticks, providing a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, we’re working on a USB microphone, IoT development boards and a CO2 sensor—innovations that align with our commitment to developing practical and meaningful open-source hardware solutions. Stay tuned for more surprises, including potential additions to our collection of mechanical keyboards, as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of DIY electronics. Here’s to another year of collaboration, creativity, and limitless innovation in the open-source hardware community!

You may also like