Raspberry Pi 3

We have had some building work done through October and November which rendered the seven out of bounds as the scaffolding came down in front of the garage.  I do plan to get out over Christmas as much as possible now the scaffolding has gone.  However......

Meanwhile I bought a Raspberry Pi 3 as I was intrigued by all the projects people are showing on the web.  I am not sure what I expected but what I have found is that the RPi is quite simply an outstanding and versatile piece of kit.  So much so that I will be getting another one for the garage so I can search the web and listen to music as I work on the Seven.  I have a PC there now but it is very old, a new cheap one would cost at least £150 to £250 to get something useful.  But the RPi is a no brainer at £30 (+case +keyboard +mouse).  

Within a few days of having the RPi I have managed to build (on a breadboard) and program an external lighting control system for my garden.  This is something I was going to talk to Lutron or Helvar about with the hope of getting some end of line kit cheap.  However with all the commercial lighting control kit out there it is the commissioning that costs money as you are not able to do it yourself.  So the fact that a £30 RPi (and £10 of relays) can do everything I need and I can change the control via Python software is just fantastic.  

When I wired the garden lights ~8 years ago I planed multiple circuits with the intention of controlling it via a simple system.  As it is for 8 years we have controlled it all via a 20A DP switch in the kitchen.  I will update this post once I hardwire the RPi into the garden lighting.  

Screen shot of the Radiance Lighting Software (Bonus)

Garden Lighting Test Program

Spare Battery Master Switch Key needed.

Are they all the same or do I need a specific make to match the switch I purchased from Caterham?

Holiday in Tomintoul

After France last year we opted for somewhere closer to home this year and headed north to the Cairngorms.  The better half took the kids in the tin top and I took the Caterham.  We took the Stirling to Perth to Braemar A9 / A93 route on the way up and the Perth to Edinburgh to Carlise M90 / A702 route on the way home.  Whilst there we explored various places and many good roads but the A939 from Tomintoul to Nairn was a favorite.  Not many car pictures as we were having to much fun.

Balneden Steadings was a superb base and very high quality home from home.  The car was outside in some pretty horrific wind and rain and I only had the smallest of pools of water in the drivers footwell.

We walked up Cairngorm although the views were poor on the day.

 

We also walked up Carn Eachie where we had better but very windy views.

A stopping point on the A939.

I found the M6 again

A fabulous 3 hour blat in, around and over the forest of bowland this morning.  Found some great spots for taking pictures and some great new roads.  I just need a road to take me from Dolphinholme south towards Longridge rather than do the last 30 miles on the Motorway.  I suffered 3 showers with the hood down but no more than two minutes each.  As I await my new camera I had to make do with the wifes today.

All three pictures taken HERE

Taith Eryri Tour 2016

A massive thank you to the Caernarvonshire and Anglesey Motor Club for organising a fabulous 90 mile drive around the Llyn Peninsula.  Whilst it started out a bit misty it cleared up nicely. Great to see the club raise £1400 for the Air Ambulance aswel.

Yorkshire Again

We decided to have a weekend away and found a fabulous hotel in Scalby nr Scarborough.  On the Friday we stopped at Fountains Abbey before heading to Scalby.  On the Saturday we visited Castle Howard and the motor museum / auction house in Thorton Dale.  On Sunday we drove up to Whitby and Sands End for a quick peak before travelling back to Pickering and Helmsley via the A169 and A170.  We had a quick final stop for coffee and cake in Skipton before heading home.  I am currently camera less and so only have the phone for pictures.

Love Yorkshire.

Rammy to Clapham and then the..... M6!

Had a nice run through Slaidburn, up to Clapham back down to Bentham and then just as I am thinking I should be seeing signs for Slaidburn again, I saw the M6 motorway and a sign for Lancaster.  I'll take the sat nav next time.

LADS day out at RAF Cosford

The LADS organised a day out to RAF Cosford.  As the day approached the weather shifted from torrential rain to 'we might just get away with a light shower'.  On the day it was a dry run there with various groups getting a little wet on the way back.  Thanks to RAF Cosford for accomodating us.

Dare I say it but Yorkshire have some cracking roads.

I set off at 6am this morning and got back at 10am after 160 miles of pure Caterham fun.  My blat took me to Thruscross, Gouthwaite and Grimwith reservoirs.  From Grimwith I then headed to Long Preston before heading home via Gisburn and Barnoldswick.  I found a few dead ends and closed roads but not to worry it was a fabulous drive.

Thruscross Reservoir

Thruscross Reservoir

Thruscross Reservoir

Thruscross Reservoir

Grimwith Reservoir

Grimwith Reservoir

Grimwith Reservoir

Grimwith Reservoir