Open and inexpensive DIY IP-KVM based on Raspberry Pi
InfraManagement
If you've ever tangled with your servers or workstations remotely, you're gonna dig this! Introducing the "Open and inexpensive DIY IP-KVM based on Raspberry Pi"—a game-changer for anyone managing remote systems. This ain't your typical pricey KVM setup; nah, this bad boy is all DIY and open-source, bringing top-notch performance without breaking the bank. So, what's so rad about this project? Well, it's built on none other than our trusty Raspberry Pi, supporting models like the 2, 3, 4, and Zero2W. Sorry, Pi 5 folks, you’re outta luck for now. This DIY IP-KVM gives you FullHD video using either HDMI-to-CSI bridge or a USB dongle, boasting sweet, low-latency video with MJPEG or H.264 (thanks, WebRTC!). And don't you worry about those deep-bench tech needs. You get a bootable Virtual CD-ROM and Flash Drive with image storage on NFS, USB keyboard and mouse emulation, and even PS/2 and Bluetooth HID support. Control your server's power with ATX functions, access through a slick Web UI or VNC, and even leverage IPMI and Wake-on-LAN. It's like having a Swiss Army knife in your server rack. What's even cooler is the ready-made OS with a read-only filesystem—so, no risk of data corruption in case of sudden power cuts. Plus, it’s HTTPS secured right outta the box, and there's even health monitoring for your Pi to keep you in the loop. Now, let’s talk setups. PiKVM comes in multiple flavors. You have the ready-for-action V3 and V4 variants, good to go with all hardware included, complete with H.264 video & audio transmission, power management, and mass-storage emulation. On the DIY side? V1 and V2 got your back. V1 is perfect if you have an older Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 lying around, but V2 is the sweet spot, ideal for Pi 4 or Zero2W, combining all that good stuff into a neat package that's powerful yet easy to build. Ready for some hands-on magic? Get building with simple commands like `make build` and `make install`. Assemble your hardware in a jiffy, no soldering required. Throw in a CSI capture device or a USB video grabber, and you're set for ultra-low latency, top-quality remote management. Security? It’s rock solid. Password protection and SSL ensure that your remote access remains just that—yours. Plus, local monitoring will alert you if something’s going off the rails with your Pi. And guess what? The whole shindig is 100% open-source. So, jump into the vibrant community, hit up the Discord for support, and customize your PiKVM to your heart's delight. Whether you're a hardcore sysadmin or just someone looking to keep tabs on your remote machines, this project is a must-try. Feeling generous? Consider tossing a few bucks their way on Patreon or PayPal to keep the wheels greased. In the spirit of open-source, the PiKVM crew is always striving to innovate and improve. So join the party! Build this DIY IP-KVM and turn your Raspberry Pi into a powerhouse of remote management capabilities. From BIOS tweaks to OS installs, this nifty gadget can do it all without hassle—just pure, unadulterated tech joy.