Top 5 Professional Applications of the Elecrow Pi Terminal

Have you ever found that scaling a Raspberry Pi concept from a test bench to a reliable, deployable system introduces significant challenges in housing, display integration, and I/O expansion? The Elecrow Pi Terminal is engineered to solve this exact problem. It is not an accessory, but an all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a comprehensive suite of industrial-grade interfaces.

But with such a capable device, the critical question becomes: "How can it be leveraged in a professional setting?"

For a quick overview, the table below summarizes the core applications. Click on any application title to jump directly to the detailed section.

Application #5: Edge AI & Machine Vision Terminal

Core Function:

Deploying intelligent vision systems directly at the source of data, reducing latency and network dependency.

How It's Achieved:

• Powerful Core: The Pi Terminal is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM4, featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor capable of running lightweight machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow Lite.
• Visual Input: The onboard CSI camera interfaces allow for the direct connection of high-resolution cameras.
• Use Cases: With the installation of the OpenCV library, you can develop systems for quality control on production lines, vision-based access control, or automated reading of analog gauges. All results and user interactions can be managed directly on the integrated 7-inch display, creating a self-contained solution.

CM4-Excellent Ability

Application #4: Compact PLC & Automation Controller

Core Function:

Serving as a reliable automation core for small-scale machinery, process control, and workshop automation.

How It's Achieved:

• Robust Inputs: Utilize the photo-electrically isolated Digital Inputs (DI) to connect industrial sensors like limit switches and proximity sensors, ensuring signal integrity in noisy environments.
• Direct Actuation: The onboard relays can directly drive small loads such as solenoids, contactor coils, and indicator lights.
• Flexible Logic Programming: Implement complex sequential logic with ease using the graphical Node-RED environment for rapid prototyping, or write sophisticated control programs in Python or C++ for mission-critical applications.

Application #3: CAN Bus Analyzer & Diagnostic Tool

Core Function:

Streamlining the development and diagnostics for automotive, robotics, and industrial machinery applications.

How It's Achieved:

• Native Interface: The Pi Terminal features an onboard CAN bus interface, eliminating the need for external, often unreliable USB-to-CAN adapters.
• Standard Software Integration: By installing the standard can-utils software suite in Raspberry Pi OS, engineers can monitor, log, and transmit CAN packets professionally.
• Custom Diagnostic Interfaces: Develop custom Python scripts to parse specific CAN IDs—such as vehicle speed or engine RPM—and display the data in real-time on the HMI screen, creating a purpose-built diagnostic tool.

Many Systems Supported

Application #2: Industrial IoT (IIoT) Gateway

Core Function:

Bridging the gap between legacy Operational Technology (OT) and modern IT infrastructure, enabling data connectivity for non-networked equipment.

How It's Achieved:

• Data Acquisition: Use the integrated RS485 interface to poll data from field devices like VFDs, PLCs, and temperature controllers using the industry-standard Modbus protocol.
• Network Connectivity: Transmit the acquired data via MQTT to cloud platforms (AWS IoT, Azure) or on-premise servers using the built-in Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Remote Deployment: For locations without wired or Wi-Fi access, the Mini-PCIe slot allows for the integration of a 4G LTE module for true remote monitoring capabilities.

Application #1: Interactive Human-Machine Interface (HMI) & SCADA Node

Core Function:

To serve as a professional, intuitive touch-control center for any machine, process, or project—this is its primary mission.

Why This is the Core Application:

Regardless of which of the other applications you implement, an HMI provides the essential layer for observation and control. The Pi Terminal is, by its very design, a perfect HMI device, making this its most direct and powerful capability.

Implementation Example: A Desktop Monitoring Dashboard

This foundational project demonstrates the device's power by creating an HMI to monitor sensors, control actuators, and respond to inputs.

Objective:

• Monitor: Read an analog value from a light sensor and display it on a gauge.
• Control: Toggle a small fan connected to a relay via a touchscreen button.
• Respond: Display an immediate alert when an emergency stop button is pressed.

Key Implementation Steps:

1. Hardware Connection:
   • Sensor: Connect the analog sensor's signal wire to the ADC_IN0 Phoenix terminal.
   • Fan: Wire the fan through the Relay interface (using NO1 and COM1 terminals) to its external power source.
   • Button: Connect the emergency stop button to the DI0 (Isolated Digital Input) and GND terminals.
2. Node-RED Software Configuration (Core Logic):
   • Access the Node-RED interface via a web browser at http://:1880.
   • Control Logic: Drag a ui_switch node (for the UI button) and an rpi gpio out node (configured to the relay's GPIO) onto the canvas. Connect them. This creates a functional touchscreen switch.
   • Status Monitoring: Use an rpi gpio in node to read the button's state. Feed this into a switch node to determine the logic ("Normal" vs. "Emergency"). Output the corresponding text to a ui_text node for display.
   • Deploy & View: Click "Deploy." The complete HMI is now live and accessible on the device's screen or via the /ui URL.

Various Interfaces on Pi Terminal

From Concept to Deployment

These five applications illustrate a core principle: the Elecrow Pi Terminal is engineered to remove foundational hardware hurdles, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters—your software and application logic. It effectively bridges the gap between a promising proof-of-concept and a deployable, industrial-grade solution. The hardware integration is solved. The platform is ready. The only remaining question is: which of your operational challenges will you address first?