Pi-oT Launches IoT Module for the Raspberry Pi

There are many solutions for the Raspberry Pi that allow users to control IoT devices for any number of applications, including home automation, remote monitoring, and security, to name a few. While some solutions can be challenging to implement, a new IoT startup, Pi-oT, looks to make the process easier with their IoT Module for the Raspberry Pi.

“The IoT Module for Raspberry Pi by Pi-oT started out as a B2B prototype. Our team developed a PC based IoT module for industrial settings, and we found ourselves using Raspberry Pi’s frequently for prototyping. The only problem with using the Raspberry Pi for industrial settings, is the auxiliary hardware are all Chinese hobby grade components. In order to truly harness the power of the newer Raspberry Pi’s and other SBCs, we decided to design a full IoT module to interface easily with the Raspberry Pi’s 40-pin GPIO connector.”

The IoT Module was designed with a robust platform using five onboard relays that employ the open source MCP3008/3208 Python library, enabling the Raspberry Pi to read the analog inputs without the need to use any custom software, making it a breeze to utilize. There are 26 screw terminals to safely secure wires, as well as the option to be back-powered through its 5V terminal or via USB Micro female adapter. The high-tolerance circuit board resides in a robust case with enough room to house the Raspberry Pi and even some HATs if needed and features a DNI rail and panel mount to tack the module almost anywhere. There’s also a pair of removable ports on the case that provide access to any unused pins on the Pi.

Pi-oT is currently crowdfunding the IoT Module for Raspberry Pi on Kickstarter, and comes in two packages — the Commercial Grade, which offers five SPDT relays with jumpers for selectable GPIOs to control said relays, and a 10-bit/8-channel analog to digital converter to read sensors and data-log projects. The other is the Industrial Grade package, which features thicker (2oz) copper PCB traces and higher-rated Panasonic relays, boosting the analog to digital converter to 12-bits. A $40 pledge gets you the Commercial version, while $50 gets the Industrial, and both have an expected delivery date of October 2019.