A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
Hi,
whether you are trying to buy a Raspberry Pi to test PrusaLink or not, you might have some trouble finding one in stock, thanks to the ongoing shortages. A user from our Discord server has linked to what looks like an awesome site that watches for Pis to become available and pings you. It's called rpilocator. Consider giving it a try.
Since I've mentioned the Discord server, here's a link to join that if you're interested https://discord.gg/44UpaNEz5f
RE:
I've used this and have occasionally gotten some hits, but by the time I get to the site (Adafruit, Vilros, etc.) they are out of stock again.
I don't know how many vendors have also done this, but Adafruit is now restricting RPI purchases to verified accounts to prevent bot buying and hoarding.
RE:
It's to the point of ridiculousness, sadly I don't see the end in site, but thank you for the link. I sure would love to get "two" of the 50 you acquired.
please keep the info coming, it's appreciated.
Regards
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
Sorry to boast, it's just really interesting to me, how well connected someone has to be to be able to do this sort of a thing. I even bought my own, expecting we won't get any.
Anyway sorry for the overshare
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
I've been a Pi fan since ca. 2015 when my then boss turned me on to them, knowing that I was a Unix/Linux fan and knowing that I was planning a model railroad with some simple automation.
Since then I've obtained several of them, used them for various home automation projects, an Asterisk server, security camera motion detector alarm, home panic alarm, 3d printer enclosure temperature monitor/controller, automated touch-free flush valve, wearable spy camera, and even a few large screen clocks.
I'm hoping that the 'shortage' resolves. I know that the Pi folks try to keep the price point low, and that adds to the demand side of the equation and also discourages competition. (I'm aware of the Banana Pi clone, priced slightly higher.)
I do keep a couple of Pi Zero boards on hand for projects, and I have one each of unused Pi 3 and Pi 4, but I don't intend to hoard or resell. I just want to have what I need available when I need it.
The later Pi 4 series is actually powerful enough to act as a lower-end desktop, and when the PC I had in the train room died, I replaced it with a Pi 400, which is a Pi 4 with integral keyboard. I use it mostly to control and monitor the other Pis that run the model railroad, but it's good for causal web surfing, document/photo editing, and it performs moderately well with FreeCad.
Below are a few of the many Pi applications I've done.
A moving platform for a railroad accessory, the Pi Zero spy camera, the plans for which were circulating around at our local makerspace a few years ago, and the one in place which drives the signaling on the model railroad.
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
@tojik
No worries,
I know how things are, I have several patents, and since Covid, and several other occurrences, I have become more then savvy, about acquisition.
enjoy it while it lasts, 😀
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
@tojik
BTW, I missed my edit opportunity, I appreciate " the overshare" it helps me to have a finger on the pulse of whats going on in the world, I spend hours trying to keep up, and harbor no resentment for the information given. More power to you "your company" But me too.
😀 Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
I don't want to give something important(er) away. I'll keep in mind there are fingers waiting to be put on the pulses of things
RE:
This is nice. I don't think the spy camera has the required size to compete with spy cameras nowadays, but still a nice project nonetheless.
I respect the permanent breadboard installation 🙂
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
good site to watch i got my 20 from rapid i signed up to their text notification, they had 250 i checked out mins after got message and they went out of stock a min after my order, might be worth signing up for texts uk people
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
@Tojik, is it possible for you to check the discord link? I get an invalid or not allowed error when trying to join.
Alternatively it looks like the site you mentioned is down for a 500 error. Can you poke the user to let them know (assuming they don't already)?
RE:
Hi, sorry, wasn't aware of the inbuilt expiration feature, now it won't do that. I need to update the one i put into the Wizard
RE: A site that keeps track of Raspis in stock - rpilocator
Here's an update on the Raspberry Pi supply issues from an official source: https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/production-and-supply-chain-update/