Elecrow Pi Terminal Review – An All-in-One 7-Inch Industrial Computer with Raspberry Pi CM4 Features LoRa, 4G, CAN Bus, Wi-Fi, BLE, and Dual GbE LAN

Introduction

Industrial-grade computers are evolving fast, and the Pi Terminal 7-inch Industrial Computer by Elecrow is a perfect example. It combines a 7-inch IPS display with the power of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4). This compact yet feature-rich device is designed for automation, IoT, and industrial control systems. Now, let’s see what makes this module stand out.

The Pi Terminal has a 1024×600 IPS touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, and built-in support for WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G, LoRa, and other communication protocols. It is designed for industrial environments, and offers a robust IP65-rated front panel for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for harsh conditions. It supports industrial interfaces like RS232, RS485, CAN, ADC, and digital I/O. Enabling uninterrupted connectivity with sensors, actuators, and machinery. Its multifunctional design combines the capabilities of an HMI, PLC, gateway, and tablet PC, while the pre-installed Node-RED programming environment simplifies IoT application development. It is widely compatible with Raspbian and Ubuntu systems and supports high-speed wired networking with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Build and Design

Right out of the box, the Pi Terminal feels rugged and ready for demanding environments. The 7-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 1024×600 and supports 5-point capacitive touch, ensuring clear visuals and smooth interactivity. The display contains an IP65-rated panel, providing dust and water resistance, essential for harsh industrial settings. It is compact, measuring 192 x 125 x 46 mm with its acrylic enclosure and weighing about 1 kg. While the enclosure is lightweight and sturdy, some users might prefer a metal case for extra durability in extreme conditions.

Processing Power with CM4 and Performance

The processor used in the Pi Terminal 7-inch All-In-One Industrial Computer with Raspberry Pi CM4 module is the Broadcom BCM2711, a quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC clocked at 1.5GHz. A powerful computing performance for industrial and IoT tasks is offered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), with its heart being the processor. The designed architecture helps efficient multitasking, making it ideal for handling real-time operations and complex data processing needs. Additionally, the device’s low power consumption of around 9W is contributed to by the BCM2711’s known energy efficiency, which is advantageous in industrial settings.

Memory and Storage

The Pi Terminal offers 4GB of LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM, providing fast and reliable memory for smooth multitasking and efficient operation in industrial environments. For storage, it includes a 64GB SD memory card with a preloaded operating system, ensuring it’s ready for use right out of the box. Additionally, the device supports an M.2 slot for SSD expansion through its compatible slot, allowing users to enhance storage capacity as needed for demanding applications. While it lacks built-in eMMC storage, the flexibility of SD and SSD options ensures adaptability to various use cases.

Connectivity and Expansion

This industrial computer with Raspberry Pi CM4 is very good at connectivity, offering a flexible mix of wired and wireless options tailored for industrial and IoT applications. It supports Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable wireless communication. For high-speed networking, the device includes dual GBE ports, making it suitable for data-oriented applications. Mini PCIe slots for LoRa and 4G LTE modules are featured, enabling long-range communication and mobile network connectivity. Additionally, industrial-grade interfaces like RS232, RS485/CAN, ADC, and GPIO are equipped in the module, which is essential for control systems. Other connectivity options are included such as USB ports, HDMI output, and a headphone/microphone jack.

Software, Programming, and Operating System

The Pi Terminal is equipped with software and programming tools designed to simplify development and enhance functionality. It supports Raspbian and Ubuntu operating systems, offering flexibility for various use cases. Pre-installed with Node-RED, a visual programming tool, it allows developers to create and deploy IoT applications with ease. Smooth graphical performance is ensured by the integration of OpenGL ES 3.0, making it suitable for tasks involving data visualization and interactive interfaces. Furthermore, all software designed for the Raspberry Pi ecosystem is compatible with the device, enabling developers to leverage a vast library of resources and applications to meet specific project requirements.

Use Cases and Practical Applications

The Pi Terminal is not just a powerhouse on paper, it shines in real-world scenarios. Its robust build and versatile features make it ideal for:

• Industrial Automation:
  Use the GPIO, RS485, and ADC interfaces to control machinery, monitor processes, or act as an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for industrial equipment.
• IoT Gateways:
  A perfect gateway for collecting and transmitting IoT data from remote devices is made by the combination of LoRa, 4G, and Ethernet connectivity.
• Smart Buildings:
  Manage HVAC systems, energy usage, or access control with this all-in-one module.
• Remote Monitoring and Edge Computing:
  Deploy the Pi Terminal in harsh environments for edge computing tasks. Its -10°C to 60°C operating range ensures reliability under extreme conditions.
• Other scenarios:
  Medical technology, mining, agriculture, retail, water management, and more.

Energy Efficiency

Industrial systems often require low power consumption, and the Pi Terminal delivers on that front. With a power requirement of just 9W and a wide input voltage range (12-36V), it’s designed to be efficient without compromising functionality.

Expandability and Customization

Elecrow has designed the Pi Terminal with expandability in mind. The device supports:

• Mini PCIe modules are used to add LoRa, 4G LTE, or other specialized communication modules.
• A GPIO header for custom hardware projects.
• Dual antenna ports to enhance wireless signal strength.

The Pi Terminal is made adaptable to both standard and unique project requirements by the above functions.

Pi Terminal All-in-One Computer with Raspberry Pi CM4 Specifications

• Processor (CM4):
  • Broadcom BCM2711 Quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
• Memory:
  • 4GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM
• Storage:
  • Pre-installed 64GB TF card (Image file loaded)
  • SSD slot expansion (No eMMC)
• Display:
  • Size: 7-inch IPS Panel
  • Resolution: 1024(RGB) × 600
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Brightness: 450 cd/m²
  • Touch Type: 5-point capacitive touch
• Wireless Communication:
  • Wi-Fi:
    • 2.4 GHz / 5.0 GHz (onboard CM4)
  • Bluetooth:
    • BLE 5.0 (onboard CM4)
  • LoRa:
    • Reserved Mini-PCIe-52P socket with a supply voltage of 3.3V (Optional)
    • LR1302 LoRaWAN SPI/USB interface gateway module
    • Support M.2 NVME SSD (requires M.2 to Mini PCIE interface adapter board)
  • 4G LTE:
    • Reserved Mini-PCIe-52P socket with a supply voltage of 3.8V (Optional)
    • Supports ELE7670 4G series modules
• External Interfaces (Edge):
  • GPIO: 4-pin (GND/IO10/IO22/3.3V)
  • Relay: 2×3-pin Phoenix Type Connector
  • Digital Output & Input (DO & DI): 2×4-pin Phoenix Type Connector, Lead out from the same terminal, photoelectric isolation
  • 1 x CAN/ RS485/ ADC: 2×6-pin Phoenix Type Connector, lead out from the same terminal, capacitor isolation
  • 1 x RS232: DB9 female interface (9-pin)
  • 1 x USB Type-C: USB 2.0 / USB to UART
  • Ethernet: 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps
  • HDMI: HDMI 2.0, supports up to 4K @ 60fps
  • Headphone/Microphone: 3.5mm jack
  • USB: 2×USB-A 2.0 ports
  • TF Card Slot: Pre-installed 64GB TF card
  • SIM Card Slot: Compatible with Nano SIM card
  • GPIO (CM4 native): 2×20-pin GPIO interface
• Camera Interfaces:
  • 2×15-pin FPC/CSI camera interfaces
• Internal Interfaces:
  • CM4 Socket: Compatible with all Raspberry Pi CM4 versions
  • Mini PCIe-4G: 52-pin
  • Mini PCIe-LoRa/SSD: 52-pin
  • PoE: 2×2-pin
  • Fan: 4-pin SH1.0, 5V (compatible with Raspberry Pi 5-4 PIN JST interface)
  • Speaker (SPK): 2-pin PH2.0
• Buttons:
  • Power: Up for OFF, down for ON
  • Sleep/Wake: Screen control
• Misc:
  • Buzzer: Electromagnetic type
  • RTC: Integrated, with pre-installed CR1220 battery
  • ATECC608A Hardware Encryption
  • Watchdog Timer
  • POWER Indicator
  • USER Indicator
  • Status Indicator
• Power Supply:
  • DC Input: 12-36V/3A
  • Power: About 9W (load)
• Mechanical:
  • Front Glass Thickness: 1.8mm
• With Acrylic Case:
  • Dimensions: 192×125×46mm
  • Net Weight: 676g
• Without Acrylic Case:
  • Dimensions: 182×115×29mm
  • Net Weight: 389g
• Environmental Specifications:
  • IP Rating: IP65 front panel with dust and water resistant
  • Operating Temperature: -10°C to 60°C
  • Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
  • Humidity: 10% to 90% relative
• Certification:
  • CE, FCC

Pi Terminal Features

• Powered by Raspberry Pi CM4:
  • Equipped with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 for excellent computing performance, it is ideal for industrial applications.
• Integrated Node-RED Visual Programming:
  • Pre-installed Node-RED environment for process editing and one-click deployment.
  • Compatible with all Raspberry Pi software for quick prototyping and testing, enhancing development efficiency.
• Advanced Communication Capabilities:
  • Supports multiple wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 4G, and LoRa.
  • Equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed wired networks.
  • Enables high-speed data transmission and remote monitoring between devices.
• Multifunctional Design:
  • Can serve as a full-featured HMI, PLC, gateway, or tablet PC.
  • Unifies data flow to create an integrated industrial platform.
• Rich Industrial Interfaces:
  • Includes CAN bus, RS232/RS485 serial communication, DIO, ADC, and relay interfaces.
  • Fully supports equipment interconnection and control for industrial applications.
• Customizable Design:
  • Reserved interfaces for 4 programmable buttons.
  • Includes speaker and microphone interfaces for flexible configuration.
• Energy-Efficient:
  • Maximum power consumption of only 9W, ideal for energy-saving scenarios.
  • Features a wide voltage design (12V–36V) to support diverse power supply solutions.
• Industrial-Grade Build:
  • IP65-rated front panel for dust and water resistance.
  • High-temperature operation support for electronic components.
  • Designed for harsh industrial environments.

Packaging and Included Accessories

The Pi Terminal package is thoughtfully curated. Along with the main unit (CM4 7-inch Pi Terminal), you’ll find:

• 1x Wi-Fi antenna for enhanced connectivity.
• 1x 2*3Pin Phoenix Type Connector.
• 1x 2*4Pin Phoenix Type Connector
• 1x 2*6Pin Phoenix Type Connector
• 1x 12V-2A Adapter
• 1x user manual to help users quickly set up and explore the device’s features.

Pros:

• Robust Build: The IP65-rated front panel is ideal for industrial environments.
• Versatile Connectivity: Wired and wireless options cover all bases.
• Flexible Expandability: M.2 slot, Mini PCIe, and GPIO ensure customization.
• Software Support: Node-RED and Raspberry Pi OS are developer-friendly.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently at just 9W.

Cons:

• Display Resolution: While 1024×600 is adequate, higher resolutions could improve GUI designs.
• Enclosure Material: An optional metal case could enhance durability for specific use cases.

Pricing and Value

The Pi Terminal, priced at $179.90, is powered by the Raspberry Pi CM4 and designed for industrial and IoT applications. It offers multiple interfaces, reliable connectivity, and a durable build. Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi software, it provides a versatile and cost-effective solution for various projects.

Conclusion

As far as I understand, the Pi Terminal 7-inch IPS HMI Raspberry Pi CM4 computer by Elecrow is a versatile, rugged, and affordable industrial computer. Whether you’re into IoT, smart building systems, or industrial automation, the features and performance of this all-in-one module enable it to handle it all. A perfect choice is made by its combination of connectivity, expandability, and software support for deploying powerful, efficient solutions in challenging environments.

Additionally, multiple module options are offered to enhance its connectivity and functionality. The LR1302 LoRaWAN Gateway Module is available in SPI EU868 and SPI US915 variants, both priced at $23.90. For 4G connectivity, the SIM7670 module comes in NA Frequency ($14.60), EU Frequency ($21.60), and Global Frequency ($22.60) options. The 4G Module Antenna Kit is available for $4.50 to complement these modules, while the LR1302 Module 868 and 915 Antenna Kits are priced at $2.30 each. These add-ons provide flexible and cost-effective solutions to meet various communication needs for industrial and IoT applications.

If you’re looking for a powerful yet compact industrial PC, the Pi Terminal might just be your ideal partner. More information about the board can be found on the product page and WiKi page.

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