Raspberry Pi Cluster Computing – Pi Jam Prep – Open Lab

Cluster computing allows massively parallel processing. Sometimes this mean enormous productivity gains, but not always. This will be a build event, to prepare for presenting an exhibit on this at the upcoming Raspberry Pi Jam.

A Raspberry Pi cluster is called a Bramble.

Computing clusters can be tailored to a number of practical purposes. A common one these days is “Big Data” which often means applying search and learning algorithms to large data sets collected from users, the internet, sensors, and more. Clusters are commonly used for modeling and simulations. One area I’m particularly interested in is leveraging clusters in conjunction with machine learning algorithms. Can we get a clustered machine to learn complex things from streaming video data on the fly?

Raspberry Pi’s are cheap, per unit, and can do some hefty number crunching. So there is a low cost per processor that makes this a good DIY project.

We will make plans for our cluster including which software versions to go with. Right now I am considering Apache Spark http://spark.apache.org/

Come out to learn more about how computers talk to each other, and how to make the most out of cheap computers on a chip.

Upcoming meetings include:

Introduction to drones – fly for entertainment, or for science!

After this, maybe we should build a 3D printed drone?

• Swarm robots – the sum is greater than the parts! How far can we push simple robots to do complex things?

• Youth-focused maker events – children are more empowered than ever. They can teach us a thing or two.

Come out to learn how to participate, how to get your ideas made, and how to find help for your projects! We have experts in 3D printing, electronics, design, and more. We are a diverse crew of people, with interesting experiences and passions.

Be part of the movement. Come out and help your local MakerSpace. 

We help make prototypes! We take your idea to the next level. Join a culture of collaboration. As always, we have Open Lab, where you can tinker on your project.

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Experience our weekly Friday night MakerSpace meetings. All are welcome to hack/build, network, and collaborate at these events.

Discover, learn, and work together on:

• Internet of Things (IoT)

• Automation

• 3D Printing or Micro-production

• Robots

• Microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc..

• Big Data and Sensors

• Computer Science

• Technology Entrepreneurship

Learn a new skill, get help, and offer help.

If you are working on a project then bring your own equipment and supplies.

We accept donations of: soldering stations, 3D printers, microcontrollers/programmers, motors, parts, and other tools.