Accessing command line

FlightAware
1

Morning
I see a l ot of posts explaining how to do things in the command line using sudo apt-get… type commands. The PI output page of the pi being access page shows a"Alt+F2" to access the command line.

Plugging a usb keyboard into the pi does not respond to the keystrokes, so I assume there is more to it.

Trying to do things like install packages to the Pi (32gb sd card so I assume I have room…)

Since the keyboard doesn’t seem to connect, pressing Alt+F2 does nothing, tried putty - connection refused.

Intent is to set up a GPS dongle to whatever Pi I am using (zero 2w is just an educational test bed likely a 4b 2gb for the intended device

The pi-aware config.txt file has “use-gpsd yes”, Is there more that i need to do?

2

  1. If you installed a USB keyboard, then there may be in issue with your Pi’s USB controller. Maybe there’s not enough power to also power your keyboard? I find a wireless keyboard works better in these situations since the power requirement for the USB dongle is negligible.

  2. If you have a Windows box, you don’t need Putty. You can SSH to your Pi from CMD. However, SSH has to be turned on in your Pi’s configuration settings whether you use Putty or CMD.

  3. I’m not sure why you want a GPS dongle on the Pi, as Flight Aware and most other ADS-B aggregators are set up for stationary receiver locations. Setting your location once in your config.txt file is your best option, rather than trying to feed it GPS. There have been several threads here about the impracticality of mobile ADS-B receivers.

3

The wireless keyboard may be a good call. Didn’t think about the power draw required. I have one handy, and will give it a go.

Mostly because ai want a “Mobile” unit to take with me on trips without having to reset the lat/long manually. I wouldn’t be using it like a regular gps device to constantly fix my position. If I need to do it manually at my destination that fine, I can do that. For instance sitting on a highrise balcony in Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan, or sitting in my jeep on a beach like in Key West.

Way too much time on my hands, or hand rather. I’m on a medical leave so I’m trying to keep my mind busy. (nothing serious, rotator cuff repair.)

4

SSH is enabled, and I have windows available, so a cmd approach may work.