Using TinyPilot for remote Windows installation
- @cghague
Hello,
We would like to use TinyPilot to remotely install Windows for our customers without requiring any user intervention. We have made several modifications, including connecting an external drive, a USB with Ventoy, a USB hub to minimize cable clutter, and an external enclosure to house everything.
During our testing, we were able to see the image and perform actions, but we encountered several issues:
- Connecting the computer via the USB Type-C cable did not consistently provide us with a video feed.
- We were unable to control the computer or send specific key presses.
- Poor ventilation caused the external media to overheat and disconnect.
Despite these challenges, we still wish to use TinyPilot to remotely install Windows. However, we need to make some adjustments. If the video feed is not always reliable, would it be possible to mount a camera on the TinyPilot? This would allow us to consistently view the screen of the remote computer and control the keyboard through the browser.
Thank you for your assistance.
- CCharles Hague @cghague2025-02-03 20:37:00.316Z
Hi Tod, thanks for your question about using a webcam with TinyPilot.
TinyPilot isn't compatible with webcams, although we don't block them at a hardware or software level. If you're comfortable working with Linux, you could use third-party software to manage a connected webcam, but we'd be unable to offer any support for this setup.
I note that you mentioned using a USB hub. TinyPilot devices can support USB hubs when connected to their USB-A ports, but the hub should have a dedicated power supply. I strongly recommend against connecting a hub to any of the USB-C ports.
TinyPilot devices are air-cooled and shouldn't be enclosed without good ventilation. If they get too hot, they may reduce their performance, behave erratically, or shut down entirely. The same may apply to external devices. I'd recommend removing the TinyPilot device from the external enclosure or improving ventilation in some other way.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like me to help with the other issues you described in passing.
Thank you for your prompt response. However, I would appreciate some additional assistance. My supervisor is interested in connecting the camera to the TinyPilot to stream the image over a distance. Since I am new to Linux, I need more detailed guidance on whether this is possible and, if so, what is required for the connection. I understand that an operating system needs to be running in order to display the image.
- CCharles Hague @cghague2025-02-05 02:42:17.033Z
Thanks for replying! Unfortunately, we can't provide support for hosting a USB webcam through TinyPilot or via a TinyPilot device. Depending on your requirements, one alternative would be for you to connect a camera with a compatible HDMI output to the HDMI input of your TinyPilot device. Your TinyPilot device will then stream the video from the camera in the same way it streams the video from a target computer. Would that be an option?
- AIn reply totod⬆:@Alex_fortu
I saw your issues. I'm a little confused. maybe you should fix the issue first.
Connecting the computer via the USB Type-C cable did not consistently provide us with a video feed.--------------> you means power cable or data cable? the video is from HDMI, why the cable affect the video?We were unable to control the computer or send specific key presses.------->virtual keyboard function is not work?