Take control with PiFace and SHIM accessories for Raspberry Pi

CHICAGO, USA: Newark element14 and the team that designed the PiFace have launched a new series of exclusive Raspberry Pi accessories and the PiFace Digital 2 – an update to the popular PiFace Digital Control & Display.

Compatible with the recently launched Raspberry Pi model B+, the PiFace Digital 2 helps to sense and control real world applications. It is a simple and easy way to connect switches, lights, motors and more to the Raspberry Pi, allowing PiFace to interface with the world around it. The PiFace Digital 2 includes components like relays, switches, and digital and analog I/O that will allow it to be controlled by the Raspberry Pi board.

Going portable with PiFace Control and Display 2 means there is no need for a monitor, keyboard or mouse. It includes a character display and controls the Raspberry Pi with onboard buttons or with an IR remote control. The PiFace Control and Display 2 is ideal for Xbox Media Center (XBMC) servers, Internet radios or in other Raspberry Pi applications, and an improved LCDproc open source software keeps track of the system’s performance.

The SHIM RTC (Real Time Clock) is the new accessory from PiFace which adds additional functionality without sacrificing Raspberry Pi GPIO. It is achieved with a uniquely designed thin layer PCB and pin-through holes, enabling it to sit on top of the Raspberry Pi, and has enough space for additional add-on accessories. The SHIM accessories also allow users to add on an RTC clock and extend Raspberry Pi GPIOs.

SHIM RTC means the Pi can keep track of the current time with accuracy without using up the GPIO header, an easy plug-and-play integration and development tool for designs and applications requiring timestamps. A back-up battery can also be used to ensure on-going timekeeping in power-down situations.

The SHIM Adapter is a Raspberry Pi GPIO extender, making it easy to connect additional add-on accessories, work with breadboards, attach wires or easily access pin testing all at the same time. With one set of holes placed over the Raspberry Pi headers the other set of holes on the SHIM Adapter can accommodate header pins and wires to support the users’ application without covering up the header pins for additional add on boards.