HALPI2 Computer

HALPI2 is a unique, custom-design, pre-built, fully functional Raspberry Pi boat computer. Powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), it is 100% compatible with the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.

HALPI2 can be used as a marine plotter platform, a data acquisition and visualization device, boat automation and control platform, or for a million other use cases--it is a generic computer, after all. And while originally targeted for marine uses, its feature set and robustness are ideal for industrial, agricultural and automotive uses as well!

HALPI2 comes pre-installed with a custom OpenPlotter 4 version with pre-configured NMEA 2000 and other settings. It includes a pre-configured Signal K server, OpenCPN and other essential open navigation software. Additional packages such as AvNav, InfluxDB and Grafana can be easily installed. Alternatively, any other operating system can be used as long as it can shut down using the standard CM5 power button. Supplementary service software ("daemon") is available for Raspberry Pi OS derivatives. The daemon provides additional features but is not required for basic operation.

Features

Being powered with a Raspberry Pi CM5, HALPI2 offers the exact same high performance as the standard Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer. It can be equipped with up to 16 GB of system memory and any size SSD hard drive (up to 1 TB offered as standard). Typical embedded platforms have far more modest specs!

HALPI2 comes integrated with an advanced power supply with a short-term energy storage. The integrated Raspberry Pi 2040 microcontroller manages the board operation, shutting the computer down in a controlled fashion when the power is cut. Likewise, the power supply design allows the computer to keep running during short voltage dips such as engine cranking or even during major voltage spikes such as alternator load dumps. This makes HALPI2 an ideal solution for deeply embedded systems. Your crew, personnel or family members don't need to be trained to shutdown the device or even be aware of its existence. The device will automatically shut down when the power is cut from an electrical panel or ignition switch, without risking SSD drive corruption.

Thanks to input current limiting, HALPI2 can be powered via the NMEA 2000 network and the device will be guaranteed to never consume more than 0.8 A of current. (Average power consumption will be much lower than that.) Alternatively, it can be powered through a dedicated power connector, providing full galvanic isolation towards the NMEA 2000 network.

Despite being designed for a compact 200x130x60 mm die-cast aluminium enclosure, HALPI2 provides excellent thermal performance. The device CPU is connected to the enclosure bottom, making the enclosure act as a giant heat sink. This guarantees flawless operation even in adverse conditions. The device comes with an IP65 ingress rating, making it dust and water-proof. (Don't immerse it in water, nevertheless!)

HALPI2 comes standard with great connectivity and room for expansion. The enclosure includes the following connectors as standard:

• Power connector (10-32V input range, will survive input voltages of up to 100V)
• NMEA 2000 Micro-C connector
• Raspberry Pi antenna
• RJ45 Ethernet connector
• 2x USB3 Type A connectors
• HDMI connector
  

Additionally, there are pre-drilled holes for two more SMA antenna connectors for GPS or mobile connectivity and three 13mm holes for cable glands or SP13 type connectors. Internally, there are two additional USB3 connectors for dongles, GPS, mobile connectivity or other devices. One of the USB3 or Ethernet connectors can be replaced with another HDMI connector if two displays are needed. An isolated NMEA 0183 interface is provided as well. And finally, HALPI2 accepts standard Raspberry Pi HATs in case the stock features are not enough!

HALPI documentation will be available at docs.hatlabs.fi/halpi2.

• HALPI2 device with the selected CM5 module and SSD drive configuration. Note that if no module or no SSD is specified, these need to be installed separately. The device is NOT FUNCTIONAL without a CM5 module. It can be used without an SSD drive, either with a Micro-SD card or a CM5 module with integrated eMMC memory.
• Certified Raspberry Pi antenna
• Blind nuts for unused enclosure holes
• 2m long power cable with a molded E7 connector (compatible with Amphenol LTW Mini)
• 3x RP7 size cable glands for waterproof cable runs

Ordering Instructions

Some HALPI2 configurations are made to order and the lead time before shipping can be up to 7 days.

If you want to customize the Ethernet/HDMI/USB panel connectors, order any additional connectors you need and leave us a note; we can pre-install the connectors for you. Note that the total number of those connectors is four - we will ship the replaced connectors to you as spares.

If you need more than one NMEA 2000 or CAN bus, you can add additional ports for example with this HAT:

• Waveshare 2-Channel Isolated CAN HAT

Similarly, you can add additional NMEA 0183 ports by including this HAT:

• Waveshare 2-Channel Isolated RS485 HAT

NMEA 0183 doesn't have standardized connectors. You can use the provided cable glands or purchase a pigtail connector pair separately:

• SP13 Pigtail Connector, 5 pin, male cable plug

Finally, if you want to include a GNSS (GPS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS) receiver, add this HAT:

• Waveshare MAX-M8Q GNSS HAT

If you are unsure about what to get, contact us for advice at info@hatlabs.fi!