Quick Start

Introduction.

Although the PL-R4 series differs from ordinary Raspberry Pi in appearance and interface, it is equipped with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module for embedded applications, and when powered on, the Raspberry Pi OS (as of October 2024 Bullseye 32bit) starts up just like a regular Raspberry Pi. It is possible to replace it with other images, but this article will provide a quick start procedure for the first boot using the factory image as is.

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Equipment needed
Power and LAN wiring
VNC connection
Static IP setup
Change Raspberry Pi password

Required Equipment

PL-R4 main unit

The PL-R4 series offers a wide range of interface variations to accommodate a variety of connected devices. Some models are available in IP65 (dustproof and waterproof) and IP20 (non-waterproof) types. Although connector specifications and other features differ depending on the model, the contents and procedures to be performed in the initial setup are the same. The non-waterproof type “PL-R4 USB IP20” with 3 USB 2.0×3 ports is used as an example in this case. (Left: Appearance, Right: Main interface)

Other Equipment

Windows PC (with USB port, Windows 10 Pro recommended)
・DC24V regulated power supply or DC24V AC adapter
・LAN cable for E0 port or E1 port
・USB keyboard and mouse* (If USB port is insufficient, prepare USB hub)
Network environment (only if application download is required)

*USB IP20 models have three USB ports, so a USB keyboard and USB mouse can be connected at the same time. For other models with only one USB port, a USB keyboard with touchpad is useful. [Recommended product: PERIBOARD-510H PLUS US/ Perix Inc.]

Prepare remote operation program

In order to set up the PL-R4 without using a monitor, download VNC Viewer from the following URL to your Windows PC in advance.
https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/

Wiring and powering up

Power and LAN wiring

Power Supply
Connect the power cable (optional accessory) to the PWR port.
There are two power supply systems: the main power supply [V1]and the auxiliary power supply [V2]. Wire the power cables, which are disconnected at the end, to the regulated power supply or AC adapter, etc. as shown below.
Brown 24VDC(+) [V1]
White 24VDC(+) [V2]
Blue 0V(-) [V1]
Black 0V(-)[V2]
LAN
In the case of an IP20 type, such as the unit used in this project, there are two LAN ports, E0 and E1. Either of these LAN ports can be connected to a Windows PC with a LAN cable. (In case of IP65 type, only E1 port is available.)

E0 port is ix Industrial connector, which is smaller than RJ45 but can support gigabit.
E0 port: 1000Mbps (default IP 192.168.0.10)
・E1 port: 100Mbps (default IP 192.168.1.10)
Compatible cables are available as optional accessories with the main unit.

power-up

After all wiring is complete, turn on the power.

VNC Connection

Specify IP address of Windows PC

To connect to PL-R4 with VNC Viewer, the IP address must be set so that the Windows PC is on the same network. Please assign the IP address for the Ethernet connection manually, not by DHCP.

When connecting with E0 port
Windows PC IP is 192.168.0.xx (xx is any value between 1~255 except 10)

When connecting with E1 port
Windows PC IP is 192.168.1.xx (xx is any value between 1~255 except 10)

VNC Viewer Connection

Start VNC Viewer on a Windows PC and enter the IP address according to the LAN port of the PL-R4 unit to be used.

E0 port: 192.168.0.10
E1 port: 192.168.1.10

If a security dialog appears, click “Continue” and enter your username and password. The default is:
Username: pi
Password: raspberry

If the connection is successful, the VNC remote desktop screen will appear.

Some of the screens displayed and operations up to this point may differ depending on the images installed.

Setting up a static IP address

The IP address of the PL-R4 can be set to DHCP or a fixed IP address depending on the operating environment.

Right-click on the arrow icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Wireless & Wired Network Settings”.

Select “eth0” or “eth1” in the displayed configuration dialog and enter the desired IP address. eth0 is the E0 port of the main unit and eth1 is the E1 port of the main unit. After rebooting, the configured values will take effect.

If “Automatically Configuration empty options” is unchecked and no IP address is entered in the IPv4 Address field, DHCP will be used.