The BitScope Blade Rack is a 1RU server built with Quattro Pi. It is populated with up to four Raspberry Pi and includes a built-in five port network switch.

BR04A is perfect for building low cost multiprocessor servers. Applications include general purpose servers, private cloud platforms or even physical computing platforms where generous USB connectivity (up to 16 ports) is an advantage, e.g. multi-channel data acquisition, monitoring or automated test with BitScope.

It has a built-in 5V switch mode supply to power the Raspberry Pi and up to sixteen peripheral devices (e.g. BitScope Micro) can be connected via the Raspberry Pi USB ports, subject to the generous 3A power budget.

This reversable rack can be configured to enable access to the HDMI and Audio ports in slot one allowing a monitor and optional keyboard and mouse to be connected to the Raspberry Pi in slot one. It can also be arranged for the USB ports to be accessible from the front. The other Raspberry Pi on the blade can be used as headless servers or cluster nodes connected (via the switch) to the first Raspberry Pi or another computer on the same network.

Custom SD card system images are available or stock images with the addition of a few packages and adminstration software may be used for each node. A remote desktop server is available for use via any network or WiFi connected PC, Mac or mobile device and the full suite of BitScope Software is preinstalled.

The Blade Rack accepts supply voltages ranging from 9V to 48V making it compatible with 9V, 12V, 24V and 48V power sources and it can provide up to 3A continuously and 4A surge current across the Raspberry Pi and connected devices such as hard disks or SSD, BitScopes and other USB peripherals. The Blade Rack can be used with plug packs, 12V batteries, unregulated power sources such as PV solar panels and low cost uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Power, reset and interrupt control is provided for each Raspberry Pi so they may be individually powered down, reset and/or replaced. This is convenient as it allows servicing without powering down the entire server. Blade Racks are 19" rack compatible and metalwork accessories are available.