RPiKids

We’ve all seen wacky parental control methods for kids’ entertainment. Our favourite is the exercise bike that powers a PlayStation, which may seem cruel but at least means there’s a cut-off point for how much they’re able to play. The best method is still the simplest: a key code and a timer so that the kids can then do something other than stare at a screen all day, freeing up the TV so you can binge-watch the entirety of Once Upon a Time’s third series. With the Raspberry Pi being a far more powerful option for operating an entertainment centre, it was only a matter of time before an intrepid hacker made the ultimate version for their kids. Meet RPiKids, created by Adrian Atwood.

The full article can be found in The MagPi 41

“RPiKids is an all-in-one kids’ entertainment centre with integrated parental control features,” Adrian explains. “My kids can enjoy 16-bit games, watch movies and more, provided an adult has granted them access by entering a password and setting the timer.”

The RPiKids is a mix of hardware; the system itself is powered by a Raspberry Pi, handling Kodi, Emulation Station and the like for the entertainment side. The passcode and timer are handled by an Arduino Uno using a rotary encoder (think bank safe), which can be pushed as a button to confirm selections. It’s all built into a wonderful-looking, steampunky case that was handcrafted by Adrian himself from wood with 3D printed detailing.

There are USB access ports on the front for connecting controllers and portable media storage, and the hardware is visible behind a removable clear Perspex panel. While it all looks extremely impressive, Adrian claims it’s an overall ‘intermediate’ level of build.

“I will say the Raspberry Pi configuration was very straightforward and a beginner can mirror my configuration,” he tells us. “Coding the firmware for the Arduino parental controls, and having the Arduino and Pi 2 communicate with each other, was a little more complex. The case is no problem if you’re into woodworking and auto body repair. I have access to a 3D printer and laser cutter and enjoy CAD modelling, but those parts could be contracted out or replaced.”

Although he expected ‘all sorts’ of glitches, the system has worked extremely well for him and his children, requiring only minor adjustments to the brightness of the ring of NeoPixels used in conjunction with the encoder.

One thing Adrian recommends for anyone trying to replicate the project is an upgrade to the sound output: “The Pi definitely needed a DAC (I2S) sound card because there was a lot of hissing and artifacts with the onboard sound.”

The kids have been very much enjoying it. Although it’s an entertainment centre, he’s also programmed an intentional security vulnerability into the lock mechanism, hoping his kids will learn something about security systems. We wish them the best of luck in figuring out to unlock ‘unlimited mode’!