Pi STARTER, a version of SmileBASIC for the Raspberry Pi

Pi STARTER is a Raspberry Pi image that runs SmileBASIC. It is sorta based on the PasocomMini's version of SmileBASIC, but without the emulation, and with more support for stuff like 3DS programs and gamepads. Pi STARTER will only run on the Raspberry Pi computer. While sounding like it's a kit, it's only the disk image on an microSD card. What we know

• Normal SmileBASIC, with some extensions allowing for HTTP stuff
• It can run 3DS SmileBASIC programs.
• Based on Raspbian
• Pretty much the Pasocom Mini, but with a good Pi powering it (Raspberry Pi 3 B and B+)
• No release date yet? A forum is up, so release must be close.
• No US/EU release. Hope it comes to us too.
• More "maker" focused. (Some Google API API for reading Japanese text easily, Raspberry Pi GPIO pin maps, breadboards, LCD screens)

Japanese site: Link Japanese Twitter: Link All Screenshots: Link

Screenshots/photos with captions

↓ The boot screen ↓ The main menu. Controllable with either mouse or keyboard. Has options for gamepads and the SMILE button. ↓ What appears to be the updater, showing an empty progress bar? ↓ The console. Note that there are png files and subfolders. ↓ The editor screen. Seems like there will be either resolution settings or zoom levels, based on another screenshot. ↓ The GPIO Monitor, or at least a guide for it. ↓ SOLID GUNNER-R ↓ GAME4_SHOOTER running in XSCREEN 4, proving that 3DS programs run. ↓ A Raspberry Pi with a HAT on. The small screen is mirroring the larger screen's drawings, using the GPIO commands. ↓ A small clock, probably also running off SmileBASIC. SPECULATION: Could SmileBASIC code compile to Arduino code? I saw a sorta Arduino-like device in another image. (Arduboy, anyone?)

Wow, SB's really branching out now. EDIT: What immediately comes to my mind is a 3DS-esque machine powered by a SB Pi.

So the software won't be available separately?

There's so many possibilities with this, making a D.I.Y. gaming system could be made so much easier! this would be especially useful because I don't know how to make anything decent with Python, and am more comfortable with BASIC, but it's too bad that it might not release outside of Japan.

Important things I saw: - PNG spritesheets/images - Top Menu buttons: BASIC instruction demo, Options, Update built-in software, Write program, Tips Viewer, Paint Tool, GPIO Monitor [nice], File Management Notably lacking: cloud server file management. I suspect that FM button launches the file viewer also included in the screenshots, so... - Builtin file manager does include "Mount / detach USB storage" and "Download files" commands but the scope isn't know and the lack of an "upload" makes me think that download doesn't refer to the public key system. Even with HTTP, I doubt they'd get rid of the security they have in needing to go through the NN service... it waits for more information. - Options include input configuration, "tool settings," "audio," but most exciting to me: - "Auto Start:" [None] [Default] [Smile [Program] 1] [Smile 2]

speculation

this sounds like a way to run programs on boot, which I've been talking about for a while now. (Default vs. None is probably whether to print the splash)

var v$=system$("sudo shutdown -h now")

- And of course the demonstration of an RPG with two users connected and a chat system as a hint at http multiplayer capabilities - Apparently Ctrl-O toggles a "safe area" around the screen - Seems to be based on pcmini but with additional raspi features - Compatible with 3DS programs (with the exception of changed instructions), but again no real indication of how you get them on there without typing them out. It is important that it supports a 3DS-like screen mode, I guess - I think I remember it being compatible with other USB hardware as well e.g. drawing tablets, so you can make osu! in SB or whatever

商品は、microSDのみのご提供となります。 Raspberry Pi 3、キーボード、マウス、電源、HDMI入力対応TVは別途ご用意ください。 認証やアップデートを行うために、有線ケーブルによるインターネットに接続できる環境も必須となります。 ＊Raspberry Pi 3 Model B専用 (他の機種については動作確認が取れ次第応予定

The product is offered as a microSD card only. Raspberry Pi 3, keyboard, mouse, power supply, HDMI input compatible TV sold separately. In order to perform authentication and updating, it is also required to have an environment that allows you to connect to the internet via wired cable. *exclusive for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (for other models, operation will be confirmed)

beta testing reports suggest that it works on Pi Zero as well Awaits more qualified opinions. Edit: there's already an update: https://app.smileboom.com/pistarter/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3&sid=fa5e4868bde0356e561906e894d71862 Very exciting words in there. Edit 2: Feature summary: https://twitter.com/tksm372/status/1015173123879026688

AAAAA

Its only 36 dollars?

36 dollars is for a microSD with SB on it. After the port is developed, it really isn't that expensive to buy some cheap microSD cards and copy the product onto them. If it sells okay, they'll definitely make their money back.

https://twitter.com/tksm372/status/1015173892552290304 >There is no public key mechanism >you can upload to the internet somewhere >download from url or copy files whiiich on the one hand is better than the option of being restricted to a Smileboom-owned server but they're still independent domains. Maybe if someone runs a mirroring server? Or a Smileboom + Trinitro partnership for a trusted third-party to have a special key into the smileboom-owned cloud server... https://twitter.com/mml_mania/status/1015413758041059328 >The SD card has two partitions FAT32 and EXT4, and everything stored in smilebasic is stored in FAT32

HTTPGET$
HTTPPOST$

The SD card is a raspbian + smilebasic configuration. https://twitter.com/notohoho/status/1015499750857007104 >all menus are written in smilebasic, so someone could make alternatives if necessary

Is this going to be on the 3ds? Just checking to be sure.

Is this going to be on the 3ds? Just checking to be sure.

You're not understanding. This is kind of like the Pasocom mini (not really but sort-of), since it runs SmileBASIC on a raspberry pi. Its just a new platform for SmileBASIC basically.

Ok, I just checked out what Raspberry pi and pasocom mini were. makes a lot more sense now lol. I sure hope it does come to America; it would be awesome to use.

So if there is no central download service but instead a HTTP mechanism... would this mean SBS would have to start hosting a download service if we want to support PiSTARTER? We totally *could* support keys and everything and someone would have to make a fancy browser client.

We could also just use any existing file hosting service if someone wants to write code for it.

This is very neat! I hope that this will be completed, translated, and released internationally!

Would anybody be interested in buying my pasocommini? Still has the box/stickers and I’ll even throw in a pi power cable.

instruction reference is now available: https://app.smileboom.com/pistarter/reference/

How much would you be interested in selling it for?

On September 9th, Pi STARTER will be available to purchase online via this site. Preorders have already started, but I think they're only available at the physical shop. Source Edit: Sold out, but you can get it here.

Most interesting about the manual is the complete lack of BG functions. It should be easy to clone SB BGs using just sprites though.

I think they removed the BG functions because the sprite sheets are all one file that you can edit. The BG default sprites are still there. They are just lumped in with the other sprites. I’m selling my Pasocom Mini if anyone is interested. Don’t be too shy to make me a lower offer. I’ve had my fun with it and it needs a good home. https://m.ebay.com/itm/Pasocom-Mini-Mint-Condition-Comes-with-box-and-Stickers/113231089804?hash=item1a5d19508c:g:65MAAOSwcMhbjHEV

This is really interesting. I have a raspberry pi 3 B which I use strictly for Basic programming and coding with C/C++.