PiTemplar is a local cloud\micro file server that is interactive. It offers storage on your Local Area network anytime, anywhere!
First step is obviously the hardware.
https://a.co/d/fTyeqv4 Raspberry pi Zero 2W
https://a.co/d/5Apdn16 Upgraded heatsink
https://a.co/d/bW6hi50 Screen, makes it more fun
https://a.co/d/inzVWE7 Pisugar 3 battery, optional, but highly recommended. Makes it a true mobile server.
Installation begins simply by downloading RaspberryPiImager, you want to use a Pi OS Lite for command line only. That's all you'll need.
For this specific project, I named everything either PiTemplar or templar. so default username PiTemplar, default password pitemplar, device name PiTemplar. Feel free to make modifications but for initial setup purposes let's stick to this. Set up SSH as well with those credentials so you have an easy reference starting point and no concerns over remembering credentials. The initial network can be either your home network, or setup a hotspot on your phone with SSID PiTemplar and password pitemplar initially then add your network on the web GUI once established. See the pattern here? Moving on...
Once RaspberryPiOS Lite is installed (32 preferably, doesn't really matter), Let's begin configuring the Pi to make components work.
#NOTE: IF YOU RUN INTO ISSUES COPYING FROM THIS README FILE, JUST RUN THIS IN CODE VIEW!
########################################## Make the screen work, Bread and butter of PiTemplar!!!#######################################
Waveshare e-paper uses SPI.
sudo raspi-config
Go to:
Interface Options → SPI → Enable
Reboot:
sudo reboot
Install Waveshare e-Paper library
Install dependencies first:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y python3-pip python3-pil python3-numpy git
sudo apt install python3-psutil
Clone Waveshare’s repo:
git clone https://github.com/waveshareteam/e-Paper.git
cd e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/examples/ python3 epd_2in13_V4_test.py
Your drivers will be here:
~/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python
so make sure you are in /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/
cd /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/
Now clone the pitemplar repository
git clone https://github.com/Modernknight101/PiTemplar.git
cd /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/PiTemplar
chmod +x setup_epaper_service.sh
sudo ./setup_epaper_service.sh
quick check:
systemctl status epaper-status.service
should be no errors
crontab -e
remove (if present):
@reboot python3 /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/PiTemplar/mem_display.py
ctrl+O
ctrl+X
🔁 Reboot test (important) sudo reboot
After boot:
Wait ~30–60 seconds
Screen should refresh automatically
If it does → you’re done ✅
🧠 Common Gotchas (you’re already safe)
✅ Uses full path to python3
✅ Runs as user templar (SPI access OK)
✅ Working directory set (imports work)
✅ Restart enabled if script crashes
###################### Now let's do SAMBA to make it work as a true file server now that the screen works!##############################
#Process has been automated to make it more efficient. Run the NAS setup script:
cd /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/PiTemplar
chmod +x setup_pi_nas.sh
sudo ./setup_pi_nas.sh
#NOTE: INITIAL PASSWORD "pitemplar" IS RECOMMENDED. CHANGE THE PASSWORD AFTER INSTALL!!!
#if you missed that AND SOMETHING WENT WRONG:
#sudo apt purge samba samba-common samba-common-bin cifs-utils smbclient -y
#Then rerun the script and use "pitemplar" as the password. Otherwise if everything works skip this step.
#Afterwards, your Windows machine should be able to connect using the Pi’s Hostname or IP.
#Test from another device
#Windows
#\\pitemplar\private
#macOS / Linux
#smb://templar/private
#To change passwords on the Share:
#sudo smbpasswd pitemplar <NEW PASSWORD>
########################## Let's do web GUI, this will allow us to switch networks easier.#################################
This process is automated with a Bash script to eliminate potential errors.
cd /home/pitemplar/e-Paper/RaspberryPi_JetsonNano/python/PiTemplar
chmod +x setup_web_gui.sh
sudo ./setup_web_gui.sh
After this the Web GUI should be up. Login with <IP>:8080 and check out the features!
#####################################################Useful commands####################################################################
#nmcli connection -help
#nmcli connection show
#nmcli dev wifi list
#nmcli dev wifi rescan
#nmcli dev wifi -help
#Theese will display currently known connections, currently available networks, and using the -help command, you can see the syntax to add or remove a wifi connection.
🎩 Thank You ♥
💖 Support Me
If you like my work and want to support me, plz consider
https://www.paypal.me/Modernknight101
or buy a copy or my sci-fi book, available on Amazon
https://a.co/d/hx5OLOO Gods Among Us: Alienthology