Pi4 Access via USB & USB for power

Discussion Raspberry Pi
1

I currently have a BeagleBone Black where I can access it
from Windows 10 via the BBB USB port. Setup I can also
access the Internet on this same port. I had to make a couple
of changes to the interfaces file as the P.C. wanted to use
192.168.137.1 for shared WiFi access as opposed to the
default 192.168.7.1 on the BBB. The default is fine for P.C
to BBB but no Internet. Also, the BBB is powered from the
USB cable. I also have a serial console port setup. It’s a
USB to TTL 3.3v adapter and works great for debugging
and gaining access anytime. I also run Debian on the BBB.

My question is can I do similar with Pi 4??

I like the fact that the Pi 4 has more RAM and USB ports.
How large is the eMMc memory?
Does the Pi 4 have a battery backed RTC?
Can I use balenaEtcher to burn a new image then flash Pi 4?

Sorry for all the questions.

If anyone is interested I can provide the changes made for
shared WiFi connections and setting the date/time at boot up.

2

Hi Ken, and welcome to the forums!

Hopefully these will answer your questions:

  1. You can use the Pi 4 in ethernet gadget mode, with a USB-C cable. It requires a couple of changes to the config files, but then you’ll be able to power it and have network access through the same port.
  2. The Pi 4 doesn’t have any eMMC. Everything is stored on the SD card, or in RAM.
  3. It does not have an RTC by default, but you can add one yourself.
  4. Yes, you can burn a Raspbian SD card image with Etcher.
3

Sandy,

If everything is stored on the SD card how do you do an upgrade?
Your link to"couple of changes" seems old and for the Pi0. That link
points to another site requiring Bonjour which is very very old.

With everything on the SD card isn’t access much slower then eMMc?

Is there a way to push for backup just your stuff on the Pi4 to your P.C.
so you can restore it after an upgrade or change in O/S?

I will have to evaluate this. Thanks for the quick reply.

4

The first, recommended and easiest way to power the Raspberry Pi is via the Micro USB port on the side of the unit. The recommended input voltage is 5V, and the recommended input current is 2A. The Raspberry Pi can function on lower current power supplies e.g. 5V @ 1A.