I have built Sensorgnomes based on both platforms and they have their practical pros and cons, but both seem to work equally well. Some advantages with the PI is the number of USB ports (no hub is normally needed), WIFI, big community, chaeper hardware. A disadvantage is the somewhat vulnerable system with operating system and apps/data on the same card (no way to contact the platform if the card gets corrupted). The Beaglebone handles this in a more elegant way (onboard flash memory), but it is also more expensive, and you need a USB hub in most cases.
Are there any other things that should be considered to make the choice easier, BB or PI?
What is the roadmap for the project? Will both platforms be supported in the future?
I am on my way to order parts for another 25 Senosrgnomes, so it would be interesting to hear your opinion before I send the order.
I prefer the beaglebone. Perhaps it is because all of the firewalls I have to deal with and not having wi-fi, etc. Beaglebones work better for me. I couldn’t get the PI to work at all, but maybe I just had a flubbed one.
I have built Sensorgnomes based on both platforms and they have their practical pros and cons, but both seem to work equally well. Some advantages with the PI is the number of USB ports (no hub is normally needed), WIFI, big community, chaeper hardware. A disadvantage is the somewhat vulnerable system with operating system and apps/data on the same card (no way to contact the platform if the card gets corrupted). The Beaglebone handles this in a more elegant way (onboard flash memory), but it is also more expensive, and you need a USB hub in most cases.
Are there any other things that should be considered to make the choice easier, BB or PI?
Not many people think about it, but I think open hardware matters. You can get the docs and even buy all the parts on BeagleBones and make one yourself. The PocketBeagle design makes that even easier.
BeagleBone is focused on longevity, enabling you to buy them for years and years down the road for people reproducing your project.
If you are doing any real-time interfacing, BeagleBone has features to help reduce interface latency, including the PRU and M3 microcontrollers built-in to the processor.
If you want a low-cost desktop computer or media center replacement, stick with the Pi. If you want to focus on scale-able control of sensors and actuators, give BeagleBone a good shot.
What is the roadmap for the project? Will both platforms be supported in the future?
We are doing more with both the AM5x processor line and the Octavo Systems OSD335x SIP in more application-focused designs, reducing the total cost (such as BeagleBone Blue for mobile robotics and Elias’s BeagleBone Revolve for 3D printers) and many more capes/pocketcapes that will have a steady supply chain and distribution channel.
Interesting discussion, because I was questioning it myself last week too.
For stand alone stations powered by wall outlet for several years I prefer to have a stable long running station. The BB is the thoroughly tested system and for that I install at the moment to BB stations. A pity is the mentioned only one USB slot and by that always the need to use a USB hub. Processing power is no selection item between both systems. At the end: the saved money Pi vs BB+hub is in the end per station <5% of the budget. The wifi option of the Pi’s saves a USB slot or some extra money.
For small battery powered stations, the Pi Zero W is an option that I like.
Success with installing so much stations too, organising the places is the toughest task…