# Using Our Binary OS Images

## Imaging the SD Card

The PiDP-8/I OS images available for download from the
[PiDP-8/I development site](https://tangentsoft.com/pidp8i/) are built on
Debian Trixie (Debian 13) for 64-bit ARM. You will need an **8 GB or larger**
microSD card.

We recommend using the
[Raspberry Pi Imager](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/) to flash the image.
After downloading and unzipping the image file, open Raspberry Pi Imager, click
"Choose OS", scroll to the bottom of the list and select "Use custom", then
select the `pidp8i-*.img` file. Select your SD card and click "Write".

The download contains:

| File Name | Description |
|---|---|
| `README.md` | this file |
| `pidp8i-*.img` | the OS image, based on Debian Trixie Lite |
| `MANIFEST.txt` | SHA-256 hash and file size for the OS image file |

## <a id="wifi"></a>WiFi Setup (Optional)

If you intend to run your PiDP-8/I headless over WiFi, you can pre-configure
your network credentials before first boot. After flashing, the SD card's boot
partition will appear as a small drive on your Mac, Windows, or Linux machine.
Open it and you will find a file named `wpa_supplicant-wlan0.conf`. Edit it with
a text editor and fill in your network name and password:

```
ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1
country=US

network={
    ssid="YourNetworkName"
    psk="YourPassword"
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
```

Set `country=` to your
[two-letter country code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-1_alpha-2).
Save the file, eject the SD card, and insert it into your Pi. On first boot the
WiFi credentials will be installed automatically.

Note that the Raspberry Pi 3B and Pi Zero 2 W support **2.4 GHz WiFi only**.
If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure you
use the SSID of the 2.4 GHz network. These are often distinguished by a `_2G`
or `_2.4G` suffix, or conversely a `_5G` suffix on the faster network.

If you prefer to configure WiFi after first boot, connect via ethernet and run:

```
$ sudo raspi-config
```

Select "System Options" → "Wireless LAN" and follow the prompts.

## First Boot

Insert the SD card into your Pi and apply power. **The first boot takes longer
than usual** — the PiDP-8/I service is being installed and the system will reboot
automatically once complete. After the reboot, the front panel lights will begin
blinking, indicating the simulator is running.

## Logging In

The default login credentials are:

- **username:** `pidp8i`
- **password:** `edsonDeCastro1968!`

You will be required to change the password on first login. Remember,
[the S in IoT stands for Security.](https://www.theregister.com/2024/03/09/opinion_column_security_sjvn/)
If you do not want your PiDP-8/I to be secure, see our
[How to Run a Naked PiDP-8/I](https://tangentsoft.com/pidp8i/wiki?name=How+to+Run+a+Naked+PiDP-8/I)
guide.

You can log in directly with a keyboard and monitor, or via SSH once the Pi is
on your network:

```
$ ssh pidp8i@pidp8i.local
```

## Using the Simulator

The PiDP-8/I simulator starts automatically at boot. To connect to its console:

```
$ pidp8i
```

You will find yourself at the OS/8 prompt. To detach from the console and return
to the Linux shell without stopping the simulator, type `Ctrl-A d`. To stop and
restart the simulator:

```
$ pidp8i stop
$ pidp8i start
```

To test the front panel hardware (do this only after stopping the simulator first):

```
$ pidp8i stop
$ pidp8i-test
```
