Test Rasbian on Zero

[Ruptor]

I bought a Pi zero and wanted to test it works so downloaded the latest Rasbian and turned it on but nothing comes up on the HDMI. The same Rasbian SD works in my normal Pi but on the zero it seems to run and flash the led as if the code is running. Should it give HDMI output on the zero? If there is a simple test program for a zero or any resources about using it please point me to it. Eventually I wish to use it as a controller or embedded board.

[fruitoftheloom]

I bought a Pi zero and wanted to test it works so downloaded the latest Rasbian and turned it on but nothing comes up on the HDMI. The same Rasbian SD works in my normal Pi but on the zero it seems to run and flash the led as if the code is running. Should it give HDMI output on the zero? If there is a simple test program for a zero or any resources about using it please point me to it. Eventually I wish to use it as a controller or embedded board.

What is connected to the HDMi Output ?

[B.Goode]

If there is a simple test program for a zero or any resources about using it please point me to it.

See https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view ... 28&t=58151

There is a section that directly addresses your query.

Edit: also - do you know that the additional hdmi adapter needed for use with the PiZero is in working order?

[bensimmo]

Check the connector are fully pushed in, if using 'the official' PiZero case I've found it can push it out a little and sop it displaying.
If the card has been setup for WiFi on the other Pi. Can you see it over the network ?
If you can SSH into it, even better.

[Ruptor]

do you know that the additional hdmi adapter needed for use with the PiZero is in working order?

What additional adapter is my first question? I am sure the zero is booting because the ACT flashes the same as on my PI and the SD card isn't old. I checked the Rasbian SD card on the PI before putting it on the zero and just swap the zero for the PI so I know everything works. Isn't the zero HDMI like the PI one?
By adapter do you mean the micro HDMI to normal HDMI socket that comes in the zero essentials kit because I only have the one unit and no way to tell.

[B.Goode]

Isn't the zero HDMI like the PI one?

No.

The RPiZero models have a mini HDMI connector. About 11mm over the outside of the socket.

The other RPi models have a 'standard' HDMI connector. About 15mm over the outside of the socket.

I would not expect a single cable to be usable with both types of socket.

[Ruptor]

I would not expect a single cable to be usable with both types of socket.

I meant through the micro HDMI to standard HDMI. If we are sure the code should work then it must be a faulty adapter.

[fruitoftheloom]

I would not expect a single cable to be usable with both types of socket.

I meant through the micro HDMI to standard HDMI. If we are sure the code should work then it must be a faulty adapter.

Personally have always found a "miniHDMi to standard HDMi" cable works for me....

[Ruptor]

I put the latest downloaded Rasbian in my PI and let it update from the Net then I put the SD card in to the zero and it flashed a black or off screen from a blue screen every now and then as if it was trying to talk to it. When I turned the zero off and on again the flashing didn't happen any more. It is starting to look like it is a software or configuration issue since without changing the hardware the screen did different things between different power ups.

[Ruptor]

I bought another HDMI adapter and that does the same thing giving a blue screen even though the zero appears to boot with the flicking light. The only thing left to change was the power supply but I didn't think it was the problem since the normal Pi B works on it and I use it to charge my phone. I plugged the zero power USB in to my laptop and it came up but the display kept flicking on and off. I have two zeros and the other one has a stable display giving the rainbow, then the raspberry in the top left corner before giving the road picture screen. I went back to the display flasher zero and that came up stable but gave different screens. No rainbow but gave the raspberry and then a welcome screen so it appears the zero HDMI part is exceedingly sensitive to the power supply.
I shall have to be careful when using them in an embedded application as I am not sure what aspect of the power supply is the problem.

[W. H. Heydt]

I bought another HDMI adapter and that does the same thing giving a blue screen even though the zero appears to boot with the flicking light. The only thing left to change was the power supply but I didn't think it was the problem since the normal Pi B works on it and I use it to charge my phone. I plugged the zero power USB in to my laptop and it came up but the display kept flicking on and off. I have two zeros and the other one has a stable display giving the rainbow, then the raspberry in the top left corner before giving the road picture screen. I went back to the display flasher zero and that came up stable but gave different screens. No rainbow but gave the raspberry and then a welcome screen so it appears the zero HDMI part is exceedingly sensitive to the power supply.
I shall have to be careful when using them in an embedded application as I am not sure what aspect of the power supply is the problem.

Any poor grade "power supply" will charge a phone. That test doesn't mean a thing. That the PSU will power a Pi B (any generation) would indicate that it will power a Pi0/Pi0W as they are "first generation" devices and without the rather power hungry LAN chip.

It sounds like you're having trouble getting good contact in the mini-HDMI (note: MINI not MICRO; micro exists, but it's not what the Pi0/Pi0W use) adapter. Make sure all cables are fully inserted.

The "welcome" screen is a later addition to the Raspbian boot process, as is the introductory setup process (changing password, etc., etc.).