A collection of advanced features and add-ons for TinyPilot, a hardware device that provides a web-based, KVM-over-IP interface. TinyPilot allows you to control a remote computer or server from a standard web browser, as if you were sitting right in front of it. "Tiny Adds" is the term that refers to the paid, premium software features offered in the TinyPilot Pro version.
What is TinyPilot?
To understand Tiny Adds, you must first understand TinyPilot. It's a modern, open-source KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) solution built on a Raspberry Pi. A traditional KVM switch lets you use a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor for multiple computers. TinyPilot takes this further by providing remote access over an internet protocol (IP) network.
How TinyPilot works:
- You connect the TinyPilot hardware to the computer you want to manage.
- The TinyPilot captures the video signal and forwards your keyboard and mouse inputs.
- You can then access the computer through a web browser from anywhere in the world.
Features of Tiny Adds (TinyPilot Pro)
While the TinyPilot software has a free Community version, the TinyPilot Pro license—which includes the "Tiny Adds"—unlocks a suite of professional features for power users and IT professionals.
Key features included in Tiny Adds are:
- Virtual media support: This is one of the most powerful features. It allows you to mount a disk image (like an ISO file) from your local computer to the remote machine. This means you can install an operating system or troubleshoot a server without ever leaving your desk.
- Tailscale integration: For enhanced security and ease of use, Tiny Adds includes a one-click setup for Tailscale, a secure mesh network. This allows you to securely access your TinyPilot's web interface over the internet.
- User roles and permissions: Manage who can access your remote machines by assigning different users to Administrator and Operator roles with distinct permission levels.
- Custom scripts: Execute your own custom scripts directly from the web interface to automate repetitive tasks.
- Secure connection: Tiny Adds enables HTTPS protection with password authentication, ensuring your remote control sessions are secure.
- Wake on LAN: Boot devices from a powered-off state directly from the TinyPilot web interface.
- API access: Gain access to a REST API for automating control of your TinyPilot devices.
Who is it for?
Tiny Adds is primarily for users who need more than basic remote KVM functionality. This includes:
- IT professionals and system administrators: Remotely troubleshoot and manage servers and computers in a data center or office environment.
- Remote helpdesks: Assist end-users by having full, low-level control of their machines as if you were physically present.
- Developers and enthusiasts: Anyone who works with bare-metal hardware and needs to perform tasks like installing operating systems or performing BIOS-level configurations remotely.