54 lines
2.9 KiB
Text
54 lines
2.9 KiB
Text
---
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sidebar_position: 1
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---
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# FAQ
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### Does the Butter Box give me the internet?
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Not quite. The Butter Box doesn’t provide internet access. Instead, it creates its own local Wi-Fi network that lets you access apps, content (previously set up), and message board features offline . Everything is stored and shared locally — no internet or data connection needed.
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***
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### How do you power a Butter Box?
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The Butter Box is super flexible! You can power it using a USB power bank, a wall adapter, or even a small solar panel. As long as it provides power to the Raspberry Pi, you’re good to go. Go to the [Power Supply](../build-a-box/power-supply) section to learn more.
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***
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### If I’m powering the Butter Box with a solar panel, do I need a power bank?
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A power bank isn’t strictly required, but it’s highly recommended. Solar panels can be inconsistent — clouds, shade, or changing sunlight can interrupt power. A power bank helps smooth that out by storing energy and keeping the Butter Box running steadily, even when sunlight dips. Check it out this use case to know more: (insert use case URL)
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***
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### What are the security features of the Butter Box? Can I put a password on it?
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Currently, the Butter Box broadcasts an open Wi-Fi network — that means no password is required to connect. This makes it easy for people nearby to join, especially in offline or community settings.
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However, users must either enter the Butter Box’s local IP address manually, or scan a QR code that takes them directly to the content. Since it’s all offline, there’s no exposure to the internet or external threats.
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You can configure the Raspberry Pi to require a Wi-Fi password in the admin settings. Refer to the [Security](../security) section for more security features.
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***
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### How much storage does a Butter Box have?
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The Butter Box storage capacity is defined by the microSD card you install — it doesn’t have fixed built-in memory. You can choose anything from a 16 GB card up to 1 TB (the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W supports microSD sizes up to that). We recommend 256 GB.
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| Use Case | Suggested micro SD Size |
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| ------------------------------------- | -------------------------- |
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| Basic setup (apps + message board) | 16 GB – 32 GB |
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| Additional content or media storage | 64 GB – 128 GB |
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| Handling large content packs or files | 256 GB or more, up to 1 TB |
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***
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### Can I customize it?
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Absolutely! You can add, for example, your own content - dropping in PDFs, videos, images, and HTML pages to build a local library, or add your own apps - including Android APKs (even if they’re not on F-Droid).
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***
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### My USB drive is plugged into the Butter Box, but the content is not displayed on the portal. Why?
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Yout USB drive is probably in the wrong format. Your USB needs to be formatted to ExFat, Fat32, MS-DOS (FAT). Refer to [Reformatting Your USB](how-to-reformat-your-usb-drive) for help.
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