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Note

If you are using the pre-installed “Raspberry Pi OS with AI Fusion Lab Kit” image, you can skip this section. This image already includes all the software installations, environment configurations, and example code deployments described in this chapter.

Configure Power & Install Software

In this chapter, you’ll install the related software, configure audio, set up safe power management and learn how to handle shutdowns.

Download Sample Code

Download the complete set of example code for the kit:

cd ~/
git clone https://github.com/sunfounder/ai-lab-kit.git --depth 1

Install fusion-hat module

For this kit, all GPIO functionalities are managed through the Fusion HAT+. Therefore, you need to use the accompanying fusion-hat library to access and control them.

Run the command in terminal to install fusion-hat module.

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sunfounder/sunfounder-installer-scripts/main/install-fusion-hat.sh | sudo bash

Note

For the detail of fusion-hat, please refer to the Fusion HAT+.

After installation completes, reboot the Raspberry Pi. Then execute the audio setup script:

sudo /opt/setup_fusion_hat_audio.sh

This completes the software installation process for the Fusion HAT+.

Configure and Use Safe Shutdown

The Fusion HAT+ relies on the Raspberry Pi’s shutdown signal to fully manage system power. To ensure a safe and reliable power-off process, you need to configure the shutdown behavior according to your Raspberry Pi model and then use the power button correctly.

For Raspberry Pi 5 and 4B

These models support complete power-off after shutdown. The Fusion HAT+ monitors the 3.3V line to detect the Pi’s power state.

  1. Place the jumper on RPI_STATE → Pi3V3.

    ../_images/state_3v3.jpg

  2. Edit the EEPROM configuration manually:

    sudo raspi-config

  3. Navigate to Advanced Options → A12 Shutdown Behaviour.

    ../_images/shutdown_behaviour.png

  4. Select B1 Full Power Off.

    ../_images/run_power_off.png

  5. Save the changes. You will be prompted to reboot for the new settings to take effect.

For Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, 3B, 3B+

These models do not support full power-off using 3.3V. Instead, GPIO26 must be configured as a shutdown state indicator.

  1. Place the jumper on RPI_STATE → IO26.

    ../_images/state_io26.jpg

  2. Edit the /boot/firmware/config.txt file:

    sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

  3. Add the following line at the end to set GPIO26 as low on shutdown and high on power-up:

    dtoverlay=gpio-poweroff,gpio_pin=26,active_low=1

  4. Reboot to apply changes:

    sudo reboot

Using the Power Button for Safe Shutdown

After the shutdown configuration is completed, you can safely power off the PiCar-X using the Fusion HAT+ power button.

  • Soft Shutdown (Recommended)

    • Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds.

    • The two power LEDs will flash rapidly.

    • Release the button → Fusion HAT+ triggers Raspberry Pi shutdown.

    • Once the shutdown is complete, Fusion HAT+ will cut power automatically.

    • This protects your SD card and files.

  • Hard Shutdown (Emergency Only)

    • If the system becomes unresponsive, press and hold the power button for 5+ seconds.

    • Fusion HAT+ will force power-off.

    • Warning: This may corrupt the SD card or system files. Use only when necessary.