#6 Install NodeRed on Raspberry Pi or Industrial Panel PC based on Linux

Introduction

The content of chapter number #6 is how to install our Node-RED application to one of our Touchberry Pi or other Panels PC based in Linux. These types of applications are very useful for our customers because it's an easy and robust way to have a SCADA touch panel next to the installation. Another point that we will focus on during the chapter is how to add the auto start capability, so once we turn on the panel the system will show us directly the Node-RED application.

Installation and Upgrade

It works on Raspberry Pi OS and on any Debian or Ubuntu based system, such as Touchberry Pi or Raspberry PLC. The script installs or upgrades Node-RED and, if needed, installs Node.js 22 LTS. Type in the terminal:

bash <(curl -sL https://github.com/node-red/linux-installers/releases/latest/download/install-update-nodered-deb)

To update the nodes already installed in your project, use:

cd ~/.node-red; npm outdated; npm update

Running Node-RED

To start Node-RED open a new terminal window and type:

node-red-start

*Closing the terminal or ctrl+c does not stop the Node-RED from running. It will continue running in the background.

To stop, type:

node-red-stop

Autostart on boot

Probably in your application you will want the Node-RED start when you turn on your Touchberry Pi. In order to do that, we will open the terminal again and type:

sudo systemctl enable nodered.service

and to disable type:

sudo systemctl disable nodered.service

These are the basics to install Node-RED to our Touchberry Pi or other Linux based Industrial Shields panel PC.

If you need additional information about that, follow the next link.