Workshop Documentation Server – Project Overview

Project Summary

This project sets up a standalone Raspberry Pi 3B as a local file and documentation server for a workshop. Its purpose is to provide machine-specific safety information to users directly at the point of use. Each machine will have a QR code that links to a local webpage hosted on the Pi. When scanned, the QR code opens a page with a brief description of the machine, a safety video, and a downloadable PDF of the manual. One QR code will also provide general shop procedures. The system is entirely self-contained, with no internet connection required.

The Raspberry Pi broadcasts its own secure Wi-Fi network, which users can connect to with their personal devices. A lightweight web server on the Pi delivers the documentation, which is created using Sphinx and includes both static HTML and embedded media. No login is required — scanning a QR code immediately opens the relevant page in a browser, making the experience fast and user-friendly.

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Setup Steps

1. Configure the Wireless Access Point

   • Use hostapd to broadcast a Wi-Fi network.
   • Use dnsmasq to assign local IP addresses to connected devices.

2. Set Up the Web Server

   • Install and configure nginx or lighttpd to serve static files.
   • Create a folder structure for each machine’s documentation.

3. Build and Deploy Documentation

   • Use Sphinx to write and build pages for each machine and the general shop.
   • Include embedded or locally hosted videos and manuals in each page.
   • Copy the built site to the Pi’s web server root.

4. Generate QR Codes for Access

   • Create QR codes that link to local URLs like http://192.168.4.1/machine1/.
   • Print and mount these codes on each machine and at the shop entrance.

5. Secure the System

   • Use WPA2 encryption for the Wi-Fi.
   • Disable SSH or restrict it to key-based login.
   • Close all unnecessary ports and keep software updated.

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contact: roger@hammerdirt.ch