Tier Support

Varta Mini Support

Varta Mini is the lightweight edge sensor tier. This support page includes both Mini v1 (Pi Zero + TinySA) and Mini v2 (Pi 5 + SDR) operational profiles.

Mini Profiles

Mini v1

Pi Zero + TinySA

Frequency/power-based detection profile for lightweight and rapid edge deployment.

Hardware: Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (or Pi Zero W), TinySA Ultra+, optional GPIO buzzer/LED/OLED
Software: Python 3.10+ and project extras mini
Config baseline: /opt/varta/deploy/pi_zero_config.yaml

pip install -e ".[mini]"
python -m varta_mini.deploy.varta_headless --config /opt/varta/deploy/pi_zero_config.yaml

Mini v2

Pi 5 + SDR (I/Q + ML)

Higher-capability Mini profile with two-stage detection: sweep, then I/Q + ML classification.

Hardware: Raspberry Pi 5, HAMGEEK Fish Ball or compatible SDR, optional GPIO/OLED
Software: Python 3.10+ and project extras mini-v2
Config baseline: /opt/varta/deploy/mini_v2_config.yaml

pip install -e ".[mini-v2]"
python -m varta_mini_v2.deploy.varta_mini_v2_headless --config /opt/varta/deploy/mini_v2_config.yaml

Setup Requirements

Maintain stable sensor identity and location config before connecting to Max.
Use MQTT pairing token and non-default fleet secret for non-lab deployments.
Run self-test after imaging, hardware swaps, or firmware changes.
For Mini v2, align SDR URI/sample rate/gain with deployed hardware profile.

Caveats

Mini v1 classification is heuristic and does not perform full I/Q model-level classification.
Mini v2 quality depends on SDR I/Q capture quality, gain settings, and scan configuration.
RemoteID features require additional interfaces and explicit configuration.
Lab defaults for auth/pairing are not production-safe.

Usage Requirements

Keep network.mqtt.sensor_id, location, and fleet credentials consistent across deployments.
Keep signature and band config assets synchronized between edge nodes and Max.
If video path is enabled, verify bandwidth and field policy constraints before operation.
Use startup modes as needed: --self-test, --setup, --no-gpio, --no-oled, --no-video.