MPR-Bio-Remote (GUI)

This project is a java based graphical user interface (GUI), with an ssh-based python backend. The MPR Lab biological monitoring team works with raspberry pis and sensors to collect and sync data remotely through radio, cellular, or Wi-Fi. Its purpose is to deploy RPi modules to citizen biologists for their own research, however, the MotheterRemote and NFC projects which previously ran from a command line may not be intuitive for such audience. This GUI thus aims to make the technology more accessible for a wider range of people.

GUI App Installation

For Windows:

For Mac:

For Linux:

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Raspberry Pi Setup & App Installation

Follow these steps to set up your Raspberry Pi and run the Docker app.

1. Prepare Your Raspberry Pi

Download Raspberry Pi Imager

• Go to: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software
• Download and install the Raspberry Pi Imager for your computer.

Flash Raspberry Pi OS

• Insert your microSD card.
• In Raspberry Pi Imager:
  • Choose Raspberry Pi OS (32-bit) as the system.
  • Choose your SD card as the storage device.

Enable SSH (Remote Access)

This enables remote access (optional if you’re connecting keyboard/mouse/monitor directly).

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2. First-Time Raspberry Pi Setup

Plug in your Raspberry Pi

• Insert the SD card into the Pi.
• Plug in power, HDMI (if needed), and internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Wait 1–2 minutes for it to boot.

(Optional) Connect via SSH

If you enabled SSH:

ssh pi@<your-pi-ip>
# Default password is: raspberry

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3. Install Docker

The custom RPi image was created using docker. You will need to install docker to properly run the MPR-Bio-Remote.

Open the terminal on your Pi and run these commands:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sudo sh get-docker.sh

Then add permissions:

sudo usermod -aG docker pi
newgrp docker

Make sure to test that it works:

docker --version

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4. Download and run the app

You can install the custom docker app from the mpr-lab bio-gui github repo under the releases tab. After downloading the rpi-app.tar file,

Move the file to the Pi (using USB, SCP, or download it).

Run these commands:

docker load < rpi-python-app.tar

If you will be using Tailscale, also run this command:

docker run -it --rm \
  --cap-add=NET_ADMIN \
  --device=/dev/net/tun \
  -e TAILSCALE_AUTHKEY=<insert_tailscale_key> \
  rpi-app

Make sure to replace <insert_tailscale_key> with your real Tailscale Auth Key (get one from https://login.tailscale.com/admin/authkeys).