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System Actions
The Controller provides administrative controls for system-wide operations.
Restart All Services
Restarts all WROLPi services in sequence:
- wrolpi-api
- wrolpi-app
- wrolpi-help
- wrolpi-kiwix
- Other services as needed
- wrolpi-controller (restarts last)
The Controller restarts itself last to ensure all other services are restarted first.
Use when:
- Services are unresponsive
- After configuration changes
- To clear stale state
Reboot System
Reboots the entire WROLPi system. The system will:
- Stop all services gracefully
- Unmount filesystems
- Restart the operating system
- Boot and start all services
The reboot process takes 1-3 minutes depending on hardware. After reboot, the system will be accessible at the same IP address (unless DHCP assigns a new one).
Use when:
- System is unstable
- After system updates
- Hardware changes require a fresh boot
Shutdown System
Shuts down the WROLPi system completely. The system will:
- Stop all services gracefully
- Unmount filesystems
- Power off
Note: Physical access is required to power the system back on.
This feature is only available in native mode, not Docker.
WiFi Hotspot (Raspberry Pi)
On Raspberry Pi, the Controller can manage a WiFi hotspot for direct device connections.
Hotspot Status
- Disconnected - Hotspot is off
- Connected - Hotspot is active, devices can connect
- In Use - Devices are currently connected
- Unavailable - WiFi hardware not available
Enabling the Hotspot
- Click Enable Hotspot
- The Pi will create a WiFi network
Default hotspot settings:
- SSID: WROLPi
- Password: wrolpi hotspot
- Device: wlan0
Disabling the Hotspot
Click Disable Hotspot to turn off the WiFi access point. Connected devices will be disconnected.
Starting on Boot
The hotspot starts every time the WROLPi boots, so you can always join it, even with no other network. This replaces any WiFi network the device had joined.
To never start the hotspot on boot (for example, so the WROLPi does not broadcast a WiFi
network), set on_startup to false in the hotspot section of
/media/wrolpi/config/controller.yaml:
hotspot:
on_startup: false
An older hotspot_on_startup: false in wrolpi.yaml is copied into controller.yaml when
the Controller starts.
If your primary drive is set up but fails to mount, the WROLPi cannot read this setting, so it does not start the hotspot.
When to Use Hotspot
The hotspot is useful for:
- Direct connection when no WiFi network is available
- Field use without infrastructure
- Initial setup before configuring WiFi
Captive Portal
When a phone or laptop joins the hotspot, it checks for Internet access. The WROLPi answers that check with a welcome page instead, so the device shows a "Sign in to network" screen that reads:
- This is your WROLPi and the address to open, for example
10.42.0.1 - A Continue button
Tap Continue. The next page confirms you are connected and offers Open WROLPi and
Open the Controller, which open in your normal browser. Tap Done in the corner of the
sign-in screen to keep using the hotspot. The address is also shown under the hotspot button on
the Controller's Control page, and http://wrolpi/ reaches the WROLPi from any device on the
hotspot.
The welcome page does not give the device Internet access; it only tells the device the network is ready to use. Restarting the hotspot shows the page to every device again.
Turning it off: uncheck Captive portal in Hotspot Settings and save. Like the
other hotspot settings, the change applies the next time the hotspot starts, so restart the
hotspot if it is already running. The setting is hotspot.captive_portal in
controller.yaml.
The captive portal is not available in Docker, because Docker has no hotspot.
CPU Throttling (Raspberry Pi)
Control CPU performance and power consumption on Raspberry Pi.
Throttle Status
Shows the current CPU governor:
- ondemand - Normal operation, scales with demand
- powersave - Reduced speed, lower power consumption
- performance - Maximum speed (not recommended for sustained use)
Enable Throttle (Powersave)
Switches to powersave mode:
- Reduces CPU frequency
- Lowers power consumption
- Reduces heat generation
- May slow down intensive operations
Use when:
- Running on battery power
- Reducing heat in enclosed spaces
- Minimizing power draw
Disable Throttle
Returns to normal operation (ondemand governor):
- CPU scales with workload
- Full performance available when needed
- Normal power consumption
Docker Mode Limitations
The following system actions are not available in Docker deployments:
- Shutdown
- Reboot
- WiFi hotspot control
- CPU throttling
These operations must be performed on the host system.