ChipBit turns a Raspberry Pi into an RFID-powered family computer

ChipBit is an open-source project that transforms a Raspberry Pi into a family computer operated using RFID cards. Instead of navigating conventional menus, users can launch games, educational applications and websites by tapping a card against a reader. The system includes parental controls and configurable screen-time limits, making it suitable for children.

Developed by Kevin, ChipBit combines a Linux-based kiosk environment with a card-driven interface. The project provides its source code, downloadable system images and build instructions, allowing developers to reproduce the setup and adapt it to their own requirements.

The system runs on a Raspberry Pi 400 or Raspberry Pi 500, although compatible Raspberry Pi computers can also be used. The hardware includes a 13.56 MHz USB RFID reader and compatible MIFARE cards. Each card is linked to a specific application through its factory-assigned unique identifier (UID). No data needs to be written to the cards, meaning users can reuse compatible blank cards or existing keycards.

ChipBit’s software is built primarily with Python. A background service reads RFID identifiers and matches them against a configuration file that specifies which application to launch. The supported software includes ScummVM for classic adventure games, Ruffle for compatible Flash content, native Linux applications and a web browser restricted to an approved list of websites.

The interface runs through Cage, a Wayland kiosk compositor that displays a single application without exposing a conventional desktop. This approach limits access to the underlying operating system and provides a straightforward environment for younger users.

ChipBit also includes an administration interface hosted locally on the Raspberry Pi. Parents can use a dedicated administrator card to access the interface, register new cards, assign applications and configure screen-time limits. A separate Home card returns the computer to its idle screen.

The system includes educational software such as GCompris, a collection of learning activities, and Tux Paint, a drawing application. Other supported applications include Marble, a virtual globe; KStars, a planetarium program; SuperTux and SuperTuxKart. Scratch and PBS Kids can be accessed through the browser’s approved website list.

ScummVM and Ruffle provide additional options for running compatible classic adventure games and Flash content. However, these are software engines rather than collections of games, so users must supply their own legally obtained files where required.

The project is built using CustomPiOS and Raspberry Pi’s pi-gen image-building tools. Users can download a ready-made system image and install it on a microSD card or build their own image from the published source code. The repository also contains hardware setup instructions and printable labels for the RFID cards.

ChipBit offers developers a practical starting point for experimenting with RFID interfaces, Linux kiosk systems and educational computing. Its physical-card approach provides an alternative to conventional application menus, while the open-source code allows the software catalogue, interface and parental controls to be adapted for different needs.