Set up a new Pi

The Suta image is 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS Lite with the Suta agent already installed. It contains no accounts, passwords or Wi-Fi details. Each device creates its own identity the first time it starts.

Install the Suta CLI

macOS

curl -fsSL https://suta.dev/install.sh | bash

Choose Suta CLI when asked. If the installer prints a PATH hint, follow it, then open a new terminal window.

Linux

curl -fsSL https://suta.dev/install.sh | bash

Choose Suta CLI when asked. If the installer prints a PATH hint, follow it, then open a new terminal window.

Scripted

curl -fsSL https://suta.dev/install.sh | bash -s -- --cli

To update the CLI later, run suta update. Updating keeps you signed in.

Flash the SD card

1. Insert an SD card of 16 GB or more.

2. Run:

   suta flash

3. Use the arrow keys to choose the card, then press Enter.

4. Confirm that you want to erase the card. No is selected by default, so move to Yes first. Press Esc to cancel at any time.

suta flash downloads the image the first time and reuses it after that. It refuses to write to internal disks, your startup disk or a partition.

Setting up many devices?

You can clone a freshly flashed card, as long as it has never been booted. A card that has booted holds a device identity and possibly Wi-Fi passwords.

Start the Pi

Put the card in the Pi. Connect Ethernet if you plan to use it, then connect power. Wait a minute or two for the first boot to finish.

Connect the device

Browser (Chrome on macOS)

1. In Chrome, open app.suta.dev and go to Devices > Add device > Flash an SD card.

2. Select Find my device, then choose your Pi in Chrome’s Bluetooth window. macOS might ask you to allow Bluetooth or to pair.

3. Enter a Device name and, optionally, tags. Select Claim this device.

4. Choose a connection:

   • Ethernet: select Check connection.
   • Wi-Fi: select Find networks, choose your network, enter the password, then select Connect to Wi-Fi.

5. Wait for Device connected.

Bluetooth is used only for setup. The Pi uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi for internet.

Terminal

1. Run:

   suta device add

   If you’re not signed in, your browser opens so you can sign in.

2. The CLI looks for nearby devices over Bluetooth and on your local network over Ethernet for up to 30 seconds. Choose your Pi.

3. Enter a name and optional tags, then choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

4. Wait for the CLI to confirm that the device is connected.

On macOS, allow your terminal app under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth. Ethernet discovery needs mDNS on your network. A direct cable between your computer and the Pi works, but can take a little longer to connect.

Wi-Fi country

You don’t need to choose a country. The Pi picks it from the Wi-Fi network you select, or keeps the one it already has.

If setup stops partway

Waiting for connection means the device is registered but hasn’t reached Suta yet. Check its network, or select Check network settings. You can also select Finish later: the device keeps its registration.

If you reflashed a card, your computer might remember an old Bluetooth pairing. Forget the device in your Bluetooth settings and try again.

For more fixes, see Troubleshooting.