Your own local AI box. Flash → boot → chat.
Potato OS is a simple operating system image for Raspberry Pi that lets you host models locally, expose an OpenAI-compatible endpoint, and tinker via SSH — with a tiny web portal for setup and chat.
Everything you need to run local models (and nothing you don't)
Flashable OS image
Headless Wi‑Fi setup
Model auto-download
Web portal + chat
OpenAI-style API
SSH for tinkering
Flash → Boot → Portal → Chat
Write the image to an SD card. Provide Wi‑Fi and a device name. Optionally set SSH credentials.
# macOS / Linux (example)
# Replace /dev/rdiskN with your SD card device
sudo dd if=potato-os.img of=/dev/rdiskN bs=4m conv=syncPotato OS connects to Wi‑Fi and becomes reachable on your LAN. SSH is enabled for tinkering.
# Find it on your network (example)
ssh potato@potato.localVisit the local web portal to check status, model download progress, and chat.
# Open in your browser
http://potato.localOne command to set up dev, one command to build the image, and simple diagnostics/logs so tools can work with the box predictably.
make dev
make image
potatoctl doctor
potatoctl logs api|llm|modelThe MVP optimizes for “it just works” on a trusted LAN. Security hardening and multi-user features can come later.
- • LAN-only by default
- • Minimal portal auth (MVP)
- • Default model link baked in
- • Easy to reflash if you mess it up
Use it like a local OpenAI endpoint
Point your SDK or agent tooling at your Potato OS box. Same mental model, local latency.
# Example: curl chat completion
curl http://potato.local/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"model": "local",
"messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello from Potato OS"}]
}'You can SSH in and treat it like a tiny server. See logs, restart services, or swap models.
ssh potato@potato.local
potatoctl doctor
potatoctl logs api- 1) Flash an image
- 2) Confirm portal/API online
- 3) Iterate via SSH
- 4) Rebuild image when ready
Bring your own Pi, we'll bring the local inference
- • Raspberry Pi 5
- • microSD card
- • Power supply
- • Your Wi‑Fi name + password