Is it safe to install other drivers in a RetroPie build?

PowerPakBlog

I've been looking for a way to use my Android phone as a BT keyboard on the Pi. I rarely need the keyboard these days, but if I wander into a menu or otherwise get stuck, I hate digging out the USB keyboard and plugging it in. It's nearly 2017 already. Come on.

So I found this app/software: http://remotepi.io/

Looks like the type of app I want, but it involves installing a driver on the Pi.. I have minimal experience with Linux and the Pi beyond install/customizing RetroPie, so my questions are:

Am I likely to screw up my RetroPie build by downloading and installing this driver? Or would this work? Any other recommendations?

Thanks for looking, and any help is appreciated!

GtBFilms

@PowerPakBlog

Can't give any advice on using your mobile phone with an app as a keyboard, although if it works that would be a nice elegant solution I agree.

Personally I took the easy option and bought one of these, for £8.95:

Wireless keyboard, TeckNet 2.4G Mini Wireless Keyboard With Touchpad Mouse Combo and Multimedia Keys
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GTQ0J4G

Works with Retropie straight out the box, I just plugged in the tiny wireless receiver dongle and switched the keyboard on. No additional drivers, nothing. It's got pretty much all the keys you will ever need, although one or two are in slightly odd places. The 'touchpad' mouse also works, pretty much about as well as you might expect for a £9 keyboard.

It's pretty small, about the size of a mobile phone, sufficient for occasional emergency use, but you wouldn't want to write a novel on it.

The only real downside is it's really easy to forget to switch it off after use, and the next time you come to use it, the battery is dead. I keep mine on charge (off another USB port) inside my picade cab.

obsidianspider

I can't speak to a keyboard driver messing things up, but I've installed a driver for my TFT screen with no issues.

Worst case scenario is that you mess up your installation and have to reimage your SD card. If you're nervous you could make a back up image of your card before installing.

PowerPakBlog

@obsidianspider Good to know. That's the conclusion I came to. I made my backup this morning and installed a driver for a highly rated (and free) app called Unified Remote. Need to experiment with it when I have time, but it did connect briefly. Seemed to be a wifi connection issue of some kind. Will post my results here if I can get it working properly.

I just want to be able to pick up the phone and type "esc" when and if necessary, that sort of thing. Unified Remote app provides a full keyboard with command keys, arrows, etc on the phone.