Surface RT Remote Picture Frame

This is how to turn an old Surface RT into a networked picture frame.

Surface frame mounted on wall

Requirements:

There are two download methods in the fetch script that runs on the Surface: a fast one and a slow one. In order to use the fast method, the script must be run as Administrator. This involves enabling the Administrator account. You can do this in Administrator Tools > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users. You will also need to set a password for the account.

Server setup

  1. Make a script that returns a list of picture file locations, separated by MS style newlines (\r\n). Here is an simple example script. Fancier scripts with upload capabilities are even better. Here's a fancy example script.

Surface setup

  1. Reset your Surface to factory settings, if you wish.

  2. Make a new account on the Surface. I named mine 'pictures'. Make this account an Administrator.

  3. Run Internet Explorer at least once to make sure PowerShell can do web requests.

  4. Open Powershell as Admin.

  5. Execute this command in the PowerShell window:

    iwr "http://kixor.net/dev/surface_frame/download_frame.ps1" | iex
    1. Or do this manually: Run the following code to enable scripts, Change to your user directory, download the install script, and execute it. Delete the last line to disable auto updates. 
      Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope CurrentUser -Force
cd \Users\$env:username
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://kixor.net/dev/surface_frame/surface_frame.ps1" -OutFile "surface_frame.ps1"
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://kixor.net/dev/surface_frame/frame_settings.ps1" -OutFile "frame_settings.ps1"
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://kixor.net/dev/surface_frame/frame_update.ps1" -OutFile "frame_update.ps1"; . ./frame_update.ps1; registerUpdateTask

  6. Modify the frame_settings.ps1 file to suit your configuration.

  7. Install the frame scripts: 
    . ./surface_frame.ps1; installFrame
  8. If you want weather to show on the lockscreen, open the weather app and set the location.

Attach to wall

The surface is easy to mount with something like 3M command strips. The surface weights 680g (1.5lb), so the small strips are good to hang it.

Framing is much more difficult. The surface LCD is 23.4 by 13.15 cm (9.25 x 5.25 in). The bezel around the LCD is 2cm. The entire size is 27.4 by 17.15 cm (10.75 x 7.25 in).