Onion Omega2 Dash Enables Touch-based UI’s, Features Omega2S WiFi Module (Crowdfunding)

Onion, the team behind the Omega2 series self-styled computing modules has launched the Omega2 Dash a self-contained Omega2S module with a touchscreen.

Unlike some modules integrating with a display that mostly comes in the form of a HAT (in the case of Raspberry Pi), USB, HDMI, or some unique data lines. The Omega2 Dash is a stand-alone 3.2″ TFT touchscreen display running a Linux OS, comes with a Micro USB, and boots in less than a minute, thanks to the Omega2S module attached to the back of the display screen.

e Omega2 Dash is a Wi-Fi-enabled Linux computer with a built-in touchscreen

The Omega2S is the latest in the series of computing modules from Onion after succeeding the Omega2+.  Targeted to the IoT industry in its 24x20x2.8mm form factor, the Omega2S was designed for mass production and people interested in integrating IoT solutions into their products.

Integrating a display to the Omega2S will be tricky. It will require investing in a custom development board or even more significant investment with the $249 development kit without even mentioning the display cost itself. The Omega2 Dash addresses those challenges and allows users to easily add touch-based UI to their applications while still harnessing the power of the Omega2S through the dash interfaces like I²C, SPI, UART, GPIOs, USB 2.0, and Ethernet through an expansion header.

Omega2 Dash is a Wi-Fi-enabled Linux computer with a built-in touchscreen

Users can easily interact with the display device through the Linux framebuffer.

You can display the command-line directly on Omega2 Dash, run GUIs, and display images in png and jpeg formats. The 320×240 resolution screen supports 16-bit RGB565 color and 12-bit resistive touch input.

Omega2 Dash is compatible with the open-source LittleV Graphics Library, which is meant to be the ideal programming method for the Omega2 Dash. Below are the device specifications.

  • 3.2″ TFT touchscreen display
    • 320×240 resolution
    • 16-bit (RGB565) color support
    • 12-bit resistive touch input
  • Based on the Omega2S+ IoT computer module
    • Processor: 580 MHz MIPS CPU
    • Memory: 128 MB RAM
    • Storage: 32 MB
    • Connectivity: 2.4 GHz b/g/n Wi-Fi (access point & client)
    • Operating System: OpenWrt 18.06 Linux
  • I/O
  • Antenna
    • 2 dBi directional chip antenna
    • U.FL connector for external antenna
  • USB-to-serial interface on Micro USB port
    • Provides reliable, always-on access to the Omega’s command line
  • Status LEDs
    • Amber: Indicates whether Linux OS has booted
      • Off – Device not powered on
      • Blinking – Booting/updating
      • On – Up and running
    • Blue: Indicates connection to a Wi-Fi network
      • Off – Not connected to a Wi-Fi network
      • Blinking – Connecting
      • On – Connected
  • Weight: 60 g
  • Dimensions: 82 mm x 70 mm

The device USB-to-serial interface allows the user to access Omega’s command-line. The microSD card slot can be used to increase the memory capability of the Omega2S.

The devices support the OnionOS, which is a browser-based user interface that can be used to write code, run commands, and apps. It supports other software frameworks used in the Omega ecosystem. The Omega2 Dash is compatible with existing Omega2 expansions, which can be used to increase the device functionality.

Omega2 Dash is currently being crowdfunded on Crowd supply. The Omega2 dash starts at $69 plus free US Shipping or $10 worldwide shipping.  Shipping is expected to begin in April 2020.

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11 Comments
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Peter
Peter
4 years ago

“..and boots in less than a minute”, heh – That doesn’t really sound very impressive 😉

dgp
dgp
4 years ago

Really.. The single chip mirror dashcams I’ve been messing with boot with wifi, two cameras and a display in a few seconds.

Pallav Aggarwal
4 years ago

What would be the appropriate boot time you expected? 5 Sec?

Miha
Miha
4 years ago

1s for “splash screen”, <15s for full boot

jqpabc123
jqpabc123
4 years ago

Obviously aimed at the hobby market, not serious product development.

The giveaway is the lack of specs on lifetime/longevity.

How long will this display and it’s backlight last when operated 24/7? This is one of the first things serious makers need to know and one of the last things hobbyists remember to ask.

Pallav Aggarwal
4 years ago

Yes, Display spec would have helped. Also, in the video, the touch response doesn’t look good.

Diego
Diego
4 years ago

That’s actually what’s coming more n more every day at work. Fit values MTBF etc. etc. i.e. whatever has a fit > 5000 is out nowadays. We have an appliance including an lcd and problem is the back lighting that fails too early.

jqpabc123
jqpabc123
4 years ago

MTBF allows me to judge the suitability of the product for the application. When no data is given, the only reasonable assumption is that it will fail very quickly. Serious developers don’t build with untested products.

Deets
Deets
4 years ago

$12 module + $10 TFT = $69?

Pallav Aggarwal
4 years ago

You are getting it readily all setup is a cost.
Generally, on crowd supply cost will be two times the actual cost if you do it useful.

Deets
Deets
4 years ago

The problem is it can be built as a one-off for less so at volume it should be significantly cheaper. At this price it is not innovative or market-changing, especially for the specs. I am happy to support projects that are like limesdr.

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