Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft), Author at CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

April 1, 2015August 7, 2022 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 8 Comments

$149 Rockchip RK3288 Chromebooks by Haier and HiSense Launched

Just ten days ago, Asus C201 Chromebook powered by Rockchip RK3288 processor was spotted on a product catalog. Today, Google unveiled two Rockchip Chromebooks, except the Asus Chromebook is not there yet, but instead Haier Chromebook 11 HR-116R and Hisense Chromebook both available for pre-order for $149 respectively on Amazon US and Walmart. Both laptops have very similar specifications: SoC – Rockchip RK3288-C quad core Cortex A17 processor @ 1.8 GHz with ARM Mali-T764 GPU. (Wallmart claims a 2.5GHZ processor frequency, but this has to be an error). System Memory – 2 GB DDR3L SDRAM Storage – 16 GB eMMC Flash Storage + micro SD slot + 100GB Google drive storage, free for 2 years Display – 11.6” HD wide screen LED-backlit display; 1366 x 768 resolution Video Output – HDMI Audio – HDMI, stereo speakers, headphone jack, Connectivity – Dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 2×2 (MIMO) a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 USB […]

March 31, 2015March 31, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Onion Omega is an Atheros AR9331 Wi-Fi Module Supporting Various Docks and Add-on Boards (Crowdfunding)

There are so many inexpensive Wi-Fi modules running Linux that it would be easy to discard Onion Omega as yet another Wi-Fi module based on Atheros AR9331 WiSoC. However, the developers have tried to bring some added value by making programming easier for web developers, integrating it with a cloud platform (free for non-commercial use), and providing basicor Arduino dock, and add-on boards for Ethernet, OLED, Relay… to make building hardware projects easier too. Let’s go through the hardware first, starting with the module specifications: SoC – Atheros AR9331 400MHZ MIPS 24K System Memory – 64MB DDR2 400MHz Storage – 16MB Flash Connectivity – 10/100 Mbps Ethernet + 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi up to 150Mbps with PCB antenna w/ uFL connector I/Os – 18 GPIOs USB – 1x USB 2.0 Power Supply – 3.3V; Typ. consumption: 0.6W Dimensions – 28.2mm x 52mm (1.1″ x 2.0″) Since this type of module is not […]

March 31, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Baseball Nano-ITX i.MX6 Board Targets Secure Industrial M2M and IoT Products

Calao Systems has introduced a new Freescale i.MX6 single board computer with Baseball embedded platform, targetting network-connected industrial M2M and Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring a high-level of security achieved with an FIPS 140-2 trusted platform module, and Crypto Authentication chip. The board is comprised of a Nano-ITX based board and a Freescale.iMX6 (Solo, Dual or Quad) SMARC 1.1 module with the following combined specifications: SoC – Freescale iMX6 Solo, Dual or Quad Cortex A9 processor @ up to 1GHz with Vivante GPU System Memory – 2 GB DDR3L, Storage On Module: 8 GB e-MMC, 8 MB SPI Flash, 1x EEPROM with unique S/N and MAC address On Baseboard: 1x Micro-SD socket, 1x Industrial Grade eMMC NANDrive (optional), 1x Industrial Grade SATA Nandrive (optional), Video Output – HDMI Audio Output – HDMI and optical S/PDIF Connectivity – 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x SIM card slot USB – 3x USB 2.0 […]

March 31, 2015March 31, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 7 Comments

Connect a 9.7″ Retina Display (iPAD 3/4) to Your Computer via a DisplayPort Adapter

One way to connect an extra Retina (2048×1536) display to your computer is to purchase Adafruit Qualia 9.7″ DisplayPort Monitor for $224.95. But in case your budget is limited, you could combine an old iPAD 3/4 display with AbuseMark 2048×1536 LCD to DisplayPort Adapter for 3,500 JPY ($29 US). If you don’t have an old iPAD, or would rather not dismantle your “old”-but-still-useful iPAD, you could purchase LG LP097QX1-SPC1/2, LG LP097QX1-SPA1/2/V, or Samsung LTL097QL01-W01 LCD panels instead for about $80 on Amazon US (LP097QX1 / LTL097QL01). If you live in Japan, AbuseMark also ships a complete kit for 12,000 JPY. Key features listed for the board: Video Input – DisplayPort Display Connector – 51-pin 0.3mm pitch FPC connector STM32F103CB 32-bit Cortex M3 MCU with native USB for firmware update and power/brightness/etc control Dual TI TPS61187 WLED drivers Power – USB or 5V-powered (separate connector) / 1.35A total current draw. Buck […]

March 30, 2015March 31, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 8 Comments

Radxa Rock 2 Square Beta is Now Available for $99 (In Limited Quantities)

Radxa Rock 2 Square is the low cost version of Radxa Rock 2 Full development board. Both board are based on Rockchip RK3288 quad core Cortex A17 processor, but the former has not quite as many features as the full version. The good news is that about 90 samples of Rock2 Square Beta can now be purchased for $129, with the price dropping to $99 with ROCK2^2BETA coupon (to be used after login to Paypal). The price include a Radxa RK3288 system-on-module with 2GB RAM and 16 GB eMMC, but a 4GB/32GB version is also planned for later. Rock2 Square board specifications: Processor/Memory/Storage – Via Rock2 SoM including Rockchip RK3288 quad core Cortex A17 processor, 2 to 4 GB RAM, and 16 to 32 GB eMMC. External Storage – SATA and micro SD slot Video Output – HDMI 2.0, LVDS connector Audio I/O – HDMI, headphone jack, built-in microphone, and […]

March 30, 2015March 30, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments

Tegra X1 Chromebooks Likely in the Works

When Nvidia announced Tegra X1 processor, the company’s main focus appeared to be the automotive market as it introduced Drive PX and CX board for this very market. Since then, Tegra X1 based SHIELD console was unveiled, and I’ve been informed some development activity related to Tegra X1 (Model: Tegra210 / T210) was taking place in Chromium and especially Coreboot source code. There appears to be two hardware platforms based on Tegra X1: smaug and foster which could end-up being Chromebooks or Chromeboxes likely with 4GB RAM. Thanks to David for the information. Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011. www.cnx-software.com

March 30, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 13 Comments

Wi-Fi SD Card Adapter for micro SD Cards Sells for $15 and Up

Wi-Fi SD cards are mostly used with camera in order to wirelessly transfer photos or/and videos to your computer or mobile device without having to take out the card or transfer them via a micro USB cable. I first discovered this type of card with Toshiba FlashAir in 2011, but now EyeFi seems to be the most popular brand, and comes in different sizes with the 8GB Wi-FI SD card selling for $44 on Amazon US. There are cheaper alternatives with some Wi-Fi SD card adapters accepting micro SD card selling for about $15 and up on Aliexpress or Buyincoins, and DX calls it CY EP-027, but sells it for $23. It does not come with storage but since a 8GB class 10 SD card now costs about $8, it’s still nearly 50% cheaper compared to the 8GB EyeFi SD card. Some features of the card: Max micro SD card […]

March 29, 2015March 30, 2015 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 18 Comments

A5-V11 Mini Router Runs OpenWRT (Linux) For Just $8

In case you you still think OpenWRT capable NEXX WT1520 router is still too expensive at $15, what about an $8 OpenWRT router? That’s what LY mini wireless router costs including shipping, and it’s better known as A5-V11, the name of its PCB. It’s not exactly a 3G/4G router as the casing implied, but it does support external USB 3G/4G dongles like most other routers with USB on the market. A5-V11 specifications: SoC – Mediatek/Ralink) RT5350F MIPS processor @ 360MHz System Memory – 32MB RAM (W9825G6EH-75). Some people reported theirs only have 16MB RAM, so YMMV. Storage – 4MB NAND flash (Pm25LQ032) Connectivity – Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n up to 150 Mbps; 1x 10/100M Ethernet USB – 1x USB 2.0 host port, 1x micro USB port for power Misc – Power LED, factory reset pinhole Power – 5V via micro USB port Dimensions – 6.1 x 2.3 x 1.4 cm Contrary to […]