Back PCB finished! It's the least pretty PCB of all them. I was hurrying to send it off because I need to make the next prototype. The layout was also pretty constrained - Pi Zero, expansion headers, MCP23017 and GSM modem sitting flush from one side, TP4056, USB port, DC-DC and RTC from another. Routing could have been done prettier, but overall it's still good and I reached most of my goals. All the PCB files, including Gerbers, are on GitHub now.
Features planned but scrapped:
- General-purpose high-power LED (maybe better left as a mod? Will see when I'll be routing the board next time)
- Simple solution for hardware low-power shutdown - I need to consult some people about using TL431, I apparently didn't understand something about making a circuit that'd switch a MOSFET at 3V and have some hysteresis as well.
- Bringing out MCP23017 GPIOs taken by the RGB LED on testpoints - just not enough board space. There are two more GPIOs on the MCP that are free, I just forgot to bring them out - that's a task for the next revision (along with refactoring the routing)
Now, onto software goals. I aim to make the first revision of software limited, but polished. I think it makes sense to include the following features:
- Phone calls and SMS, rudimentary phonebook
- Simple number-keys-to-characters input (like on all mobile phones with a number keypad)
- A simple "nmap" app that scans the WiFi network the phone's connected to
- WiFi module power management
- RGB led control for notifications
- Twitter feed reader
- Music player
- Camera app
That should be enough for two weeks of challenges. Then, I should have enough requirements for the UI framework collected so that I know how the next version should look and can start planning the architecture for that.
Current roadmap adjustments:
3. Start developing v1.0 of software while Chinese festivities go on a) Coordinate the contributors, finally send out the alpha boards b) Once the festivities end, order a batch of boards and components 4. Once OSHPark boards arrive, test them, make a new PCB file release a) Find who's interested in reviewing kits 5. Once boards&components arrive, make kits and send them out a) Prepare the crowdfunding campaign
That's it for project state right now. Next week I can tell you any cool things I'll be able to achieve with the software - hopefully, I'll manage to make at least one of them this week!
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Nice, cant wait to see the new prototype!
Just ordered a pi zero for this project :)
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