Pyra Hardware specifications

[WizardStan]

The antenna isn't in the module, it's a separate thing. The PHS8 antenna is bigger, but I'm pretty sure size has never been the constraint; last I remember is that it was a cost thing, better deal by buying one chip in bulk.

He's talked about upgrading to the PLS in the future but never responds when someone asks for more details on that thought.

 

[Silent-Hunter]

Well that sucks. What if one bought a PLS8 themselves, could they send it to ED and have it used in their Pyra? Yes, I know that would be very expensive, I'm just curious.

 

[Binky]

I thought the PCB design deliberately had extra space to fit in a larger antenna at some point in the future?

 

[WizardStan]

Well that sucks. What if one bought a PLS8 themselves, could they send it to ED and have it used in their Pyra? Yes, I know that would be very expensive, I'm just curious.

You'd also need a certified antenna and I don't even know what else. Best to just wait until EvilDragon figures out what the plan is, I think. I also need the 4G, my carrier doesn't support the 3G module.

 

[rygD]

I would probably go for 4G if it is an option for the same reason as WizardStan.

 

[edgex004]

Do any carriers in the US support it?

 

[rygD]

What "it" do you mean?

 

[edgex004]

What "it" do you mean?

Sorry, I was wondering if any carriers support the 3G module. I thought the frequencies being used matched AT&T's, but may have been wrong. 

 

[rygD]

I sent you some links in a message.  Unless I misunderstand it, AT&T and T-Mobile, if you are lucky, will work with the 3G module we will most likely get.

 

[Gentoox]

What is about the intel atom SOCs? Like the minnowboard max... they are completely open source no gpu BLOBs, power efficient and maybe the will be more powerful ...... also x86 software for more freedom....... ARM SOCs are so bad for the FOSS community all gpus are closed source....... I don't want to support this.....

 

[Binky]

power efficient

Incoming umpteen-page flamewar in 3, 2, 1!

Last time we had this discussion, the conclusion was intel mobile SOCs are pretty power efficient, but all the benchmarks used are rubbish so we don't really know.

 

[TrashyMG]

I'm staying out of this one, I can't say anything that hasn't been said in the last 20 threads on this topic.

 

[Gentoox]

I don't want to start such a war, but the fact that CISC systems are more faster in therms of calculations follows logic..... The only reason why RISC is used is the licence, welcome in the world of economics....  A few month a go I red that the AMD/Intel x86 systems are more power efficient because they are calculating much faster as there ARM counterparts, so they can compensate the bigger power drain....

Efficiency:

(Work output / Work input) x 100%

 

[Grench]

What is about the intel atom SOCs? Like the minnowboard max... they are completely open source no gpu BLOBs, power efficient and maybe the will be more powerful ...... also x86 software for more freedom....... ARM SOCs are so bad for the FOSS community all gpus are closed source....... I don't want to support this.....

The short answer is that this project is beyond that point in development.

Those questions were asked - and there are very lengthy threads around the topic.

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/15632-soc-poll-whats-most-important-for-you/?hl=intel

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/14698-overview-of-soc-options/?hl=intel

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/14443-potential-x86-non-arm-soc-alternatives/?hl=intel

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/14399-arm-vs-x86-lets-vote/?hl=intel/URL]

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/13041-i-can-almost-with-90-certainty-saythat-the-p2-should-use-an-amd-apu/?hl=intel

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/14440-potential-arm-non-x86-soc-alternatives/?hl=intel

You're welcome to do a bit of light reading around the topic using those links, but I would be amiss if I didn't re-enforce that the decision is done and the project moved on with an ARM solution. Frankly it's too late to go back now, and Intel either didn't understand the project or just plain wasn't interested in seeing it's X86 for mobile potentially compete with it's X86 for laptops and didn't have a dev board to start from using their mobile SoC.

 

[Gentoox]

Okay that is sad... But if the development went so far, why is there no prototype available yet or at least reviewed... It looks like a peace of paper with a concept.... and the 3d print i have seen could do a student on a weekend (sry for rudeness but it's a point...)

 

[TrashyMG]

why is there no prototype available yet or at least reviewed...

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/16746-populated-mainboards//URL]

the 3d print i have seen could do a student on a weekend (sry for rudeness but it's a point...)

Well it is just a 3D print of the initial concept. But it's pretty much what people want here.

This project isn't for everyone, the point of this project isn't to be a popular gaming device. It serves a niche group of people that want versatility.

 

[Gentoox]

why is there no prototype available yet or at least reviewed...

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/16746-populated-mainboards//URL]

That was my fault sry... didn't see that.... Now it got my attention! looking forward for the release... hopefully the build quality will be good...

 

[Granitehead]

Efficiency:

(Work output / Work input) x 100%

Why are you multiplying with one? Did you just recently find out about the neutral element of multiplication and the thrill of just throwing it in for the sake of it hasn't worn of yet, or do you have an actual reason?

 

[Grench]

why is there no prototype available yet or at least reviewed...

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/16746-populated-mainboards//URL]

That was my fault sry... didn't see that.... Now it got my attention! looking forward for the release... hopefully the build quality will be good...

And if you're really stuck in needing to run some X86 stuff, don't despair. There is a parallel project going on that should make X86 applications run much better on ARM.

http://boards.openpandora.org/topic/16876-emulator-brings-x86-linux-apps-to-arm-devices/

 

[WizardStan]

What is about the intel atom SOCs? Like the minnowboard max... they are completely open source no gpu BLOBs, power efficient and maybe the will be more powerful ...... also x86 software for more freedom....... ARM SOCs are so bad for the FOSS community all gpus are closed source....... I don't want to support this.....

The short answer is that this project is beyond that point in development.

The slightly longer answer (thought still not long enough) is that x86 requires more development (it needs a BIOS where ARM does not, for example) which ED didn't (and still doesn't) have the resources for, and a very legitimate concern that producing an x86 device would be met with a response larger, again, than he has the resources to handle.While there's a good argument to be made that an x86 console would have a much higher demand, that increased demand comes with a need to increase production and a need for increased support. Companies have drowned because they grew too fast too quickly and couldn't maintain themselves. By sticking with what he knows in a more maintainable niche he can grow his company a little slower and safer.

The Pyra has a modular CPU board, so it's entirely possible that 2 or 3 years from now he'll have enough money to hire on a few more people to cover sales and support and can design an x86 module.