Can't wait to get the latest Pyra status?
Well, then - here are some more news
1. The Main PCB
The main PCB design from Nikolaus is basically finished. The Wifi chip still needs to be added, but then we're good to go for a first test run.
This should be pretty close to the production version already. For testing, the OMAP5 devboard will be connected using the CPU PCB connectors - so it's a setup that's really close to the finished unit.
Time is running short, so we probably won't have these PCBs ready for the "Lange Nacht der Computerspiele"-Event in Leipzig May 10th - but we'll put the current testing PCB into a case and connect it via HDMI to a monitor, so everyone who visits there can test a bit of what's yet to come (and the new nubs, of course )
The time has come for Nikolaus to start working on the CPU PCB.
2. Testing the new displays
Nikolaus designed a new display PCB which has the Solomon Tech. Chip included that will do the rotation.
It will also have two different LCD connecters, as we'll receive two 720p LCDs for testing in about 2 weeks.
Both are A LOT cheaper than the FullHD display as well (in fact, they're even cheaper than Pandoras LCD...) and have a good refresh rate based on the datasheet - but we'll test that so we can choose the best one we can get.
Once the displays are there, I'll do some highspeed videos comparing these LCDs and the Pandora LCD regarding ghosting.
3. Improving the hinge area
In the current case design we're using the same hinge as before - but the plastics will be improved so that it becomes more stable and stays in every angle.
However, that's only half a workaround, as (based on usage), the plastics will wear out after a while, and even if it takes years because the plastic is pretty thorough, it will happen at some time.
So while this is an acceptable solution (way better than the current Pandora one), we're still trying to improve that!
We've found a couple of companies specialized on hinges, and they've got a few laptop-like small ones off-the-shelf.
The case designer is currently checking whether these do fit, and if not, we'll checkout if it's affordable to have a custom-one made from them.
I'll keep you informed how that'll work out!
4. Case design
As you already know, a basic case design is finished that's good enough for testing the available space for the CPU PCB as well as seeing how well the main PCB does fit in.
Of course, it's far from being finished, and while Nikolaus will use that one to continue working on his PCBs, the case designers are working on the remaining details.
They'll now work to implement the logo in the lid, add the shoulder buttons and do some minor tweaks of issues we found (though those actually are not many!)
First they'll finish the keymat design though, as that's needed to find a company that produces the keymats for us.
I've added some nice hires shots of the current 3D printed case for you
Well, then - here are some more news
1. The Main PCB
The main PCB design from Nikolaus is basically finished. The Wifi chip still needs to be added, but then we're good to go for a first test run.
This should be pretty close to the production version already. For testing, the OMAP5 devboard will be connected using the CPU PCB connectors - so it's a setup that's really close to the finished unit.
Time is running short, so we probably won't have these PCBs ready for the "Lange Nacht der Computerspiele"-Event in Leipzig May 10th - but we'll put the current testing PCB into a case and connect it via HDMI to a monitor, so everyone who visits there can test a bit of what's yet to come (and the new nubs, of course
)The time has come for Nikolaus to start working on the CPU PCB.
2. Testing the new displays
Nikolaus designed a new display PCB which has the Solomon Tech. Chip included that will do the rotation.
It will also have two different LCD connecters, as we'll receive two 720p LCDs for testing in about 2 weeks.
Both are A LOT cheaper than the FullHD display as well (in fact, they're even cheaper than Pandoras LCD...) and have a good refresh rate based on the datasheet - but we'll test that so we can choose the best one we can get.
Once the displays are there, I'll do some highspeed videos comparing these LCDs and the Pandora LCD regarding ghosting.
3. Improving the hinge area
In the current case design we're using the same hinge as before - but the plastics will be improved so that it becomes more stable and stays in every angle.
However, that's only half a workaround, as (based on usage), the plastics will wear out after a while, and even if it takes years because the plastic is pretty thorough, it will happen at some time.
So while this is an acceptable solution (way better than the current Pandora one), we're still trying to improve that!
We've found a couple of companies specialized on hinges, and they've got a few laptop-like small ones off-the-shelf.
The case designer is currently checking whether these do fit, and if not, we'll checkout if it's affordable to have a custom-one made from them.
I'll keep you informed how that'll work out!
4. Case design
As you already know, a basic case design is finished that's good enough for testing the available space for the CPU PCB as well as seeing how well the main PCB does fit in.
Of course, it's far from being finished, and while Nikolaus will use that one to continue working on his PCBs, the case designers are working on the remaining details.
They'll now work to implement the logo in the lid, add the shoulder buttons and do some minor tweaks of issues we found (though those actually are not many!)
First they'll finish the keymat design though, as that's needed to find a company that produces the keymats for us.
I've added some nice hires shots of the current 3D printed case for you
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