What is missing


darkborn

darkborn

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2009
Messages
455
Pyra project suffers from the same childhood diseases as Pandora.
Technology is rising faster then development of the product.
e.g. Android was, maybe, an unexpected surprise (at a time of Pandora dev), but it was 7 years ago!
It is a retro thing, but it should be designed for a future. And what is future?
Mobility, cloud things, network gaming... (and so on) ?
Beside, considering "openness", some kind of extensibility - modularity should be considered also.

I'll mention few things that should be considered:

  1. SSD / modularity
    SD cards are ok, but if we're talking about "mini-laptop", local storage is important. SSD DIY extension module should be planned. (had to be actually...)
    2,5"" msata SS drives are standard and relatively cheap (could be found up to 20$). Pyra HQ should provide "standard design" for extension module, e.g. ready-to-print .stl (beside .blender, .obj...)
    Add-on modules should be available in a web store, as a ready-to-use product(s) , or as a DIY kits. Or just as a blueprints.
    We don't know what future will brings us, but we should provide even human-ports or stim-chip charging possiblity... ;-)
  2. Battery add-on
    Same thing, open design specifications for standard modules. It should contain possibility to charge battery when it's not attached to Pyra.
    Also it could be same module with slot for SSD and battery (or for some other purpose, e.g. solar charger).
  3. Cloud thing / network gaming
    There is no need to reinvent the wheel: look at the Chromebook design. Something similar, but adapted to Pyra features (and needs).
    But it is not just about cloud storage: efficient network gaming should be considered as a goal. Pyra should provide (and promote!) easy-to-use modded emus for multiplayer (retro) gaming: even 8-bit International Karate or Barbarian could be fun today. Fighting with a real opponent but not nearby.
    Something like VBA Link for VisualBoy Advance (GBA emu) over the web.
    Actually, I'm targeting more modern MMO games, something like Pardus, e.g. free and browser based ("light"). But goal is the same: multiplayer gaming, Pyra HQ community, ready to play.
  4. Connectivity
    It is connected to module thingy explained up there. I'm thinking about different kind of adapters, e.g. for Xbox controller; or some other proprietary jack format.
    Raspberry Pi & Arduino comes to my mind also, just I can't figure out real purpose for that right now.
    I like idea to use Pyra as a remote "brain" (and controller) for small robots, quadcopters or some other devices.


That's my 2 bits; add more if you think it has sense.
I do not doubt about that Pandora/Pyra sect here will crucify me and my ideas both; after all, those 7 years shows that we don't need another Craig to show us how much smart-asses are really smart.
 
I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about. Could you be more specific? Exactly what kind of product/specification do you have in mind?
 
darkborn said:
Pyra project suffers from the same childhood diseases as Pandora.
Technology is rising faster then development of the product.
Click to expand...

As with any device you buy, but the goals of the Pandora and Pyra are a tad different than any other device. This community squeezed a lot of life out of the OMAP3 and still seems to be giving us surprises. 

darkborn said:
. Pyra HQ should provide "standard design" for extension module, e.g. ready-to-print .stl (beside .blender, .obj...)
Click to expand...

Pyra HQ is just EvilDragon and Nikolaus hired along for the most part. This could be something one of the Electronically inclined community members could do on  the side as EvilDragon has a ton to do getting the Pyra into production.  

darkborn said:
Same thing, open design specifications for standard modules. It should contain possibility to charge battery when it's not attached to Pyra.
Also it could be same module with slot for SSD and battery (or for some other purpose, e.g. solar charger).
Click to expand...

It's far too late in the design process to change the battery slot and what not, the Steel molds for plastic molding that cost a fortune are already being made. Design something and Cough up 50,000 Euros for new molds maybe.


Some of your ideas are good, but they should of been put forth a year or two ago, right now the design is set in stone essentially.

As for software things you suggest, we're not like Google which has thousands of people hired on to do this work. It's basically just us here in the forum, everything software wise is community made by volenteers. If you want to see things happen your way, it starts with you.
 
Something like a Silicone Crystal Case, my Pandora got some scretches from pocket carry..


Or something like this leaf which was shipped whit the K101 Plus GBA Clone ..
 
Okay I can't figure out how to fix my quotes with the new forum. Anyway:


Darkborn #3: Network gaming


In this regard I am super excited to see Minecraft and PPSSPP on the Pyra. Having these two be fullspeed will hopefully offer some great net play. I've read about PPSSPP net play on desktops, but if we can get it running on Pyra, that would be a cool feature.


I also am also very excited about Tournament Hub 2. If everything can be implemented correctly, I am hoping it takes C4A and Pyra/Pandora net play to the next level.


Askarus:


Will DisplayLink run better through USB3? I was hoping to hook my Pyra up to two monitors, one through HDMI and one through DisplayLink. If that won't work, it is not the end of the world, but I was hoping to set up some kind of dock for this purpose.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
matzesu said:
Something like a Silicone Crystal Case, my Pandora got some scretches from pocket carry..


Or something like this leaf which was shipped whit the K101 Plus GBA Clone ..
Click to expand...

All the silver is wearing off mine. It looks like it's been scorched. XD
 
My also lost some silver, thangs craig its only colour and no expensive metal..


But as the Pyra want have to be colourd i think this thime this shouldnt be a problem..
 
TrashyMG said:
It's far too late in the design process to change the battery slot and what not, the Steel molds for plastic molding that cost a fortune are already being made. Design something and Cough up 50,000 Euros for new molds maybe.
Click to expand...


This is what I'm talking about. Thinking outside the box? No way.
For sect, it's hard even to imagine some kind of add-on, e.g. holded by micro magnets or so, connected through USB...
...but we'll spend hours arguing about "why is that bad". 50K€ my ass.
So predictable, Craig was like a wolf between sheep here.
I think he already started iControlPyra add-ons design based on basic flaws. Not under his name, of course... unfortunately, we know how it will be ended.
 
 
darkborn said:
This is what I'm talking about. Thinking outside the box? No way.
For sect, it's hard even to imagine some kind of add-on, e.g. holded by micro magnets or so, connected through USB...
...but we'll spend hours arguing about "why is that bad". 50K€ my ass.
So predictable, Craig was like a wolf between sheep here.
I think he already started iControlPyra add-ons design based on basic flaws. Not under his name, of course... unfortunately, we know how it will be ended.
 
Click to expand...

Just like your first post this is an incoherent mess, It's hard to understand what you mean or what you are aiming at. What does Craig have to do with this?, he hasn't been around in years and no part of this project. 
 
While there are some nice ideas here, I'm not sure they can even be practically implemented.


* Network gaming: That's a thing of the coders, doesn't have anything to do with the hardware itself.


* SSD: Well, the possibility exists.. there is an eSATA-Port available at one of the USB ports, so it would be possible creating an addon where you can put in an SSD device below the battery... but that would make things thick. That's why we got 3 SD Card slots instead.


* Battery charging: It's a standard LiPo battery, so any proper LiPo charger will be able to charge it. An adaptor for use with a standard charger could be created.


* Connectivity: It has basically everything that is needed. Xbox Controller, PS3 controller? Can be used via USB or Bluetooth... but including any propiertary stuff that only one company uses...?


So not sure what's really missing. :)
 
EvilDragon said:
* SSD: Well, the possibility exists.. there is an eSATA-Port available at one of the USB ports, so it would be possible creating an addon where you can put in an SSD device below the battery... but that would make things thick. That's why we got 3 SD Card slots instead.


So not sure what's really missing. :)
Click to expand...

A Pyra extension template would be pretty cool. I could imagine it replacing the battery-compartment-lid or holding on with magnets. Would it be possible to print something like this or are the tolerances for the battery-cover too small for a 3D printer?


Or one could attach some elastic straps or a pocket made of mesh to the bottom of the Pyra somehow. Maybe into the screw holes? This way you could store any hardware like a powerbank or an external HDD directly below the Pyra with the least amount of thickness added.


(Slightly unrelated: I just found this mSATA to USB3 case while searching for external SSDs for the Pyra. Now I want one, this thing is minuscule!)
 
external Battery charger:


I could think of something like the external HDD docks, where you slide it in from top. that would be 1 piece in the mold (open on the bottom) and losed with a flat sheet of lasercut plastic an 3-4 screws.


@EvilDragon That COULD be a piece for the "rest of the small parts" mold.  But I guess that mold is to far built already to "just mill another cavity" in right?


could you hand be the measurements of athe batteries (incl. the contacts) and the PCB component, which connects the battery?


We have a guy in our hackercommunity, who owns an old mold injecting machine, which should be good enough for that kind of mold.


And because I'm in the mood: I'll offer a bet, that I'll have the first working ext. charger build, before I get my Pyra (I did a Pre-preorder for the "standard" Pyra).  I will donate the first 10 chargers to the community, if I loose my bet (provided someone offers an acceptable prize, if I win ;-)  and of course ED says, it can't be done in the official Pyra mold)..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
matzesu said:
Something like a Silicone Crystal Case, my Pandora got some scretches from pocket carry..


Or something like this leaf which was shipped whit the K101 Plus GBA Clone ..
Click to expand...

Difficult because of the clamshell design. Either it's around the closed one in one piece, thus needs to be peeled of  for using, or 2 pieces, which might not be possible, because it would hinder closing the lid...
 
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