Small update as promised:
In my previous post I mentioned that I'd decided to change to using the Pine64 as the 'brains' of my machine, the redesign and prep work is now well under way. I've also gone with the LCD provided by the makers of the Pine64 - this has now arrived, enabling me to test it and get its dimensions for CAD modelling.
Observations from testing:
- Pine64 OS support is a lot more patchy than for the Raspberry Pi and almost entirely community-driven, so far Armbian seems the best bet but I do want to have a bit of a play with Android. Decent variety of options though.
- The Pine64 runs very cool compared to the Pi 4 or 3, and consumes far less power. Performance does seem about on a par with the Pi 3 - for a HPC-sized device I believe this will be acceptable, though more power is always nice.
- The LCD is far lighter than my previous one, and roughly half the thickness as it does not have a HDMI conversion board on the back of it, nor a HDMI socket. Not as plug-and-play as a HDMI screen though. Still 7", 1024 x 600 resolution, capacitative touch and decently bright. Brightness control should be possible at OS level.
Physical changes to the machine
(due to new parts
):
- Footprint is unchanged at 230mm x 130mm
(approx 9.1" x 5.1"
). May be possible to lose a few mm in each direction but not a priority for now.
- Thickness reduced to 27.5mm
(1.1"
). Reduction all in the lid - Was hoping I might be able to get down to 1" total thickness but not quite.
- Estimated weight savings somewhere in the region of 50 - 100g, I'll weigh the bits and get a total weight estimate. Crucially most of this is in the display module so the lid hinges will have an easier time, and the machine should handle better
(not that prototype Mk2 was bad in that respect.
)
- No lid 'bump', cleaner lines on lid and base part of casing.
Photos
(in order
):
- Main components being tested
- Front and rear views of model - more work to do on fixings but external details should not change much.
(IMG_20200412_1812260.jpg) (HPC Mk3.JPG) (HPC Mk3 Rear.JPG) Attachments
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IMG_20200412_1812260.jpg (68KB - 0 downloads) HPC Mk3.JPG (53KB - 0 downloads) HPC Mk3 Rear.JPG (30KB - 0 downloads)