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Allwinner R8 in CHIP: now easier to solder

fustini

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I was excited to see the final production design of the CHIP by Next Thing Co is now using a TQFP package of the Allwinner R8 processor module:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/posts/1428989

We've made a change from the smaller R8m (our Alpha C.H.I.P. processor) to the larger R8, which are functionally identical. Because of sourcing complications and repackaging costs for the R8m, we've chosen to move forward with the R8 to remain on time and on budget.

 

Here's what the Alpha CHIP board looked like with the smaller R8 package:

image

 

A big reason that I am a fan of CHIP is that it is Open Source Hardware.  I think the larger R8 package will make it easier for people to design and assemble derivatives.

 

Finally, it's great to see that Linux kernel developer Maxime Ripard of Free Electrons is visitng Next Thing Co.  I'm very encouraged by their progress in getting CHIP supported by the mainline Linux kernel.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/posts/1412368

Building an operating system for C.H.I.P. requires some heavy duty driver work. Maxime Ripard from Free Electrons abandoned the French countryside and joined us in sunny Oakland, CA to make sure we’re on-time and feature rich.

 

cheers,

drew

  • Well these C.H.I.P.'s looks promising as one can tell by looking over its specs but I must WARN all the members here that if you wish to order these they are not going to be shipped to you anytime soon. It will take about June for pre orders! So if your project demands what C.H.I.P. is offering make sure your project has enough time for that i.e. deadline of your project.

    I am currently developing a product, so being curious I ordered three of these last year (December). Later on, I came to know that they will ship it after June 2016. Bummer!! I was really hoping that I could use that for my product which needs the power what that small PCB is packing.
    Now, I am using Allwinner A13 for that and I believe the product will already be in testing phase when those C.H.I.P arrives.

    image

    I really wish all the success to C.H.I.P team, but the thing is first you give your product to the community and then community will give you the feedback. The sooner you provide products the faster you will be able to get the feedback and will be able to keep things with real time. It might happen that other SOM providers might have better options before june. Time is everything.

     


    mudz

  • in reply to johnbeetem

    I think the problem is overloading the "open source" terminology between what is intuitive for most hardware and software engineers and a much narrower definition for marketing purposes. If the OSHW isn't completely, the they should replace "open" with something like "defined" -- which it really appears to be. Why would you use the term "open" if it isn't?

  • in reply to mudz

    It is always a bit painful to wait for Kickstarter projects to get into production. I guess I was fortunate to be in the second or third wave of deliveries of C.H.I.P. (still a bit of a wait) I still get lots of notifications about their production achievements and shipping schedule - they seem to be hitting lots of milestones although I am no longer tracking what they promised for schedules.

    Here is the proof I got some back in early April.

    I hope you get yours soon - they achieve  impressive performance/cost ratio.