Do you remember VoCore? It was a low cost OpenWrt WiFi IoT module based on Mediatek RT5350 processor, that had a very successful crowdfunding campaign managed by a single developer, and the project is still going strong with VoCore2 being in the works. Another developer had the idea of doing something similar but based on HiSilicon Hi3518 ARM9 processor with more memory and support for 720p video encoding making it suitable for HD drone camera, compact video cameras, and so on. Meet RobinCore.
RobinCore specifications:
- SoC – Hisilicon Hi3518E ARM926 processor @ 440MHz with H.264 encoder(720p@30fps)
- System Memory – 64MB DDR2
- Storage – 16 MB NOR flash
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n WiFi via Mediatek MT7601U with on-board chip antenna
- Debugging – micro USB port
- Expansion – 2x 30-pin 2.0mm pitch through holes with access to 10/100M Ethernet, UART, I2C, SPI, SDIO, ADC, PWM, JTAG and GPIOs
- Power Support – 5V via micro USB port
- Dimensions – 33 x 27 mm
The board runs OpenWrt 15.05 with Linux 3.18 or HiSilicon Linux SDK with Linux 3.0.8. The developer has already released some binary images and script, as well as documented is progress on RobinCore.org. Source code has not been released, but he plans to submit patch files to OpenWrt trunk for hi3518e soon. I’ve been told HiSilicon SDK normally costs $10k – at least outside of China-, but the developer confirmed by email that he obtained HiSilicon SDK and documentation from an authorized agent of HiSilicon, and as well as H.264 video library and API. He also claims to be releasing PCB layout, schematics, documents and full source code for U-boot, the Linux Kernel, OpenWrt, and applications such as the RTSP server, and DVR program if the campaign is successful.
Two add-on boards (aka docks) have also been developed:
- RobinCam board with Omnivision OV9712 HD CMOS sensor and a wide-angle lens
- RobinMac with 10/100M Ethernet RJ45 port,a microphone and a SD card slot.
As you can see from the picture above both boards can be connected together to RobinCore.
The project has now launched on Indiegogo (fixed funding), where Robin, the developer, aims to raise at least $7,000 to go ahead with production. A $15 pledge should get you RobinCore, $20 RobinCore with RobinMac dock, $25 RobinCore with RobinCam dock, and $30 the board with the two docks. Shipping adds $3 to anywhere in the world, and delivery is planned 2 weeks after the campaign ends, so around June 2016 with a production run for 500 units.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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