Onion, the team behind the Omega2 series self-styled computing modules has launched the Omega2 Dash a self-contained Omega2S module with a touchscreen.
Unlike some modules integrating with a display that mostly comes in the form of a HAT (in the case of Raspberry Pi), USB, HDMI, or some unique data lines. The Omega2 Dash is a stand-alone 3.2″ TFT touchscreen display running a Linux OS, comes with a Micro USB, and boots in less than a minute, thanks to the Omega2S module attached to the back of the display screen.
The Omega2S is the latest in the series of computing modules from Onion after succeeding the Omega2+. Targeted to the IoT industry in its 24x20x2.8mm form factor, the Omega2S was designed for mass production and people interested in integrating IoT solutions into their products.
Integrating a display to the Omega2S will be tricky. It will require investing in a custom development board or even more significant investment with the $249 development kit without even mentioning the display cost itself. The Omega2 Dash addresses those challenges and allows users to easily add touch-based UI to their applications while still harnessing the power of the Omega2S through the dash interfaces like I²C, SPI, UART, GPIOs, USB 2.0, and Ethernet through an expansion header.
Users can easily interact with the display device through the Linux framebuffer.
You can display the command-line directly on Omega2 Dash, run GUIs, and display images in png and jpeg formats. The 320×240 resolution screen supports 16-bit RGB565 color and 12-bit resistive touch input.
Omega2 Dash is compatible with the open-source LittleV Graphics Library, which is meant to be the ideal programming method for the Omega2 Dash. Below are the device specifications.
- 3.2″ TFT touchscreen display
- 320×240 resolution
- 16-bit (RGB565) color support
- 12-bit resistive touch input
- Based on the Omega2S+ IoT computer module
- Processor: 580 MHz MIPS CPU
- Memory: 128 MB RAM
- Storage: 32 MB
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz b/g/n Wi-Fi (access point & client)
- Operating System: OpenWrt 18.06 Linux
- I/O
- Expansion Header
- I²C, UART, PWM, Ethernet, GPIOs
- Compatible with the existing ecosystem of Omega2 Expansions
- USB 2.0 host
- MicroSD card slot
- Expansion Header
- Antenna
- 2 dBi directional chip antenna
- U.FL connector for external antenna
- USB-to-serial interface on Micro USB port
- Provides reliable, always-on access to the Omega’s command line
- Status LEDs
- Amber: Indicates whether Linux OS has booted
- Off – Device not powered on
- Blinking – Booting/updating
- On – Up and running
- Blue: Indicates connection to a Wi-Fi network
- Off – Not connected to a Wi-Fi network
- Blinking – Connecting
- On – Connected
- Amber: Indicates whether Linux OS has booted
- Weight: 60 g
- Dimensions: 82 mm x 70 mm
The device USB-to-serial interface allows the user to access Omega’s command-line. The microSD card slot can be used to increase the memory capability of the Omega2S.
The devices support the OnionOS, which is a browser-based user interface that can be used to write code, run commands, and apps. It supports other software frameworks used in the Omega ecosystem. The Omega2 Dash is compatible with existing Omega2 expansions, which can be used to increase the device functionality.
Omega2 Dash is currently being crowdfunded on Crowd supply. The Omega2 dash starts at $69 plus free US Shipping or $10 worldwide shipping. Shipping is expected to begin in April 2020.
I enjoy writing about the latest news in the areas of embedded systems with a special focus on AI on edge, fog computing, and IoT. When not writing, I am working on some cool embedded projects or data science projects. Got a tip, freebies, launch, idea, gig, bear, hackathon (I love those), or leak? Contact me.
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