Powerful Options for Single-Board Computers

Started by rahul123, Oct 19, 2022, 07:35 AM

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rahul123Topic starter

In the past, computers occupied entire rooms, but now it's possible to create a PC of any configuration with a single-board card the size of a credit card. These miniature Linux computers like the NanoPi and VoCore can be placed anywhere at home or office. These devices are so small that they can go unnoticed and still perform as a router, NAS, web server or file storage system.



VoCore was one of the first to introduce this type of computer in 2014 successfully, and it is still being sold in its VoCore2 version for $17.99. The device contains relatively powerful features such as 128 MB DDR, WIFI, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, 20+ GPIO which makes for a full-fledged Linux computer (OpenWRT) that can be expanded easily. The system is guaranteed to last several years, and comes with technical support even from a community of enthusiasts. The hardware design, electrical circuits, drivers, and software source code are open on the offsite.

The dimensions of the device are 25.6mm × 25.6mm × 3.0mm and it is powered by an MT7628 CPU, 580 MHz core MIPS 24K speed, 128 MB, DDR2 166 MHz RAM, 16M NOR storage on the board, and SDXC support up to 2 TB. It supports 802.11n WiFi driver, has an external U.FL interface provided for an antenna, and GPIO is about 40 (pinmux). Additionally, it has UART x3 (UART2 for debugging console), PWM x4, and PCIe (option) x1 (option). The power consumption runs from 74mA WiFi standby, 230mA WiFi full speed to 5V.

VoCore2 has proven to be dependable, with users enjoying use of the device for several months or years without the need to restart. Extensions for VoCore2 are available, such as a 4-inch Toshiba screen that can hang on a wall or fit in a frame. In some cases, these devices can be used to recycle old phones and tablets, essentially acting as auxiliary work monitors or touchscreens.

Fortunately, technological advancement has not stopped, and the range of single-board computers has changed greatly. The current range includes several powerful ARM processors which are known as NanoPCs or NanoPis in specialized electronics stores.

One of the most interesting NanoPi devices is the NanoPi NEO Air, which is an affordable $31.50 board that uses an Allwinner H3 chip to support standard Linux distributions. It has a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor up to 1.2 GHz and 512 MB DDR3 RAM, making it much more powerful than the original VoCore cubes.

The NanoPi line includes other affordable options such as the NanoPi NEO for just $16, although it lacks WiFi. In addition, there are many different boards on a chip like the F1C100s or similar RockChip/AllWinner/MediaTek chips. For example, the Lichee Nano, which only costs $11.57, has an Allwinner F1C100s SoC and a frequency up to 900 MHz, 32 MB of internal SDRAM memory, 16 MB SPI Flash, built-in TF slot, connector for connecting the display, SDIO for WiFi module, SPI x2, TWI x3, UART x3.

Although these systems are relatively cheap, users need to be aware that they require a SoC heat sink at maximum load, and their power consumption is significantly higher than MIPS 24K. Additionally, they can be used to build a variety of systems such as web servers, Docker containers, NodeJS applications, home NAS alternatives, and more, which is a cheaper solution in comparison to expensive DIY solutions on the x86 architecture.
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soniya_ss

Personally, I have noticed that the first version of VoCore tends to heat up quite a bit. Additionally, while these microcomputers themselves may be small, when you add peripherals and batteries to them, they become less compact and more power-hungry. In my opinion, ESP32 is becoming a more viable alternative to VoCore as it is capable of working with a microphone and camera while consuming much less energy. However, it also requires an access point nearby, preferably not connected to the same network as the "master's" in the next apartment.
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RanKumar

ESP32 is a great example of an affordable yet highly functional microcontroller. The Fabrio VGA library alone is worth noting, as it can even run operating systems like Win3.11 and DOS. Additionally, ESP32 boards with VGA connectors, PS/2 for keyboards and mice, and microSD card slots are now available for less than a thousand rubles, making it an ideal choice for building a retro gaming PC.

The newer, cheaper esp32C model is also more powerful than its predecessor, the esp8266, and features a full-fledged USB host which allows users to assemble Wi-Fi storage without hassle. With a little tinkering, it's even possible to turn a regular wireless keyboard and mouse into a Wi-Fi kit.

ESP32 can also be used to make a network in the forest by using the cheapest ESP with minimal GPIOs and a solar panel. This can be a great option for outdoor activities like role-playing games or airsoft stalker. As it offers a range of up to 300 meters, it's even possible to communicate from a sentry tent located far away from the rest of the group.

Moreover, with up to 16MB of RAM and flash, and processing speed of 240 MHz, the ESP32 is capable of running projects that would require a Raspberry Pi. The price/functionality ratio of ESP 32 is impressive, and it can be used in various projects such as KaRadio projects and smart homes. In summary, ESP32 is a versatile and affordable microcontroller that can offer a wide range of functionalities beyond what people typically expect from it.
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tamilabi

I have had experiences with the Dell Optiplex 320, which features two 120mm fans, one in the PSU and one in the case that cool the processor and other components. Despite this, the computer is barely audible, and the hard drives make more noise than the fans when they wake up.

In terms of ready-made NAS devices, I once encountered a long one (possibly the 215th model) that could fit two hard disks, which offered a great life hack: you could create a Linux directory and load the Linux from that directory, allowing you to edit configurations instead of being restricted to read-only access.

Another example was the QNAP 459 pro+, which I used at home for six months despite its high cost. The device was initially just a repository, but with the latest firmware update, it evolved into a powerful machine with an Apple-style interface design. It even allows users to install MySQL and PHP on it. While I'm not sure if it's possible to edit configs manually on the device, it does feature Linux, which some users may find appealing.
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itaviotojence

These single-board computers like the VoCore2 and NanoPi devices provide a convenient and affordable solution for various computing needs. They can be used as routers, NAS devices, web servers, or even as file storage systems.

The VoCore2, for example, offers features like 128 MB DDR RAM, WiFi, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, and over 20 GPIO pins, making it a full-fledged Linux computer. It has proven to be dependable and comes with technical support from a community of enthusiasts. The device is compact, measuring 25.6mm × 25.6mm × 3.0mm, and is powered by an MT7628 CPU.

Similarly, the NanoPi line, including the NanoPi NEO Air and NanoPi NEO, offers affordable options with more powerful processors like the Allwinner H3 chip. These boards support standard Linux distributions and can be used for various applications.

However, it is important to note that these devices may require a heat sink at maximum load and have higher power consumption compared to older MIPS 24K-based systems. Nevertheless, their versatility makes them suitable for building web servers, Docker containers, NodeJS applications, home NAS alternatives, and much more, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional x86 architecture solutions.
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