https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1065/9514/t/18/assets/chip... Those USB sockets are mighty close together.
> Those USB sockets are mighty close together
Based on the "alpha" in the image name, I'm hoping they fixed that.
CHIP Pro
21–30 of 207 posts
Re: CHIP Pro
#22I have the chip, esp8266, rpi, teensies, trinkets, arduinos... I studied electronics principles and built various circuits.. yet I have no idea what I can practically use these devices for in my life. They all sit in a box and I have a hard time justifying buying more of them.
Re: CHIP Pro
#23https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1065/9514/t/18/assets/chip... Those USB sockets are mighty close together.
That's just the developer breakout board, I doubt they intend people to use it in production devices. Most people are going to design their own boards that this solders into as a module.
Re: CHIP Pro
#24Earlier quoted context omitted.
I know it's cheap and all but the keyboard is hardly anything I would recommend for typing anything for more than 5 minutes. It's probably among the worst things out there to type on.
When I was googling the PocketCHIP I was surprised to find some random forum posts warning people NOT to peel the clear plastic coating off the keys, as apparently they hold them in place! That's certainly something I can imagine doing.
Oh yes, definitely heed that advice. I almost ripped mine off before I realized what it's there for. A very unfortunate omission on their part - there should be a warning in screaming caps on the device, or at least somewhere in the packaging.
Re: CHIP Pro
#25Earlier quoted context omitted.
I have the PocketChip; great device. Recommended for sure. Together with come CHIPs you can do nice things. Sure for the same price as the PocketChip you can pick up a far more functional Android / Windows 10 tablet but this has a keyboard and you can replace anything in it yourself and do interesting hacking for both software and hardware. Edit: (I bought the PocketChip for the introductory price; it's more expensiv…
I know it's cheap and all but the keyboard is hardly anything I would recommend for typing anything for more than 5 minutes. It's probably among the worst things out there to type on.
I do not mind it that much. I have been writing games on it and it's fine. Sure it can be better, but for the price & flexibility I think it's good.
Re: CHIP Pro
#26What's with the "no NDA required"? Who requires NDAs for their datasheets?
Pretty much every SOC manufacturer. To protect their intellectual property, they control access to the documents that describe the behavior of their products. Also, if you leak any of their intellectual property, the NDA allows them to sue their lost profits (due to clones of their product) out of you.
It's not every SOC manufacturer. TI and NXP do not require NDAs for their datasheets, only for the security subsystem perhaps.
Re: CHIP Pro
#27I'm waiting for a PocketCHIP (mainly to mess with pico8) that I preordered at the start of this month, and it has estimated shipping of November. I wonder if the Chip Pro shipping in December will have any impact on my order.
I got mine a few weeks ago and love it. Pico-8 is wonderful, I haven't done much besides mess with that.
Re: CHIP Pro
#28How is it optimized for SMT? It seems like the PCB that you mounted it to would need to have a hole or milled pocket in it to accommodate the backside thickness of the CHIP. Not sure how feasible a pocket is, but a hole would mean you then lose all your layers/backside in that area.
The edges of the board have round plated indents near the through holes, which makes them easier for machines to place and solder.
Re: CHIP Pro
#29I have the chip, esp8266, rpi, teensies, trinkets, arduinos... I studied electronics principles and built various circuits.. yet I have no idea what I can practically use these devices for in my life. They all sit in a box and I have a hard time justifying buying more of them.
Security and media devices are what a lot of people seem to go for, or DIY IoT. I know your pain, I have a few Raspberry Pi's sitting in my draw...
Re: CHIP Pro
#30Is it possible to make use this as a starting point for an open source smartphone?