Single Board Computer Running Android - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 07:58:10 pm
content: First, hello to everyone.I've been digging into the internet for some Open Source single board computer that runs android, but, with NO BGA uC. The idea of no BGA it's because I want to build it my self... Does anyone know anything like that?Thanks people....

author: ShatteredRAM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 08:12:49 pm
content: Depending on your needs, you might want to look into using embedded linux on a Cortex M0 as you can get it in aDIP package.Never used a Cortex M0 before, I wouldn't of thought that there would be any SBCs that you can assemble yourself and run full blown android on because of the overhead that it requires.I am not entirely sure about how feasible this is, it would depend on what the use of the SBC would be, for example, are you looking at a direct video out or simply a COM port?Edit: You may be able to get Cortex M3 processors in QFP packages, depending on how confident you are, this might be a better option, a project calleduClinuxseems to be focusing on a lightweight linux distribution for embedded systems.

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 08:24:18 pm
content: What I really want is build a XBMC remote control, using already existing android app. I could use a cell, but, it comes with a lot of unnecessary stuff... All I think that's necessary Is: Android, touchscreen display and wifi. I'm not an electronic engineering, so my knowledge is kinda limited. That's right I'm looking for an existing solution, so I'll be able to remove the parts I don't need, redesign the board to smallest size possible, and then build inside a simple case...

author: ShatteredRAM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 08:30:15 pm
content: Right...If you are going to make a remote control, why not just use an IR system? Transmitter on a MC device, Receiver on the host, I find it very unlikely that you will find the stuff out there to build your own SBC simply due to the system integration that is required for something like an android device, as well as the relatively high system requirements.I understand what you are trying to do, I just feel that what you are trying to do is massive overkill if it is only going to be used as a XBMC remote.

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 08:39:35 pm
content: The problem in use the IR units, is when we want to access the internet.. especially to type anything in!!! It's a pain in the ass to write with the navigation keys...Now... With android, we could just use Swype or use the touchscreen as a touchpad... which is much nice....

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 08:46:12 pm
content: Quote from: MARSHALBSB on July 12, 2014, 07:58:10 pmThese already exist. They are called Open Wallet android tablets. Totally cheap, come preloaded with functional firmware, touchscreen, large choice of development tools. And you don't even need to solder bga.If you want a remote for your media player, just buy a totally el cheapo remote supported by LIRC (or whatever you want to use for xbmc control). Or is that too practical and non-DIY?

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:00:13 pm
content: hmmm...I'll read about it mrflibble...

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:02:54 pm
content: If all you want is XBMC then get a Raspberry Pi for $25 and hook up a Blue tooth keyboard mouse/trackpad. You can also directly wire in network or get a compatible Wife USB dongle. There is a huge RasPi community to tap knowledge from and it has been done with active development... much better suited I think to your experience/knowledge and budget. Still, getting all the necessary drivers and hardware running will take some time, not to mention optimizing your build and codes for speed. But it can do it. Just check:http://www.raspbmc.com

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:09:53 pm
content: About xbmc on rpi, AFAIK playback of 1080p can be a bit choppy. But maybe that's all sorted out by now. Just something on the list of things to check should you choose the rpi route.

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:24:25 pm
content: First things first...I'm in Brasil... And only in my dreams raspberry pi cost $25... The cheapest I can get here is around $150 (damn corruption).... So I'll use a some mini Itx motherboard to my XBMC ... Anyway.... the question is the Remote control... You got the idea... what im finding dirturbing is that there's no android opensource board... But, with so many cheap single board computer available (for you guys) I can see why no one consider to create an Androiduino board.. (sorry....i couldn't resist)

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:33:01 pm
content: Quote from: MARSHALBSB on July 12, 2014, 09:24:25 pmJust pick something with proper supportof the listthat you can buy at a reasonable price.

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 09:41:51 pm
content: yes sir....rsrs... I'll read you suggested list...

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 11:02:11 pm
content: What about one of the "original" Atmel AT91SAM processors? I think they can run Linux (probably Android) you can get them in QFP packages, I think the i.MX 233 is also QFP.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 11:21:31 pm
content: Everything I've found from googling on Open Wallet seems to be unrelated to tablets.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 11:35:11 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on July 12, 2014, 11:21:31 pmOpen wallet. Pay for tablet. Close wallet. Integrate ready to go tablet into your project. Enjoy working project & spare free time (which now goes into other projects).

author: elliott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 11:52:49 pm
content: Quote from: MARSHALBSB on July 12, 2014, 08:24:18 pmAn out of date phone is really the best way, use one that has a full keyboard. Look at a Sony Xperia X10. Sure, some of it unnecessary, but it is already done. Just strip the Android install of everything you don't need.

author: MARSHALBSB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 12:17:55 am
content: Thanks Guys!!!Stoned.... I Don't get the OpenWallet at first too... After google for a while it start to make sense... not funny, but laugh my self...Elliot, after all, I'm starting to believe that an old phone is the best option... Anyway...There's an idea... Androiduino... If someone think that this can be useful and have the ability to do it... I don't... Not right now....(Not a time limit...but ability limit)....thanks anyway...