(12-20-2020, 11:05 AM)KC9UDX Wrote: But then, what would it do that a phone doesn't? That was my point. Everything suggested here seems like it should work just fine on the PinePhone with some kind of attachment, at most. This is the nice thing about "smartphones". They're universal computers.
Perhaps we should be looking at a "ComCase" instead, that includes the ultra extended batteries, and the sensor expansion slots.
But the expansion connector only has I2C, and it would be hard to create a robust mechanical attachment using USB, without adding a lot of bulk, or using bluetooth, which isn't idea.
For me, the make or break point is really the mechanical attachment method. That's what makes the difference between a nice device you want to use, and an award contraption with two separate units that nobody wants to actually deal with in the field or even on the workbench.
Wasn't that just to reduce the price (or increase profit)?
12-20-2020, 08:57 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-21-2020, 05:29 AM by ab1jx.
Edit Reason: added more
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Does anybody remember the PineCom that was an Apple II clone in the 80s? Maybe it was Pineapple or Pinecone. In those days if you bought an Apple II the schematic was printed in the manual, a many page fold-out affair. These people just built and sold them, until Apple sued them out of business. I worked with a guy that bought one.
Heh no but I'm not surprised! There were a lot of them that nobody remembers.
One thing that I have seen in my current tablet, (a Samsung 10" bought last spring), is a edge mounted connector for power. This allows it to be charged while sitting on a docking station.
So, at the very least, I would suggest 4 gold contact points on the edge, (which edge open for discussion), that includes GND & +5v power, plus USB 2.x D+/D-.
Ideally, we would have multiple places, like back side, and edge. With different ports to the SoC, so they can be used at the same time.
Unless we use something like USB C's bi-directional power feature, each port would have to be either charging/power for the device. Or supply power to external add-ons.
Next idea, is allow multiple M.2 cards internally. Not the long ones for NVMe, but perhaps something Key A, B or E at common 30mm or 42mm lengths. With 2 slots, you can then choose a WiFi module, (with or without Bluetooth as desired), and still have a slot for LoRa or SDR.
This may make the device slightly thicker than the thin phones of today. But, better to have the communication options than have to jury rig one.
One thing that could be useful, is a range finder LED. Perhaps along the top edge. You point at an object, and push the App button for a new reading. It may not be perfect for mapping a site, but if someone tries hard, they might get good results. Like putting the bottom edge on a wall, and then pointing the top edge to the far wall. If you got back 10 feet & 4 inches, add the length of the PineCom device, (5"?), and you get a virtual tape measure. With fancier software, you can even map your whole house or office.
The range finder hardware should not add too much to the cost. Though, I could see many people never using it. So perhaps it can be designed as a multi-function device. Like IrR, (InfraRed light), comms too.
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Arwen Evenstar
Princess of Rivendale
(12-21-2020, 11:24 AM)Arwen Wrote: One thing that I have seen in my current tablet, (a Samsung 10" bought last spring), is a edge mounted connector for power. This allows it to be charged while sitting on a docking station.
So, at the very least, I would suggest 4 gold contact points on the edge, (which edge open for discussion), that includes GND & +5v power, plus USB 2.x D+/D-.
Ideally, we would have multiple places, like back side, and edge. With different ports to the SoC, so they can be used at the same time.
Unless we use something like USB C's bi-directional power feature, each port would have to be either charging/power for the device. Or supply power to external add-ons.
Next idea, is allow multiple M.2 cards internally. Not the long ones for NVMe, but perhaps something Key A, B or E at common 30mm or 42mm lengths. With 2 slots, you can then choose a WiFi module, (with or without Bluetooth as desired), and still have a slot for LoRa or SDR.
This may make the device slightly thicker than the thin phones of today. But, better to have the communication options than have to jury rig one.
One thing that could be useful, is a range finder LED. Perhaps along the top edge. You point at an object, and push the App button for a new reading. It may not be perfect for mapping a site, but if someone tries hard, they might get good results. Like putting the bottom edge on a wall, and then pointing the top edge to the far wall. If you got back 10 feet & 4 inches, add the length of the PineCom device, (5"?), and you get a virtual tape measure. With fancier software, you can even map your whole house or office.
The range finder hardware should not add too much to the cost. Though, I could see many people never using it. So perhaps it can be designed as a multi-function device. Like IrR, (InfraRed light), comms too.
Thanks on the idea on charging thru docking port, this is marvelous.
01-16-2021, 11:46 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-16-2021, 11:50 AM by Zack.)
I really wish this idea of a phone which can be used for decentralized and/or local communications will come to fruition.
Being able to call someone near you in a shopping mall, or in the neighborhood, as with a walkie talkie over wifi network would be great.
Also, being able to use wireless mesh network like the RightMesh mobile mesh networks would allow phone/video call without classical ISP.
Maybe this would make them lower their subscription fees. 
Another thing which would be useful for such objectives, would be to also develop FOSS Internet Box with wifi and/or LTE.
This would benefit both the PineCom and the PinePhone.
And probably provoke the ire of regulatory budgeteers... 
(01-16-2021, 11:46 AM)Zack Wrote: I really wish this idea of a phone which can be used for decentralized and/or local communications will come to fruition.
Being able to call someone near you in a shopping mall, or in the neighborhood, as with a walkie talkie over wifi network would be great.
Yeah, Nextel had that until Sprint killed it, and AT&T bought out Nextel Mexico. I guess faster cell speeds (more instant messaging) and cheaper calls killed it off also.
You can still use Nextel phones off-network, encrypted, and legally. I haven't done it in years, (no real need to), but I have a box of them for this in case for some reason I ever need them.
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