Difference between revisions of "Pandora"

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The Pandora is a seventh-generation handheld game console. When it ships in November 2008, it will be the most powerful handheld games console available.
+
[[Image:PandoraFrontNew.jpg|right|thumb|320px|The Pandora.]]  
[[Image:Pandora-newrender.jpg|Right|thumb|360px|The Pandora open-source game system.]]
+
__TOC__
  
==Overview==
+
= Overview =
  
The Pandora will run a Linux distribution. There will be no fees for developer tools and hence anyone will be free to develop and release games for the system.  
+
The Pandora is a unique combination of gaming console and pocket computer.
  
===Core===
+
From classic gaming, listening to music, watching movies, viewing pictures, program development or surfing the web to just reading or writing texts, the Pandora has a lot to offer
  
The Pandora uses a Texas Instruments OMAP 3530 System-on-Chip. This includes the ARM Cortex-A8 processor, the TI C64X programmable DSP, the PowerVR SGX 530 3D accelerator and supporting components.
+
The Pandora project has been a group effort from the beginning.  The hardware development team designed Pandora based on specifications requested by its future users.  The main physical features - qwerty [[keyboard]], dual analog nubs, clamshell design, pocketable size - were most prominently voiced by the community. The physical appearance of Pandora is an utilitarian result of getting all the necessary hardware into a pocket sized device.
 +
Form follows function, and ergonomic is one of the tall orders made. Before the final design came to be, the testing and funding was also done in a community manner.
  
====Storage====
+
There is no other device that has dedicated gaming controls, two [[nubs|analog nubs]] and a [[keyboard|QWERTY keyboard]].
The first revision of the console will include 128MB of DDR RAM, and 256MB of onboard flash memory. Storage space will be available through 2 Secure Digital card slots since the internal memory is not designed for storage and via USB host capabilities for connecting any standard USB flash drive and hard drive.
 
  
===Input and output===
+
It was developed as a gaming device not just to run [[games]] made just for it but also to [[Emulator List|emulate older systems]] and everyday computing.
The Pandora includes two analog pads, a directional pad, 4 action buttons, 2 shoulder buttons, 3 function buttons (start/select/home), and a QWERTY keyboard.  
 
  
====Display====
+
The Pandora can do all of this because it is a tiny computer running a custom distribution of Linux based on [http://www.angstrom-distribution.org/ The Ångström Distribution].  Because it runs Linux|GNU, the Pandora isn't just a console but a complete desktop computer with access to tens of thousands of Linux programs.
The Pandora's display will be a 800*480 display, which additionally will have touchscreen functionality.
+
{{hr}}
  
=====TV-out=====
+
[http://www.open-pandora.org/ Visit the Pandora website] for ordering information.
The Pandora will have the ability to output S-video and composite signals to television sets. In addition, picture-in-picture and seperate signals for the TV and LCD will be supported.
 
  
====Sound====
+
There are three versions, CC, GC and 1GHZ.
The Pandora will have a high-quality sound DAC, and an ADC and internal microphone for recording. A pair of stereo speakers is built into the display. The volume control is a wheel.
 
  
====Keyboard====
+
Base specs are the same, with the GC having more memory and a newer revision of the PowerVR SGX530 graphics chip.
The Pandora will have an almost-full QWERTY keyboard, with additional keys using Function. Control will likely be mapped onto one of the action or shoulder buttons.
+
The 1GHZ model has apart from a faster processor with bigger cache, faster main memory, faster graphics memory and faster DSP processor.
  
more here.
+
== Environmenal ==
 +
Whole unit RoHs,CE,pb free. <br />
 +
User replaceable battery. Ease of disassembly. User encouraged replacement of board and screen. <br />
 +
Replacement parts available: Battery, Buttons, keymat, case, board, screen, screen cable, stylus.
 +
Built to last. Quality parts. Long lifespan with updatability on a platform not built for planned obsolesence. <br />
 +
Fair wages for manufacture. <br />
 +
Minimal packaging, small cardboard box which can be recycled. Wood packaging box also available. <br />
 +
Ac/Dc adapter optional? Battery recycling program? <br />
 +
Research taking place on parts used.<br />
 +
Possible release of case design files and board schematics in the future.
  
 +
== Specifications ==
  
==Full Specs==
+
[[Hardware documentation]] has detailed hardware specifications.
  
These are constantly changing. Hopefully, this page will be updated with them. When adding information please remember to correctly reference the new information to a reliable source.
+
* [[Size Comparisons|140 x 83 x 27 mm]]
  
*General
+
* 320g (0.739 lbs) {{FIXME|Does this include the battery?}}
** The name: Pandora [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=572691]
 
** Dimensions: 140 x 83 x 27 mm (slightly larger than a DS Lite: vs 133 mm × 73.9 mm × 21.5 mm)
 
** Price: 199 GBP(incl. VAT) (approx. $330 USD, 212 € (excl. VAT)
 
** Release date: April/May 2008 for dev units, winter 2008 for full production units (can and will be changed if needed)
 
** Case will be a bit smaller the GP2X, and will be a mix of metal and plastic. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
  
*Core Hardware:
+
== Core Hardware ==
**Texas Instrument's OMAP3530 System-on-chip. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=562133] [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=39172&st=160#] ''Specifications can be found at this link: [http://focus.ti.com/pdfs/wtbu/ti_omap3430.pdf] ''
 
** PowerVR SGX GPU (OpenGL ES 2.0, several million polygons per second). ''OpenGL ES demonstrated: [http://www.imgtec.com/powervr/insider/powervr-demos.asp] ''
 
**128MB of DDR SDRAM.
 
** Real Time Clock (RTC) built in, to keep track of time. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 
**256MB of internal flash memory.
 
**Will be "unbrickable".
 
  
*Display: 800x480 widescreen (5:3), 4.3 inches, touchscreen LCD.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
+
* [[Hardware_documentation#OMAP3530|Texas Instruments OMAP3530 SoC]] or 3570 for 1GHZ model
**Brightness:300 cd/m2, Contrast ratio:450:1, Response time:tr+tf=30ms[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=39741&view=findpost&p=573484]
 
**Dimensions: 93.6 x 56.2 mm (4.3 inches, 5:3 aspect ratio).
 
**TV-out included in hardware, A/V-OUT Port (similar in appearance to a large USB OTG port) outputs S-Video and Composite and inputs 3,5mm Headphone/Microphone cables..
 
***Separate TV-out signals, picture-in-picture capabilities. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
**Powerful 2D and 3D hardware acceleration, see above. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
  
*Input:
+
* [[Hardware_documentation#PowerVR|PowerVR SGX GPU]]
**Buttons, keyboard, microphone, and touchscreen. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
**Directional pad will be a D-pad. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
**Two real analog nubs, with rubber grip, but no click function. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i26UXJOTkTk A video of the analog nub to be used in Pandora's construction.] Update: a custom designed plastic nub is now being used and will remain in the previously planned location.
 
**QWERTY keyboard cellphone like thumb typeable. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
**Built-In Microphone [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=findpost&pid=568882]
 
  
*Connectivity:
+
* 512MB DDR SDRAM.
**802.11g (Wi-fi) included. USB host included. USB-on-the-go (one-port host and client) included. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
 
**Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (3Mbps)[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=42344&view=findpost&p=613832]
 
**The USB will be fully powered (500 milliamps). You'll be able to use anything that has drivers. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 
**RS-232 will be included, but a level converter will be needed for the UART. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 
**Twin SDHC slots.
 
  
*Software:
+
* 512MB internal storage ([[NAND]])
**Open2X-type Linux firmware. [http://wiki.open2x.org/open2x/wiki/index.php?title=Firmware]
 
**One-click install system - Debian ARMEL packages probably compatible with minor work.
 
**Potential Emulation: Nearly any game console which predates the Playstation for which an open-source emulator exists.  Nearly any 8 or 16 bit computer system for which an open-source emulator exists.
 
*** Atari 2600, 7800, 5200, and Lynx
 
*** Nintendo NES, SNES, Gameboy, GBA and NDS (with combination of inbuilt touchscreen and external TV)
 
*** Sega Master System and Genesis
 
*** NEC PCEngine (TurboGrafx-16)
 
*** SNK NeoGeo, NeoGeo Pocket, and Pocket Color
 
*** Sony Playstation [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=41440]
 
*** Atari 400, 800, and ST
 
*** Amiga
 
*** PC (DOSBox)
 
*** Apple II
 
**Possible Software:
 
***Will be capable of running X11 with a window manager and desktop environment, and probably will by default.
 
***There should be the ability to run normal programs you can run on Modern Linux builds as well, provided it does not exceed 128MB of RAM (excluding any virtual memory for performance reasons) and is ported.  This includes a full build of Firefox!  Firefox 3.0 uses much less memory and resources, and should run fine on the Pandora.
 
***Macromedia Flash is possible on the Pandora with web browsers with some work.  Maybe not full Flash support though, but http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash/ can be ported to the Pandora and run up to FlashV7 guaranteed, play Youtube videos (mplayer and VLC can play FLV files just fine, play other movie files from Firefox, and VLC can stream FLV easily) and can work with Firefox or as a standalone program. 
 
***Advanced multimedia support, including streaming: mplayer, VLC, xine and any other program that is open source is possible.  For a general idea of file support for VLC see http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html, and for xine see http://xinehq.de/index.php/features.
 
  
*Power:
+
== Display ==
**Lithium-polymer battery, ~4000mAH.
 
**Up to 10 hours battery life under reasonable load 8.5 hours under max cpu load.  Up to 100 hours playing MP3s. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=40823&st=80&p=595336&#entry595336]
 
**Can charge through AC adapter or USB. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=40659&view=findpost&p=587802]
 
**Advanced power management capabilities: only need to set a max clockspeed, when the CPU is not doing anything it automatically HALTs and does nothing to save a lot of power.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=574380]
 
**Will be able to suspend to RAM or suspend to disk for longer battery life and faster start up.
 
  
 +
* Touchscreen TFT-LCD
 +
** 4.3-inch (93.6 x 56.2 mm)
 +
** 800x480 widescreen (5:3)
 +
** Brightness:  300 cd/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
** Contrast ratio: 450:1
 +
*** Viewable in direct sunlight, but it ''will'' wash out.
 +
** Response time: tr+tf=30ms
 +
*** No ghosting.
  
 +
* {{FIXME|This is a mess.}} TV-out included in hardware, A/V-OUT Port (similar in appearance to a large USB OTG port) has Composite and S-Video outputs and 3.5mm headphone output and microphone input.
 +
** Separate TV-out signals, picture-in-picture capabilities. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=38044]
  
[[Category:FAQ]]
+
== Audio ==
 +
 
 +
* Stereo speakers
 +
 
 +
* Volume control wheel
 +
 
 +
* Microphone
 +
 
 +
* A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter#Audio DAC] and an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog-to-digital_converter ADC]
 +
 
 +
== Input ==
 +
 
 +
* QWERTY [[keyboard]]
 +
 
 +
* Gaming controls:
 +
** 8-way D-pad
 +
** Four gaming buttons
 +
** Two shoulder buttons
 +
** Two analogue [[nubs]]
 +
 
 +
* Touchscreen
 +
 
 +
* Microphone
 +
 
 +
== Connectivity ==
 +
 
 +
* 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
 +
 
 +
* [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR]] (3Mbps)
 +
 
 +
* [[USB_reference|USB]]
 +
*# Standard-A USB host port
 +
*#* Fully powered (500 mA)
 +
*# [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go USB On-The-Go] mini-AB port.
 +
** You can use anything that has the appropriate drivers. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 +
** Some devices need to first go through a powered USB hub.
 +
 
 +
* Two [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#SDIO SDIO]-capable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#SDHC SDHC]/[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#SDXC SDXC] slots.
 +
 
 +
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rs-232 RS-232] included, but a level converter is needed for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uart UART]. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 +
 
 +
== Power ==
 +
 
 +
* Lithium-ion polymer battery, 4200mAh design capacity.
 +
** 10-20 hours battery life under reasonable load
 +
** 8-12 hours under max CPU load
 +
** 6-8 hours under max CPU load with overclocking
 +
** 5-6 days standby time
 +
** 21 hours playing music with the display off
 +
 
 +
* Can charge through an AC adapter or USB.
 +
** Charging with the AC adapter takes about 4 hours from near-empty. In 2 hours you get to about 80%.
 +
 
 +
* Advanced power management capabilities: only need to set a max clock speed; when the CPU is not doing anything it automatically HALTs and does nothing to save power. [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=574380]
 +
 
 +
** See [[Power modes]].
 +
 
 +
== Fasteners ==
 +
 
 +
The Pandora is held together with 5 screws, all of which are M2 thread.
 +
* 3x 5mm long below head
 +
* 2x 3mm long below head
 +
The shorter screws are positioned under the battery.
 +
 
 +
= More Information =
 +
 
 +
512MB Pandoras (early 2012)
 +
The Pandoras produced in Germany by Global Components.
 +
 
 +
Early 2012 systems shipped with an OS that can only address 256MB of the 512MB RAM.  You can check this by typing `free` in a terminal.  For these systems, an OS update is needed to see and use the full 512MB.  As of May 2012, that OS is available as an optional beta update.
 +
 
 +
* [[Hardware documentation]]
 +
==General==
 +
* Official Hackers Manual ([http://www.openpandora.org/downloads/PANDORA_Hackers_manual_v101.pdf v1.01]) from OpenPandora Ltd, includes warnings about damage and warranties (or loss of).
 +
 
 +
==Board==
 +
[[image:PandoraPCBs.jpg|thumb|Pandora earliest revisions]]
 +
[[image:Board_rev5.jpg|thumb|Pandora PCB rev 5]]
 +
[[image:Board_rev6d.jpg|thumb|Pandora PCB rev 5D]]
 +
The Pandora is based upon OMAP3530 and DM3730 System-on-a-chip, that includes a whole family of processors in one single chip:
 +
*[[ARM]] Cortex-A8 CPU
 +
*PowerVR SGX graphics core
 +
*C64x+ DSP core
 +
 
 +
==PCB design files==
 +
[http://www.openpandora.org/downloads/files/Pandora_PCB.zip (This archive] contains all files needed to create the PCB.)
 +
* Gerbers, Bill of Material and schematics.
 +
*<big> License for the Pandora PCB and LCD-Cable Files:</big>
 +
* All files within this ZIP archive are owned by MJW Designs (Michael Weston).
 +
*
 +
* They are free to use for non-commercial use.
 +
* If you plan to modify them and redistribute them,
 +
* always keep this license and a link to www.openpandora.org
 +
* in the archive and on your project page (if you have one).
 +
*
 +
* If you plan to use them for any commercial projects, please do contact us.
 +
*
 +
* Contact details:
 +
*
 +
* OpenPandora GmbH
 +
* Michael Mrozek
 +
* Schäffbräustr. 11
 +
* 85049 Ingolstadt
 +
* Germany
 +
 
 +
EvilDragon@openpandora.org
 +
 
 +
<big>
 +
(End of License)</big>
 +
 
 +
===OMAP3530 (600MHz units)===
 +
 
 +
* OMAP3xxx: Main page on TI site[http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/omap-applications-processors/omap-3-processors-products.page?paramCriteria=no]
 +
 
 +
* OMAP3530 specific page[http://www.ti.com/product/omap3530]  ''This lists the features of the chip and has all the applicable Technical Documents''
 +
 
 +
* [http://focus.ti.com/pdfs/wtbu/ti_omap3430.pdf specifications]
 +
 
 +
* [http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Category:OMAP35x Texas Instruments Wiki]
 +
 
 +
== Rebirth units ==
 +
 
 +
*PANDORA-1002
 +
*serial numbers 12000100***
 +
 
 +
===DM3730 (1GHz units)===
 +
 
 +
* DM3730 specific page[http://www.ti.com/product/dm3730]
 +
 
 +
* [http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Category:DM37xx Texas Instruments Wiki]
 +
 
 +
====Other OMAP3530 Projects====
 +
*Always Innovating Touch&nbsp;Book[http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/wiki/]
 +
*Beagle Board Resources[http://beagleboard.org/resources] As it uses the same SoC, many BB resources are also relevant for the Pandora.
 +
*Beagle Board Google Group[http://groups.google.com/group/beagleboard]
 +
 
 +
====Cortex-A8====
 +
This processor is part of the ARM risc cpu family[http://www.arm.com/products/processors/cortex-a/cortex-a8.php] that is licensed by a lot of hardware vendors. It has multiple command extensions as NEON (similar to MMX for x86 architecture)
 +
*r1p1[http://infocenter.arm.com/help/topic/com.arm.doc.ddi0344b/DDI0344.pdf]  ''Note: OMAP3530 uses rev1p2''
 +
*'''UPDATE''': r2p2 Documentation [http://infocenter.arm.com/help/index.jsp?topic=/com.arm.doc.ddi0344e/index.html]  ''Note: OMAP3530 uses rev1p2''
 +
*NEON instruction set [http://infocenter.arm.com/help/index.jsp?topic=/com.arm.doc.dui0204h/Bcfjicfj.html]
 +
*NEON memory hazards[http://hardwarebug.org/2008/12/31/arm-neon-memory-hazards/]
 +
 
 +
==== PowerVR ====
 +
 
 +
* [http://khronos.org/opengles/2_X/ Official site]
 +
** OpenGL ES 2.0, several million polygons per second.
 +
** [[OpenGL ES 1.1 Tutorial]]
 +
** [[SGX_drivers|SGX driver info]]
 +
 
 +
====C64x+====
 +
Digital signal processors allow to do complex calculations within only a few cycles
 +
*CPU and Instruction Set Reference Guide[http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spru732j/spru732j.pdf]
 +
*TMS320C6000 Assembly Language Tools v 6.0 Beta User's Guide[http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spru186w/spru186w.pdf]
 +
*TMS320C6000 Optimizing Compiler v 6.0 Beta User's Guide[http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spru187n/spru187n.pdf]
 +
*TMS320C6000 Programmer's Guide[http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spru198k/spru198k.pdf]
 +
 
 +
===TPS65950 power IC===
 +
*Main page on TI site[http://www.ti.com/product/tps65950]
 +
 
 +
=Connectivity=
 +
Two usb host ports. Bluetooth,two SD slots with SDIO capability, and a serial UART for adding whatever additional widgets you want (such as a USB GPS system).  Solder pads were designed into the PCB for "hacking" in extra internal hardware.
 +
 
 +
==RTC and RS-232?==
 +
It has RTC and RS-232 (CMOS level) [http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=38155&view=findpost&p=568882]
 +
 
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Pandora bag.jpg|Carrying case
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
It is the spiritual successor to other handheld consoles such as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gp32 GP32] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gp2x GP2X]. 
 +
 
 +
{{help}}
 +
{{disclaimer}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Hardware]]
 +
[[Category:Chipset]]
 +
[[Category:List]]

Latest revision as of 10:17, 14 November 2017

The Pandora.

Overview

The Pandora is a unique combination of gaming console and pocket computer.

From classic gaming, listening to music, watching movies, viewing pictures, program development or surfing the web to just reading or writing texts, the Pandora has a lot to offer

The Pandora project has been a group effort from the beginning. The hardware development team designed Pandora based on specifications requested by its future users. The main physical features - qwerty keyboard, dual analog nubs, clamshell design, pocketable size - were most prominently voiced by the community. The physical appearance of Pandora is an utilitarian result of getting all the necessary hardware into a pocket sized device. Form follows function, and ergonomic is one of the tall orders made. Before the final design came to be, the testing and funding was also done in a community manner.

There is no other device that has dedicated gaming controls, two analog nubs and a QWERTY keyboard.

It was developed as a gaming device not just to run games made just for it but also to emulate older systems and everyday computing.

The Pandora can do all of this because it is a tiny computer running a custom distribution of Linux based on The Ångström Distribution. Because it runs Linux|GNU, the Pandora isn't just a console but a complete desktop computer with access to tens of thousands of Linux programs.


Visit the Pandora website for ordering information.

There are three versions, CC, GC and 1GHZ.

Base specs are the same, with the GC having more memory and a newer revision of the PowerVR SGX530 graphics chip. The 1GHZ model has apart from a faster processor with bigger cache, faster main memory, faster graphics memory and faster DSP processor.

Environmenal

Whole unit RoHs,CE,pb free.
User replaceable battery. Ease of disassembly. User encouraged replacement of board and screen.
Replacement parts available: Battery, Buttons, keymat, case, board, screen, screen cable, stylus. Built to last. Quality parts. Long lifespan with updatability on a platform not built for planned obsolesence.
Fair wages for manufacture.
Minimal packaging, small cardboard box which can be recycled. Wood packaging box also available.
Ac/Dc adapter optional? Battery recycling program?
Research taking place on parts used.
Possible release of case design files and board schematics in the future.

Specifications

Hardware documentation has detailed hardware specifications.

  • 320g (0.739 lbs)

Core Hardware

  • 512MB DDR SDRAM.
  • 512MB internal storage (NAND)

Display

  • Touchscreen TFT-LCD
    • 4.3-inch (93.6 x 56.2 mm)
    • 800x480 widescreen (5:3)
    • Brightness: 300 cd/m2
    • Contrast ratio: 450:1
      • Viewable in direct sunlight, but it will wash out.
    • Response time: tr+tf=30ms
      • No ghosting.
  • TV-out included in hardware, A/V-OUT Port (similar in appearance to a large USB OTG port) has Composite and S-Video outputs and 3.5mm headphone output and microphone input.
    • Separate TV-out signals, picture-in-picture capabilities. [1]

Audio

  • Stereo speakers
  • Volume control wheel
  • Microphone

Input

  • Gaming controls:
    • 8-way D-pad
    • Four gaming buttons
    • Two shoulder buttons
    • Two analogue nubs
  • Touchscreen
  • Microphone

Connectivity

  • 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
  • USB
    1. Standard-A USB host port
      • Fully powered (500 mA)
    2. USB On-The-Go mini-AB port.
    • You can use anything that has the appropriate drivers. [2]
    • Some devices need to first go through a powered USB hub.
  • RS-232 included, but a level converter is needed for the UART. [3]

Power

  • Lithium-ion polymer battery, 4200mAh design capacity.
    • 10-20 hours battery life under reasonable load
    • 8-12 hours under max CPU load
    • 6-8 hours under max CPU load with overclocking
    • 5-6 days standby time
    • 21 hours playing music with the display off
  • Can charge through an AC adapter or USB.
    • Charging with the AC adapter takes about 4 hours from near-empty. In 2 hours you get to about 80%.
  • Advanced power management capabilities: only need to set a max clock speed; when the CPU is not doing anything it automatically HALTs and does nothing to save power. [4]

Fasteners

The Pandora is held together with 5 screws, all of which are M2 thread.

  • 3x 5mm long below head
  • 2x 3mm long below head

The shorter screws are positioned under the battery.

More Information

512MB Pandoras (early 2012) The Pandoras produced in Germany by Global Components.

Early 2012 systems shipped with an OS that can only address 256MB of the 512MB RAM. You can check this by typing `free` in a terminal. For these systems, an OS update is needed to see and use the full 512MB. As of May 2012, that OS is available as an optional beta update.

General

  • Official Hackers Manual (v1.01) from OpenPandora Ltd, includes warnings about damage and warranties (or loss of).

Board

Pandora earliest revisions
Pandora PCB rev 5
Pandora PCB rev 5D

The Pandora is based upon OMAP3530 and DM3730 System-on-a-chip, that includes a whole family of processors in one single chip:

  • ARM Cortex-A8 CPU
  • PowerVR SGX graphics core
  • C64x+ DSP core

PCB design files

(This archive contains all files needed to create the PCB.)

  • Gerbers, Bill of Material and schematics.
  • License for the Pandora PCB and LCD-Cable Files:
  • All files within this ZIP archive are owned by MJW Designs (Michael Weston).
  • They are free to use for non-commercial use.
  • If you plan to modify them and redistribute them,
  • always keep this license and a link to www.openpandora.org
  • in the archive and on your project page (if you have one).
  • If you plan to use them for any commercial projects, please do contact us.
  • Contact details:
  • OpenPandora GmbH
  • Michael Mrozek
  • Schäffbräustr. 11
  • 85049 Ingolstadt
  • Germany

EvilDragon@openpandora.org

(End of License)

OMAP3530 (600MHz units)

  • OMAP3xxx: Main page on TI site[5]
  • OMAP3530 specific page[6] This lists the features of the chip and has all the applicable Technical Documents

Rebirth units

  • PANDORA-1002
  • serial numbers 12000100***

DM3730 (1GHz units)

  • DM3730 specific page[7]

Other OMAP3530 Projects

  • Always Innovating Touch Book[8]
  • Beagle Board Resources[9] As it uses the same SoC, many BB resources are also relevant for the Pandora.
  • Beagle Board Google Group[10]

Cortex-A8

This processor is part of the ARM risc cpu family[11] that is licensed by a lot of hardware vendors. It has multiple command extensions as NEON (similar to MMX for x86 architecture)

  • r1p1[12] Note: OMAP3530 uses rev1p2
  • UPDATE: r2p2 Documentation [13] Note: OMAP3530 uses rev1p2
  • NEON instruction set [14]
  • NEON memory hazards[15]

PowerVR

C64x+

Digital signal processors allow to do complex calculations within only a few cycles

  • CPU and Instruction Set Reference Guide[16]
  • TMS320C6000 Assembly Language Tools v 6.0 Beta User's Guide[17]
  • TMS320C6000 Optimizing Compiler v 6.0 Beta User's Guide[18]
  • TMS320C6000 Programmer's Guide[19]

TPS65950 power IC

  • Main page on TI site[20]

Connectivity

Two usb host ports. Bluetooth,two SD slots with SDIO capability, and a serial UART for adding whatever additional widgets you want (such as a USB GPS system). Solder pads were designed into the PCB for "hacking" in extra internal hardware.

RTC and RS-232?

It has RTC and RS-232 (CMOS level) [21]


It is the spiritual successor to other handheld consoles such as the GP32 and GP2X.

Have some expertise, or just some spare time? Get involved!

This wiki is an unofficial community project. Open Pandora Ltd. is not responsible for its content, and it should therefore not be treated as an official source of information about your device. The information contained in this wiki may be incorrect and/or out-of-date.