https://balthazar.space/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Ziga&feedformat=atomBalthazar - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T19:27:19ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.33.0https://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=445Balthazar2020-05-09T20:42:20Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>One laptop for the new internet.</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that.</center><br />
<br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''CERN OSHL''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
<br />
<div style="background: #ffc; margin: auto; font-size: 80%; column-count: 3;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]]<br />
* [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact|Contacts]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
</div></div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=439Balthazar2020-05-05T21:34:37Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%; column-count: 2;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]]<br />
* [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* [[Special:ListFiles|List files]] and [[Special:AllPages|All pages]]<br />
</div><br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=438Balthazar2020-05-05T21:31:51Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%; column-count: 2;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]]<br />
* [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* [[Special:ListFiles|List files]]<br />
* [[Special:AllPages|All pages]]<br />
</div><br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=437Balthazar2020-05-05T21:28:46Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%; column-count: 2;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]]<br />
* [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* List all [[Special:ListFiles|Files]] or [[Special:AllPages|Pages]]<br />
</div><br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=436Specifications2020-05-05T18:01:35Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Power Supply]]<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SoM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, ''the computer''. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are: Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
See more: [[System on a Module]]<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and a good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SoMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but they should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
See more: [[Keyboard]]<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Software]]</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=435Specifications2020-05-05T18:01:21Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Power Supply]]<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SoM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, ''the computer''. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are: Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
See more: [[System on a Module]]<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and a good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SoMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but they should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
See more: [[Keyboard]]<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.<br />
See more: [[Software]]</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=434Balthazar2020-05-05T17:59:56Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%; column-count: 2;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]], [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* List all [[Special:ListFiles|Files]] or [[Special:AllPages|Pages]]<br />
</div><br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=433Balthazar2020-05-05T17:57:10Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%; column-count: 2;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]], [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* List all [[Special:ListFiles|Files]] or [[Special:AllPages|Pages]]<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=432Balthazar2020-05-05T17:54:53Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]], [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
* List all [[Special:ListFiles|Files]] or [[Special:AllPages|Pages]]<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=431Balthazar2020-05-05T17:47:08Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto; font-size: 144%;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]], [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=430Balthazar2020-05-05T17:45:23Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
<div style="background: #ffd; margin: auto;"><br />
* [[Goals]], [[Features]] and [[Specifications]]<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* [[FAQ|Frequently asked questions]], [[Links]] and [[Glossary]]<br />
* [[Contact]]<br />
* [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages]<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&diff=425Balthazar2020-04-21T16:23:08Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
== <strong>a Personal Computing Device</strong> ==<br />
=== One laptop for the new internet. ===<br />
==== Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that. ====<br />
<br><br />
<br />
[[File:Bpcd1 sketch.png|center|Artist's conception]]<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' - '''B'''althazar '''P'''ersonal '''C'''omputing '''D'''evice is a '''13.3"''' upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by '''[https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop/updates/2-7-5-cards-under-way-nlnet-and-intel-compute-card EOMA68]''', but powered by [https://riscv.org/ RISC-V] processor(s) open architecture that runs on '''[https://www.linux.org Linux OS]'''.<br />
<br />
It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3<small>rd</small> party intrusion into the system by the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on [https://gitlab.com/cryptsetup/cryptsetup/blob/master/README.md '''LUKS''' ], [https://libreswan.org/ '''Libreswan'''] and is also envisaged to be '''[http://GNUnet.org/en/about.html GNUnet]''' ready.<br />
<br />
While being versatile and robust it also follows '''OSHW''', '''GNU-GPL''', '''FOSS''', '''EOMA''', '''ISA''' and even '''CC''' guidelines.<br />
<br />
<small>What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..?</small> '''→''' [[Glossary]]<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><strong><big>'''For all children age 9-99.'''</big></strong></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to know more?<br><br />
Please read the [[Goals|'''Goals''']], [[FAQ|'''Frequently asked questions''']], [[News|'''Actual''']] and the [[Specifications and features|'''Specifications and features''']].<br />
<br />
Also, check out our [https://github.com/balthazar-space GitHub pages].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=News&diff=424News2020-04-10T17:36:57Z<p>Ziga: /* April 2020 */</p>
<hr />
<div> <br />
<br />
== Actual news and a Balthazar development progress ==<br />
<br />
<br />
A short history of Balthazar:<br />
<br />
Development of Balthazar as a possible and a realistic device has started at the end of April 2019 as a result of the long sessions that lasted a bit more then a few weeks of conferencing and emailing while discussing "whitepaperish" content and realistically putting it into the context with the various sides involved. <br><br />
We have talked to various people, representatives and teachers in '''EOMA68''', '''Tripodo''', '''SiFive''', '''Altinkaya''', '''HiTechnic''', '''Tipro''', '''TUFTS''', '''Bauhaus''' University in Weimar and '''LEGO''' on a joint support in creating a working committee and a case for '''Balthazar'''.<br><br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' as a name for a laptop draws its associations from the ''Three Wise Man'' known as a ''Magus from Babylon'' and a ''Professor Balthazar'', a 1970's cartoon character that creatively solves problems in a cooperative and inventive ways, being helped out by picturesque early depiction of an '''AI''' machine, "Veronica", in a process.<br><br />
<br />
Conclusion was that Balthazar laptop has to be magical and beautiful personal computing device incorporating ethos, cooperative, inventive and innovative characteristics as a combination of those two historical characters whether they were real or a drawn.<br />
<br />
Timeline:<br />
<br />
==April 2020==<br />
<br />
It has been a one year that our idea has been born. <br />
We have opened a Github page with KiCad files ready to download. Also, our licence is now CERN OSHW instead of GNU v3.0.<br />
There we will be updating files and all our "deliverables". This month we will start to develop I/O board and work on some casing issues as well as our promised docking board for camera, microphone and USB security dongle port.<br />
<br />
==March 2020==<br />
<br />
Two PCBs keyboard and a power supply are ready real soon, we aim at or around March 15th and we will upload all the relevant data and files.<br />
So there after bit of C-19 crisis delay as we were caught with a quarantine we have delivered both PCB designs and a schematics also worked towards opening a Github page.<br />
<br />
==February 2020==<br />
We have started to develop 2 PCBs - a keyboard and a power supply. It is expected to be ready in a month also with PCB schematics, Bill of materials and a design guidelines. <br />
<br />
==January 2020==<br />
With New Year comes also the new prospect of cooperation with [http://slimbook.es Slimbook] - a pure Linux laptops manufacturer from Spain. We are researching to see how we can incorporate our design proposals and align to have a joint development.<br />
We have also released the power supply concepts, looked into the price and the availability of the parts for it and started our encrypted keyboard PCB development. Also schematics and PCB for overall "modular upgrade ability and add-on" concept is in the development.<br />
<br />
==December 2019== <br />
Some case design proposals are now in and we evaluate those, as we met with few '''LEGO''' design people and got a good insight into plastic casing designs and heat issues. Also hinges are bit of an issue, but till the end of the year there will be some viable solutions. We prepare the 2 day meet-up in Weimar, somewhat later then anticipated, but will happen in the next 2 weeks provided that all steering members can commit to attend. As it is an end to a one very exciting year, we work hard towards having everything ready before holidays. Some boards are in and received and some are still coming, so with the help of '''Armbian''' team we will see and choose what the best options are there. Also thanks to '''IBM''' 's Open Sourcing move in '''Power9''' ISA field, we started to look really hard into that direction, too.<br />
<br />
==November 2019==<br />
Somewhat longer emailing between SiFive and us on adopting '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' making it work with GPUs. We met with '''Armbian''' people that might help us with setting up RISC -V build tools and work deeper on HW encryption. Visited '''Tipro''' a well known European custom and industrial keyboard company with proposals and basic HW design and software. Keyboard's design and FW driven bus we will base on smaller '''RISC-V''' controller for bus-to-motherboard encryption and we will work on it together over the coming months. We have drafted a mutual agreement to publish it all publicly under '''CERN/GPL3''' licences, more to confirm on that later in the year. A more serious RISC-V development boars namely Freedom Unleashed are ordered and those are on the way, as well as a few of '''EOMA68''' evaluation boards. We are also off to Denmark, Billund to meet with Moulding people from '''LEGO''' and also brief some representatives of '''LEGO Education''' on our current development. In Weimar end of November latest mid December at the Bauhaus Uni we will gather in a formal first meeting with steering committee members and set the strategy and a path for the next few month of accelerated development. We are looking into '''CrowdSupply''' support and options we have there. One thing we do know for sure is - we do not want to over-promise. <br />
<br />
==October 2019==<br />
We did the first renders and a few design studies of the casing, but more we will discuss with '''LEGO''' Moulding people in December. Also some 2D and 3D drawings were made, still to be detailed before it goes to the CNC alpha case phase. Presented project by mailing a Turkish high quality moulding company that is specialised in "electronic enclosures" for internal plastics and guidelines, cooling etc. Collected and decided on a few software models that are Open Source and rather powerful when combined.<br />
A German screen and eInk company was questioned for a second screen choice, with our requirements. Looks good, so far.<br />
We also got the support from '''NLNET''' in a shape of technical support and a financial donation to speed up R&D and come up with tangible prototypes faster. What a great push that is. <br />
<br />
==September 2019==<br />
A second public presentation , this time at even more appropriate event, was made in Venice, Italy, during the '''ESC - End of Summer Camp''' where advanced computer and internet users, some HW developers, as per default, offered their participation in a various aspects of development. Really an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable crowd. We collected ourselves old and new bunch of Linux capable boards that we used over the years, some new micro-computers, SoC's and SoM's and started looking into software features and encryption modes and options that we can make a use of it. Keyboard design and a ''secure keyboard to motherboard concept'' was done, even more drawings were made and put up as for UI and UX also for proposed educational interface. We talked with '''HiTechic''' again on the development of a secure USB dongle and GPIO boards design and they gave us an estimate and some overview in expectations for prototypes. Power supply design requirements are made and also battery and other issues (magnetic vs. mechanical switches etc.) were worked on, until we all agreed on how, what and when. <br />
<br />
==August 2019==<br />
prepared a primary presentation, description and imaginary nice to have specs and a Bill_Of_Materials. <br />
A first semi-public presentation was held at the end of August in premises of '''Bauhaus University''' in Weimar to a working group consisting of 30 + Master and Bachelor students of Media Systems and with the help of ''Charles Wuetrich'' and his Chair for Computer GFX. There were tons of questions in a discussion and some valuable points were incorporated into the further strategy of the development. <br />
<br />
==July 2019==<br />
All the security wish-features were added to our whitepaper style webpage, professor Chris Rogers from '''TUFTS''' helped us to make the case in educational aspects of Balthazar, HiTechnic's owner Steve Barker gave his views in designing and building Balthazar with tons of useful tips and contacts. Michael Anderson, ex-LEGO electronic engineer and HW designer guided some technical decisions sharing his production knowledge experience. We also applied for some minor external funding to '''NLNET''', as it is not easy to make a totally new approach in designing the laptop investing just our own financial resources.<br />
<br />
==June 2019==<br />
a concept for a form-factor came up and a first drawings and sketches were made. Deep dive into RISC-V ISA and foresight of viable future processors came up. Keyboard design was in the making, also thorough research was carried on, under the wise guidance especially in some technological approaches of EOMA68 developer Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton. That collaboration gave us some useful tips and helped us to find good reasons not to reinvent the hot water again. We won't.<br />
<br />
==May 2019==<br />
started preliminary talks to Tripodo started on an Intellectural Propery licences and issues for a famous XO PixelQi screen with a dimmable backlight and sun-readable features. That is still pending on. Domain is registred and a website goes up with a rather white-paper content leaving an input open for contributors that came from all the sides. <br />
<br />
==April 2019==<br />
a day Zero, where we realised that it can be done, it should be done and we even know how.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=News&diff=423News2020-04-10T17:36:05Z<p>Ziga: /* April 2020 */</p>
<hr />
<div> <br />
<br />
== Actual news and a Balthazar development progress ==<br />
<br />
<br />
A short history of Balthazar:<br />
<br />
Development of Balthazar as a possible and a realistic device has started at the end of April 2019 as a result of the long sessions that lasted a bit more then a few weeks of conferencing and emailing while discussing "whitepaperish" content and realistically putting it into the context with the various sides involved. <br><br />
We have talked to various people, representatives and teachers in '''EOMA68''', '''Tripodo''', '''SiFive''', '''Altinkaya''', '''HiTechnic''', '''Tipro''', '''TUFTS''', '''Bauhaus''' University in Weimar and '''LEGO''' on a joint support in creating a working committee and a case for '''Balthazar'''.<br><br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' as a name for a laptop draws its associations from the ''Three Wise Man'' known as a ''Magus from Babylon'' and a ''Professor Balthazar'', a 1970's cartoon character that creatively solves problems in a cooperative and inventive ways, being helped out by picturesque early depiction of an '''AI''' machine, "Veronica", in a process.<br><br />
<br />
Conclusion was that Balthazar laptop has to be magical and beautiful personal computing device incorporating ethos, cooperative, inventive and innovative characteristics as a combination of those two historical characters whether they were real or a drawn.<br />
<br />
Timeline:<br />
<br />
==April 2020==<br />
<br />
It has been a one year that our idea has been born. <br />
We have opened a Github page with KiCad files ready to download. Also our licence is now CERN OSHW instead of GNU v3.0.<br />
There we will be updating files and all our "deliverables". THis month we will start to develop I/O board and work on some casing issues as well as our promised docking board for camera, microphone and USB security dongle port.<br />
<br />
==March 2020==<br />
<br />
Two PCBs keyboard and a power supply are ready real soon, we aim at or around March 15th and we will upload all the relevant data and files.<br />
So there after bit of C-19 crisis delay as we were caught with a quarantine we have delivered both PCB designs and a schematics also worked towards opening a Github page.<br />
<br />
==February 2020==<br />
We have started to develop 2 PCBs - a keyboard and a power supply. It is expected to be ready in a month also with PCB schematics, Bill of materials and a design guidelines. <br />
<br />
==January 2020==<br />
With New Year comes also the new prospect of cooperation with [http://slimbook.es Slimbook] - a pure Linux laptops manufacturer from Spain. We are researching to see how we can incorporate our design proposals and align to have a joint development.<br />
We have also released the power supply concepts, looked into the price and the availability of the parts for it and started our encrypted keyboard PCB development. Also schematics and PCB for overall "modular upgrade ability and add-on" concept is in the development.<br />
<br />
==December 2019== <br />
Some case design proposals are now in and we evaluate those, as we met with few '''LEGO''' design people and got a good insight into plastic casing designs and heat issues. Also hinges are bit of an issue, but till the end of the year there will be some viable solutions. We prepare the 2 day meet-up in Weimar, somewhat later then anticipated, but will happen in the next 2 weeks provided that all steering members can commit to attend. As it is an end to a one very exciting year, we work hard towards having everything ready before holidays. Some boards are in and received and some are still coming, so with the help of '''Armbian''' team we will see and choose what the best options are there. Also thanks to '''IBM''' 's Open Sourcing move in '''Power9''' ISA field, we started to look really hard into that direction, too.<br />
<br />
==November 2019==<br />
Somewhat longer emailing between SiFive and us on adopting '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' making it work with GPUs. We met with '''Armbian''' people that might help us with setting up RISC -V build tools and work deeper on HW encryption. Visited '''Tipro''' a well known European custom and industrial keyboard company with proposals and basic HW design and software. Keyboard's design and FW driven bus we will base on smaller '''RISC-V''' controller for bus-to-motherboard encryption and we will work on it together over the coming months. We have drafted a mutual agreement to publish it all publicly under '''CERN/GPL3''' licences, more to confirm on that later in the year. A more serious RISC-V development boars namely Freedom Unleashed are ordered and those are on the way, as well as a few of '''EOMA68''' evaluation boards. We are also off to Denmark, Billund to meet with Moulding people from '''LEGO''' and also brief some representatives of '''LEGO Education''' on our current development. In Weimar end of November latest mid December at the Bauhaus Uni we will gather in a formal first meeting with steering committee members and set the strategy and a path for the next few month of accelerated development. We are looking into '''CrowdSupply''' support and options we have there. One thing we do know for sure is - we do not want to over-promise. <br />
<br />
==October 2019==<br />
We did the first renders and a few design studies of the casing, but more we will discuss with '''LEGO''' Moulding people in December. Also some 2D and 3D drawings were made, still to be detailed before it goes to the CNC alpha case phase. Presented project by mailing a Turkish high quality moulding company that is specialised in "electronic enclosures" for internal plastics and guidelines, cooling etc. Collected and decided on a few software models that are Open Source and rather powerful when combined.<br />
A German screen and eInk company was questioned for a second screen choice, with our requirements. Looks good, so far.<br />
We also got the support from '''NLNET''' in a shape of technical support and a financial donation to speed up R&D and come up with tangible prototypes faster. What a great push that is. <br />
<br />
==September 2019==<br />
A second public presentation , this time at even more appropriate event, was made in Venice, Italy, during the '''ESC - End of Summer Camp''' where advanced computer and internet users, some HW developers, as per default, offered their participation in a various aspects of development. Really an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable crowd. We collected ourselves old and new bunch of Linux capable boards that we used over the years, some new micro-computers, SoC's and SoM's and started looking into software features and encryption modes and options that we can make a use of it. Keyboard design and a ''secure keyboard to motherboard concept'' was done, even more drawings were made and put up as for UI and UX also for proposed educational interface. We talked with '''HiTechic''' again on the development of a secure USB dongle and GPIO boards design and they gave us an estimate and some overview in expectations for prototypes. Power supply design requirements are made and also battery and other issues (magnetic vs. mechanical switches etc.) were worked on, until we all agreed on how, what and when. <br />
<br />
==August 2019==<br />
prepared a primary presentation, description and imaginary nice to have specs and a Bill_Of_Materials. <br />
A first semi-public presentation was held at the end of August in premises of '''Bauhaus University''' in Weimar to a working group consisting of 30 + Master and Bachelor students of Media Systems and with the help of ''Charles Wuetrich'' and his Chair for Computer GFX. There were tons of questions in a discussion and some valuable points were incorporated into the further strategy of the development. <br />
<br />
==July 2019==<br />
All the security wish-features were added to our whitepaper style webpage, professor Chris Rogers from '''TUFTS''' helped us to make the case in educational aspects of Balthazar, HiTechnic's owner Steve Barker gave his views in designing and building Balthazar with tons of useful tips and contacts. Michael Anderson, ex-LEGO electronic engineer and HW designer guided some technical decisions sharing his production knowledge experience. We also applied for some minor external funding to '''NLNET''', as it is not easy to make a totally new approach in designing the laptop investing just our own financial resources.<br />
<br />
==June 2019==<br />
a concept for a form-factor came up and a first drawings and sketches were made. Deep dive into RISC-V ISA and foresight of viable future processors came up. Keyboard design was in the making, also thorough research was carried on, under the wise guidance especially in some technological approaches of EOMA68 developer Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton. That collaboration gave us some useful tips and helped us to find good reasons not to reinvent the hot water again. We won't.<br />
<br />
==May 2019==<br />
started preliminary talks to Tripodo started on an Intellectural Propery licences and issues for a famous XO PixelQi screen with a dimmable backlight and sun-readable features. That is still pending on. Domain is registred and a website goes up with a rather white-paper content leaving an input open for contributors that came from all the sides. <br />
<br />
==April 2019==<br />
a day Zero, where we realised that it can be done, it should be done and we even know how.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=News&diff=422News2020-04-10T17:35:49Z<p>Ziga: /* April 2020 */</p>
<hr />
<div> <br />
<br />
== Actual news and a Balthazar development progress ==<br />
<br />
<br />
A short history of Balthazar:<br />
<br />
Development of Balthazar as a possible and a realistic device has started at the end of April 2019 as a result of the long sessions that lasted a bit more then a few weeks of conferencing and emailing while discussing "whitepaperish" content and realistically putting it into the context with the various sides involved. <br><br />
We have talked to various people, representatives and teachers in '''EOMA68''', '''Tripodo''', '''SiFive''', '''Altinkaya''', '''HiTechnic''', '''Tipro''', '''TUFTS''', '''Bauhaus''' University in Weimar and '''LEGO''' on a joint support in creating a working committee and a case for '''Balthazar'''.<br><br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' as a name for a laptop draws its associations from the ''Three Wise Man'' known as a ''Magus from Babylon'' and a ''Professor Balthazar'', a 1970's cartoon character that creatively solves problems in a cooperative and inventive ways, being helped out by picturesque early depiction of an '''AI''' machine, "Veronica", in a process.<br><br />
<br />
Conclusion was that Balthazar laptop has to be magical and beautiful personal computing device incorporating ethos, cooperative, inventive and innovative characteristics as a combination of those two historical characters whether they were real or a drawn.<br />
<br />
Timeline:<br />
<br />
==April 2020==<br />
<br />
It has been a one year that our idea has been born. <br />
We have opened a Github page with KiCad files ready for download. Also our licence is now CERN OSHW instead of GNU v3.0.<br />
There we will be updating files and all our "deliverables". THis month we will start to develop I/O board and work on some casing issues as well as our promised docking board for camera, microphone and USB security dongle port.<br />
<br />
==March 2020==<br />
<br />
Two PCBs keyboard and a power supply are ready real soon, we aim at or around March 15th and we will upload all the relevant data and files.<br />
So there after bit of C-19 crisis delay as we were caught with a quarantine we have delivered both PCB designs and a schematics also worked towards opening a Github page.<br />
<br />
==February 2020==<br />
We have started to develop 2 PCBs - a keyboard and a power supply. It is expected to be ready in a month also with PCB schematics, Bill of materials and a design guidelines. <br />
<br />
==January 2020==<br />
With New Year comes also the new prospect of cooperation with [http://slimbook.es Slimbook] - a pure Linux laptops manufacturer from Spain. We are researching to see how we can incorporate our design proposals and align to have a joint development.<br />
We have also released the power supply concepts, looked into the price and the availability of the parts for it and started our encrypted keyboard PCB development. Also schematics and PCB for overall "modular upgrade ability and add-on" concept is in the development.<br />
<br />
==December 2019== <br />
Some case design proposals are now in and we evaluate those, as we met with few '''LEGO''' design people and got a good insight into plastic casing designs and heat issues. Also hinges are bit of an issue, but till the end of the year there will be some viable solutions. We prepare the 2 day meet-up in Weimar, somewhat later then anticipated, but will happen in the next 2 weeks provided that all steering members can commit to attend. As it is an end to a one very exciting year, we work hard towards having everything ready before holidays. Some boards are in and received and some are still coming, so with the help of '''Armbian''' team we will see and choose what the best options are there. Also thanks to '''IBM''' 's Open Sourcing move in '''Power9''' ISA field, we started to look really hard into that direction, too.<br />
<br />
==November 2019==<br />
Somewhat longer emailing between SiFive and us on adopting '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' making it work with GPUs. We met with '''Armbian''' people that might help us with setting up RISC -V build tools and work deeper on HW encryption. Visited '''Tipro''' a well known European custom and industrial keyboard company with proposals and basic HW design and software. Keyboard's design and FW driven bus we will base on smaller '''RISC-V''' controller for bus-to-motherboard encryption and we will work on it together over the coming months. We have drafted a mutual agreement to publish it all publicly under '''CERN/GPL3''' licences, more to confirm on that later in the year. A more serious RISC-V development boars namely Freedom Unleashed are ordered and those are on the way, as well as a few of '''EOMA68''' evaluation boards. We are also off to Denmark, Billund to meet with Moulding people from '''LEGO''' and also brief some representatives of '''LEGO Education''' on our current development. In Weimar end of November latest mid December at the Bauhaus Uni we will gather in a formal first meeting with steering committee members and set the strategy and a path for the next few month of accelerated development. We are looking into '''CrowdSupply''' support and options we have there. One thing we do know for sure is - we do not want to over-promise. <br />
<br />
==October 2019==<br />
We did the first renders and a few design studies of the casing, but more we will discuss with '''LEGO''' Moulding people in December. Also some 2D and 3D drawings were made, still to be detailed before it goes to the CNC alpha case phase. Presented project by mailing a Turkish high quality moulding company that is specialised in "electronic enclosures" for internal plastics and guidelines, cooling etc. Collected and decided on a few software models that are Open Source and rather powerful when combined.<br />
A German screen and eInk company was questioned for a second screen choice, with our requirements. Looks good, so far.<br />
We also got the support from '''NLNET''' in a shape of technical support and a financial donation to speed up R&D and come up with tangible prototypes faster. What a great push that is. <br />
<br />
==September 2019==<br />
A second public presentation , this time at even more appropriate event, was made in Venice, Italy, during the '''ESC - End of Summer Camp''' where advanced computer and internet users, some HW developers, as per default, offered their participation in a various aspects of development. Really an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable crowd. We collected ourselves old and new bunch of Linux capable boards that we used over the years, some new micro-computers, SoC's and SoM's and started looking into software features and encryption modes and options that we can make a use of it. Keyboard design and a ''secure keyboard to motherboard concept'' was done, even more drawings were made and put up as for UI and UX also for proposed educational interface. We talked with '''HiTechic''' again on the development of a secure USB dongle and GPIO boards design and they gave us an estimate and some overview in expectations for prototypes. Power supply design requirements are made and also battery and other issues (magnetic vs. mechanical switches etc.) were worked on, until we all agreed on how, what and when. <br />
<br />
==August 2019==<br />
prepared a primary presentation, description and imaginary nice to have specs and a Bill_Of_Materials. <br />
A first semi-public presentation was held at the end of August in premises of '''Bauhaus University''' in Weimar to a working group consisting of 30 + Master and Bachelor students of Media Systems and with the help of ''Charles Wuetrich'' and his Chair for Computer GFX. There were tons of questions in a discussion and some valuable points were incorporated into the further strategy of the development. <br />
<br />
==July 2019==<br />
All the security wish-features were added to our whitepaper style webpage, professor Chris Rogers from '''TUFTS''' helped us to make the case in educational aspects of Balthazar, HiTechnic's owner Steve Barker gave his views in designing and building Balthazar with tons of useful tips and contacts. Michael Anderson, ex-LEGO electronic engineer and HW designer guided some technical decisions sharing his production knowledge experience. We also applied for some minor external funding to '''NLNET''', as it is not easy to make a totally new approach in designing the laptop investing just our own financial resources.<br />
<br />
==June 2019==<br />
a concept for a form-factor came up and a first drawings and sketches were made. Deep dive into RISC-V ISA and foresight of viable future processors came up. Keyboard design was in the making, also thorough research was carried on, under the wise guidance especially in some technological approaches of EOMA68 developer Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton. That collaboration gave us some useful tips and helped us to find good reasons not to reinvent the hot water again. We won't.<br />
<br />
==May 2019==<br />
started preliminary talks to Tripodo started on an Intellectural Propery licences and issues for a famous XO PixelQi screen with a dimmable backlight and sun-readable features. That is still pending on. Domain is registred and a website goes up with a rather white-paper content leaving an input open for contributors that came from all the sides. <br />
<br />
==April 2019==<br />
a day Zero, where we realised that it can be done, it should be done and we even know how.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=416MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-04-02T19:20:18Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Features & Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
** https://github.com/balthazar-space|GitHub page<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:AllPages|All Pages<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=415MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-04-02T19:19:45Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Features & Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
** https://github.com|GitHub<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:AllPages|All Pages<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=414MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-04-02T19:19:18Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Features & Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
** GitHub|GitHub<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:AllPages|All Pages<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Balthazar:Website_Tasks&diff=387Balthazar:Website Tasks2020-03-05T14:33:01Z<p>Ziga: Ziga moved page Website Tasks to Balthazar:Website Tasks</p>
<hr />
<div>* WE NEED MAIL ADDRESSES. info,hw, sw -> @balthazar.space, -> ziga@balthazar.space, harv@balthazar.space, gizmo@balthazar.space<br />
* Menu bar<br />
* Remove unnecessary stuff from side menu ✔️<br />
* Mobile CSS ✔️<br />
* Color schema - distribute colors according to the 60-30-10 rule<br />
* Footer - missing stuff: transparency, financial report, who?, join us etc. in no particular order<br />
* URL rewriting ✔️<br />
* Move search bar or incorporate it in the menu bar ✔️<br />
* enable media gallery - tweak display and image viewing 3D and such<br />
* remove unused pages, images - clean means lean<br />
* better logo<br />
* links - cool stuff ✔️<br />
* partners? ecosystem?</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Website_Tasks&diff=388Website Tasks2020-03-05T14:33:01Z<p>Ziga: Ziga moved page Website Tasks to Balthazar:Website Tasks</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Balthazar:Website Tasks]]</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=386Specifications2020-03-05T14:30:57Z<p>Ziga: /* System on a Module (SoM) */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Power Supply]]<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SoM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, ''the computer''. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are: Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
See more: [[System on a Module]]<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and a good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SoMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but they should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
See more: [[Keyboard]]<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=385Specifications2020-03-05T14:30:48Z<p>Ziga: /* System on a Module (SoM) */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Power Supply]]<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SoM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, ''the computer''. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are: Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Sustem on a Module]]<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and a good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SoMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but they should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
See more: [[Keyboard]]<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=384Specifications2020-03-05T14:30:18Z<p>Ziga: /* Keyboard and Touch-pad */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
See more: [[Power Supply]]<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SoM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, ''the computer''. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are: Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and a good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SoMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but they should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
See more: [[Keyboard]]<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Frequently_Asked_Questions&diff=383Frequently Asked Questions2020-03-05T14:26:34Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>===Who is this for?===<br />
<br />
Here are some use cases and personas to which '''Balthazar''' just might appeal:<br />
<br />
'''1.''' '''An average basic internet user''' that requires some default security and develops a certain awareness on its own data privacy and is friendly-forced upon using the security and encryption through the default usage of the device.<br />
<br />
'''2.''' '''Advanced computer users, journalists, governmental and public institution's workers''' that need secure hardware and software features to prevent an intrusion and the theft of sensitive data.<br><br />
They are expected to be skilled and aware enough, so they can quickly understand UI, UX and are able to use additional AES encryption for the prevention of official and personal data protection through secure productivity apps and tools.<br />
<br />
'''3.''' '''Educational institutions''' that will teach online security, privacy and safety. Also such institutions can make wide and creative use of a device’s on-board connections versatility and connectivity.<br />
<br />
Proposed '''[[Aperture Operating Environment|AOE]]''' for children and schools mode windowing environment and its [[User Interface]] and [[User Experience]] is utilising age-adoptive [[Aperture Operating Environment]].<br><br />
For more advanced use, now just as an example, it will feature a fully functional, secure, on-line and off-line, in a [https://webkit.org/project/ '''Webkit'''] or a [https://www.chromium.org/blink '''Blink'''] browser<br><br />
incorporated <small>(a '''WARNING''' - '''not''' a '''secure''' page)</small> '''[http://desktop.ljudmila.net/ Workbench]''' that will have a range of fully customizable productivity apps, such as Text, WebDev, Paint and SVG editors amongst the other examples shown there.<br><br />
This Workbench is meant to be based on a new [https://wiki.ljudmila.org/WebShell WebShell] environment still under the development.<br />
<br />
Added to it all, educational community should find the value in overall physical sturdiness, software and a hardware sustainability of a '''BPCD'''.<br />
<br />
=== Why yet another laptop? ===<br />
<br />
It is very expensive to buy an “advanced” or a secure laptop and it comes with usually "customised" and mostly proprietary software that bounds a user to a manufacturer. This is where '''BPCD''' comes in at the most possible lowest retail price that should be affordable to everyone - from an individual up to a big budgeted large institution.<br />
===But we have already have inexpensive netbooks, picturebooks, tablets, Chromebooks and alike.===<br />
<br />
'''Google''', '''Samsung''', '''Acer''', '''Asus''', '''Dell''' and the other respective manufacturers already make inexpensive and lightweight laptops, however they are locked in a certain software and hardware ecosystems and actually offer not too many security features. Also those devices do not work without the internet, so the reputation of such devices is often seen as a "personal data collecting devices", so that doesn't help to create a positive image towards such products.<br />
<br />
It is the fact that such devices also appear less flexible towards full '''FOSS''', '''GNU-GPL''' and '''EOMA''' guidelines that we want to use and set up as another standard for the new internet age.<br />
<br />
Such ethical standard is not based on a mere profit, but on protecting and also educating users of all ages on how '''not''' to engage in a voluntary dissemination of their private data all over the internet, often being used as a bait for large companies that take an advantage and make amazing profits because of such illiterate, involuntary, unconsciousness and irresponsible behavior.<br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' is aimed to inexpensively enable end-user to control all the inputs via physical hardware switches and security dongles, preventing even a remote possibility to have system invaded or spied on by any 3<small>rd</small> party.<br />
<br />
=== What do you really want? ===<br />
<br />
We want to enable and support low-income individuals and communities all over the planet with powerful, open and secure computing experience, while carefully partnering with “humaine” and ethical corporations along the way. Those will participate as a co-creators and will get '''Balthazars''' to give away, rent or borrow '''BPCD''' to those who are unable to afford it. Or, alternatively they can build their own curriculum around '''Balthazar''' ecosystem.<br />
<br />
We loosely partner with '''LEGO® Education, Google Education''', educational institutions, various charities, foundations and '''EU''' initiatives, so we can only hope they can deliver expected behavior and a practice.<br />
<br />
So, '''Balthazar''' is <strong>NOT</strong> '''OLPC'''-alike, but it does follow some of the '''OLPC''' product design innovations and features, that are adopted and improved for today’s performance requirements, strictly focusing on privacy, safety and personal data protection and encrypted shared data or a retention of the same in its own “cloud”.<br />
<br />
=== But... A ''"Cloud"'' is free, cool, useful and hype. ===<br />
<br />
Remember - a ''“Cloud”'' is just other people’s or corporations’ computers that store your data when you do '''"share"''' your data with them.<br><br />
<br />
=== So, why should me or my children want one? ===<br />
<br />
[[Education]] being a very important issue today all over the planet is yet another field where affordable '''BPCD''' could make an impact. New generations need to learn and understand the importance of being secure and how to care about their personal data.<br><br />
It is also aimed at "the makers of the things" with 19 GPIO connectors on-board enabling users of all ages in controlling, testing and programming sensors, actuators and other electronic devices and gadgets from literally every manufacturer. Added to it, its value is increased with an optional add-on module with '''LEGO®'''-specific RJ-12 and '''Power Functions''' connectors.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Schematics&diff=382Schematics2020-03-05T03:18:22Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Schematics ==<br />
<br />
We have an early Balthazar system scheme as a block diagram upon which we develop and prototype separate boards to an interchangable compliance.<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Balthazar laptop as a box consisting of: mainboard + all the perifery needed that make up a<br />
complete laptop: display, audio, keyboard, mousepad, wireless, usb, hdmi... and additionally: a<br />
buffered GPIO (general purpose in/out) connector (not that laptop usually needs it...).<br />
The technology used benefits from the current rapid mobile platform development – as do all open-<br />
source single-board computers:Banana Pi, Orange Pi 4 – and a bit more advanced Firefly-<br />
RK3399. They all use SOC (system on chip) as the miniaturized combination of CPU/GPU etc. The<br />
laptop should however be a pushed-up version of these single board computers - but still a single<br />
board computer.<br />
One format of recent computers is also the mini-pc. They are usually based on Intel or AMD laptop<br />
computer processors. LattePanda seems to be on the side of single-board-computers but uses Intel<br />
processors. Prices are also pushed up.<br />
The interchangeable module should basically be the board itself, while the stable part should be the<br />
skeleton: a specifically designed housing with display, keyboard, audio, mousepad, power supply.<br />
To upgrade – one buys a new board and inserts it in the place of the old board.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Schematics&diff=381Schematics2020-03-05T02:32:38Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Schematics ==<br />
<br />
We have an early Balthazar system scheme as a block diagram upon which we develop and prototype separate boards to an interchangable compliance.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
Balthazar laptop as a box consisting of: mainboard + all the perifery needed that make up a<br />
complete laptop: display, audio, keyboard, mousepad, wireless, usb, hdmi... and additionally: a<br />
buffered GPIO (general purpose in/out) connector (not that laptop usually needs it...).<br />
The technology used benefits from the current rapid mobile platform development – as do all open-<br />
source single-board computers:Banana Pi, Orange Pi 4 – and a bit more advanced Firefly-<br />
RK3399. They all use SOC (system on chip) as the miniaturized combination of CPU/GPU etc. The<br />
laptop should however be a pushed-up version of these single board computers - but still a single<br />
board computer.<br />
One format of recent computers is also the mini-pc. They are usually based on Intel or AMD laptop<br />
computer processors. LattePanda seems to be on the side of single-board-computers but uses Intel<br />
processors. Prices are also pushed up.<br />
The interchangeable module should basically be the board itself, while the stable part should be the<br />
skeleton: a specifically designed housing with display, keyboard, audio, mousepad, power supply.<br />
To upgrade – one buys a new board and inserts it in the place of the old board.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=380MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-03-04T23:27:59Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Features & Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:AllPages|All Pages<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=352MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-01-23T14:06:24Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Features & Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=351Specifications2020-01-23T14:05:43Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more engineering point of view. For a more user-centric point of view, see [[Features]].<br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=350MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-01-23T14:04:41Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** News|News<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Features&diff=348Features2020-01-23T14:04:11Z<p>Ziga: Ziga moved page Specifications and features to Features</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more user-centric point of view. For a more engineering point of view, see [[Specifications]].<br />
<br />
==Basic specifications and features</big>==<br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' is made to run '''[https://nixos.org/ NixOS]''', '''[https://trisquel.info Trisquel GNU]''', '''[http://guix.gnu.org/ Guix]''', '''[https://www.debian.org Debian]''' and '''[https://www.ubuntu.com Ubuntu]''' variants of '''64 bit''' '''low-latency kernel''' for '''RISC-V'''.<br><br />
<br />
In a form-factor there are some improvements and novelties in approach to a physical user interface and experience.<br />
Main characteristics of '''Balthazar''' are 4 robust hardware switches for WiFi, camera, microphones and speakers, SoM CPU/GPU swappable card, a removable camera module with 2 microphones array, a keyboard layout with a segmented touch-pad positioned '''above''' the keyboard with pull-out speakers. Motherboard(s) components are behind the screen and below keyboard are batteries - one small non removable and one really big that is hot-swappable - SSD bay is also below keyboard, as well as other peripheral connectors - GPIO, USB OTG-secure, HDMI, headphones and mic inputs, volume knob and finally eSATA.<br> <br />
When the display lid is closed it engages the magnetic switch based on the "Timer Manager Module" and cuts off the power to all of I/O modules preventing any remote "switch-on" possibility even before it suspends to RAM.<br />
<br />
Keyboard is '''QUERTY''' with 7 '''LED'''s illuminated and clickable 8 mm trackball positioned between G and H keys and above B key. It is based on '''Cherry MX''' low profile gaming switches<br><br />
<br />
So when we say the "design is different", it actually is inspired by and extracted from '''[https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/think/ IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad]''' series, '''[https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets-handhelds/computers/ Panasonic ToughBook]''',a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Laptop_per_Child OLPC]''' and main secure USB-dongle features based on '''[https://www.nitrokey.com/ Nitrokey]''' concept. <br />
<br />
Balthazar's design aims for a totally new usability experience.<br><br />
<br />
''"10 or so years ago there were no mobile phones, but we all learned how to use them."'' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rJTJ_wA2NY Arjen Kamphuis in xTED speech in Delft)]<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarSet G1 2.png]]<br />
<br />
===Components===<br />
'''CPU and RAM''' - as the development goes on '''BPCD''' is based on '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' architecture multi-core '''SoM''' or a System on a Module "card" that is exchangeable and upgradeble.<br><br />
<br />
'''[https://riscv.org/ RISC-V]''' architecture is understood as an ideal vehicle for the security community.<br><br />
We also keep an eye on '''ARM Cortex''' - '''A7x''' iterations along the path, waiting for their development to align with our expectations which are open documentation that will enable Open Source community to write drivers and other software.<br><br />
With a maximum reasonable amount of '''RAM''', we use the most rational clock speeds to achieve the best possible computing performance versus battery's power consumption. There should be no compromise there. In any case, count on 8+ Gb RAM and some serious processing power. <br />
<br />
'''GPU''' - '''ARM''''s '''MALI-4xx''' architecture would do great, but we also look into drivers' compatibility and openness, too.<br><br />
While '''NVIDIA''' would be technically possibly the best performance choice, issues arise with general attitude towards '''FOSS''' compatibilty.<br><br />
In any case we look and listen into '''NVIDIA''' and '''CUDA''' options, accelerating totally open documentation from '''NVIDIA''''s side.<br><br />
Also the '''NVIDIA's Jetson''' IoT and AI platform is researched for a compatibility with '''RISC-V''' architecture, '''ISA''' and '''FOSS''' .<br><br />
<br />
'''Storage''' - a '''SATA''' SSD is on board and it should be taken out very fast from a bay.<br><br />
'''eSATA''' connector might help in expanding the storage possibilities.<br><br />
<br />
'''Fanless''' - less movable parts means more battery time for the processing power and a '''passive cooling''' adds to the longevity of the components. Think quiet.<br><br />
<br />
'''Boot and sleep''' - Secure-boot as well as a fast boot time. Nobody has and especially children do not have the patience to wait.<br><br />
Ever since '''C64/AMIGA''' times computers should be able to be switched on and off fast, so using some '''Libreboot/Coreboot''' and a '''Clear Linux''' (minus Intel optimisation) concepts applied in a '''BPCD''' firmware/BIOS should do it.<br><br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' suspends to '''RAM''' and goes to hibernate when battery is at 20%. Properly.<br><br />
<br />
'''Upgradeable''' - RAM and a processor-board featuring '''SoM''' attachment port.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-glare screen''' - size is 13.3” 16:10 full HD resolution (200 dpi +) that provides far less strain on user's eyes.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-reflective''' - a button driven backlight “off” monochrome mode for very low-power use in sunlight - prolongs a battery life a lot.<br><br />
<br />
'''LED backlit''' - colour mode with an alternance of red, green and blue pixels.<br><br />
<br />
'''A detachable webcam''' - also with a slide lens cover and a hardware switch for on/off<br><br />
<br />
'''A volume wheel''' - a ceramic volume potentiometer with a “click” for the on/off functionality.<br><br />
<br />
'''GPIO''' - a retractable and flexible robust flat-ribbon cable connecting General Purpose Input Output 19 pins array for connecting to all the things you want to connect it to.<br><br />
<br />
'''Quick charging battery''' - Long Life Cycle Polymer 10000+ mAh that is also recyclable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Hot-swap''' - a second small battery enabling main battery hot-swap.<br><br />
<br />
'''Modular power''' - on-board power supply that follows full '''ACPI''' specification defaults to scalable/modular voltage for the processor and memory by the design aims at preventing the so-called ''side-channel'' attacks. '''ISA''' already specifies that no data is kept in the cache, but remote possibility of such attack still exists.<br><br />
<br />
'''Waterproof keyboard''' - with an illuminated track-point ball, firmware includes default onboard SSH compression (ssh -C) enabled communication between keyboard's motherboard and the rest of I/O hardware - prevents key-logging and keystroke timing and guessing algorithms.<br><br />
<br />
'''Multitouch pad''' - a smooth surface, flat-flush and positioned '''above''' the keyboard. It has a “Wacom”-style mode for the extended stylus or a finger draw.<br><br />
It is multi-touch and gestures capable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Casing''' - a tough, rugged form-factor done in a multi-colour polycarbonate, aluminium composite and recyclable plastic with added LEGO® studs here and there.<br><br />
<br />
==Hardware security and privacy features==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Four (4) hardware '''off/on''' switches''' - webcam (detachable), speakers, the microphones array (detachable) and obligatory Wi-Fi.<br><br />
<br />
'''Detachable USB gender-changer dongle''' - that should prevent anyone to plug in USB-anything unless it is attached and a password unlocked, also when it is taken out prevents anyone to stick USB-anything in. Basically - no physical USB on board.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==A few interesting extras==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''TEMPEST-shield internal cabling''' - shields from any external and internal electromagnetic radiation. Weaved and braided cable shielding above MIL-SPEC/DTL and GOST/IST standards.<br><br />
<br />
'''A stylus''' - for a pad drawing, also provides enhanced entropy while generating PGP keys, easy graphic editing, poking someone etc.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==Additional adapter with an onboard==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® Power Functions''' - for powering and the control of actuators. '''.<br><br />
<br />
'''RJ-12 LEGO®''' - “a shifted notch” connector for '''LEGO® MINDSTORMS®''' series of actuators and sensors,<br><br />
<br />
'''a male D-Sub serial port''' (tty) and a VGA connector.<br><br />
<br />
==Charms==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® keychain''' - for the USB dongle.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Designs|Want to know more? Pretty pictures ahead.]] Or see [[Schematics]], [[Keyboard]] and [[Power Supply]].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications_and_features&diff=349Specifications and features2020-01-23T14:04:11Z<p>Ziga: Ziga moved page Specifications and features to Features</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Features]]</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Features&diff=347Features2020-01-23T14:03:45Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
This page documents features from more user-centric point of view. For a more engineering point of view, see [[Specifications]].<br />
<br />
==Basic specifications and features</big>==<br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' is made to run '''[https://nixos.org/ NixOS]''', '''[https://trisquel.info Trisquel GNU]''', '''[http://guix.gnu.org/ Guix]''', '''[https://www.debian.org Debian]''' and '''[https://www.ubuntu.com Ubuntu]''' variants of '''64 bit''' '''low-latency kernel''' for '''RISC-V'''.<br><br />
<br />
In a form-factor there are some improvements and novelties in approach to a physical user interface and experience.<br />
Main characteristics of '''Balthazar''' are 4 robust hardware switches for WiFi, camera, microphones and speakers, SoM CPU/GPU swappable card, a removable camera module with 2 microphones array, a keyboard layout with a segmented touch-pad positioned '''above''' the keyboard with pull-out speakers. Motherboard(s) components are behind the screen and below keyboard are batteries - one small non removable and one really big that is hot-swappable - SSD bay is also below keyboard, as well as other peripheral connectors - GPIO, USB OTG-secure, HDMI, headphones and mic inputs, volume knob and finally eSATA.<br> <br />
When the display lid is closed it engages the magnetic switch based on the "Timer Manager Module" and cuts off the power to all of I/O modules preventing any remote "switch-on" possibility even before it suspends to RAM.<br />
<br />
Keyboard is '''QUERTY''' with 7 '''LED'''s illuminated and clickable 8 mm trackball positioned between G and H keys and above B key. It is based on '''Cherry MX''' low profile gaming switches<br><br />
<br />
So when we say the "design is different", it actually is inspired by and extracted from '''[https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/think/ IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad]''' series, '''[https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets-handhelds/computers/ Panasonic ToughBook]''',a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Laptop_per_Child OLPC]''' and main secure USB-dongle features based on '''[https://www.nitrokey.com/ Nitrokey]''' concept. <br />
<br />
Balthazar's design aims for a totally new usability experience.<br><br />
<br />
''"10 or so years ago there were no mobile phones, but we all learned how to use them."'' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rJTJ_wA2NY Arjen Kamphuis in xTED speech in Delft)]<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarSet G1 2.png]]<br />
<br />
===Components===<br />
'''CPU and RAM''' - as the development goes on '''BPCD''' is based on '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' architecture multi-core '''SoM''' or a System on a Module "card" that is exchangeable and upgradeble.<br><br />
<br />
'''[https://riscv.org/ RISC-V]''' architecture is understood as an ideal vehicle for the security community.<br><br />
We also keep an eye on '''ARM Cortex''' - '''A7x''' iterations along the path, waiting for their development to align with our expectations which are open documentation that will enable Open Source community to write drivers and other software.<br><br />
With a maximum reasonable amount of '''RAM''', we use the most rational clock speeds to achieve the best possible computing performance versus battery's power consumption. There should be no compromise there. In any case, count on 8+ Gb RAM and some serious processing power. <br />
<br />
'''GPU''' - '''ARM''''s '''MALI-4xx''' architecture would do great, but we also look into drivers' compatibility and openness, too.<br><br />
While '''NVIDIA''' would be technically possibly the best performance choice, issues arise with general attitude towards '''FOSS''' compatibilty.<br><br />
In any case we look and listen into '''NVIDIA''' and '''CUDA''' options, accelerating totally open documentation from '''NVIDIA''''s side.<br><br />
Also the '''NVIDIA's Jetson''' IoT and AI platform is researched for a compatibility with '''RISC-V''' architecture, '''ISA''' and '''FOSS''' .<br><br />
<br />
'''Storage''' - a '''SATA''' SSD is on board and it should be taken out very fast from a bay.<br><br />
'''eSATA''' connector might help in expanding the storage possibilities.<br><br />
<br />
'''Fanless''' - less movable parts means more battery time for the processing power and a '''passive cooling''' adds to the longevity of the components. Think quiet.<br><br />
<br />
'''Boot and sleep''' - Secure-boot as well as a fast boot time. Nobody has and especially children do not have the patience to wait.<br><br />
Ever since '''C64/AMIGA''' times computers should be able to be switched on and off fast, so using some '''Libreboot/Coreboot''' and a '''Clear Linux''' (minus Intel optimisation) concepts applied in a '''BPCD''' firmware/BIOS should do it.<br><br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' suspends to '''RAM''' and goes to hibernate when battery is at 20%. Properly.<br><br />
<br />
'''Upgradeable''' - RAM and a processor-board featuring '''SoM''' attachment port.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-glare screen''' - size is 13.3” 16:10 full HD resolution (200 dpi +) that provides far less strain on user's eyes.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-reflective''' - a button driven backlight “off” monochrome mode for very low-power use in sunlight - prolongs a battery life a lot.<br><br />
<br />
'''LED backlit''' - colour mode with an alternance of red, green and blue pixels.<br><br />
<br />
'''A detachable webcam''' - also with a slide lens cover and a hardware switch for on/off<br><br />
<br />
'''A volume wheel''' - a ceramic volume potentiometer with a “click” for the on/off functionality.<br><br />
<br />
'''GPIO''' - a retractable and flexible robust flat-ribbon cable connecting General Purpose Input Output 19 pins array for connecting to all the things you want to connect it to.<br><br />
<br />
'''Quick charging battery''' - Long Life Cycle Polymer 10000+ mAh that is also recyclable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Hot-swap''' - a second small battery enabling main battery hot-swap.<br><br />
<br />
'''Modular power''' - on-board power supply that follows full '''ACPI''' specification defaults to scalable/modular voltage for the processor and memory by the design aims at preventing the so-called ''side-channel'' attacks. '''ISA''' already specifies that no data is kept in the cache, but remote possibility of such attack still exists.<br><br />
<br />
'''Waterproof keyboard''' - with an illuminated track-point ball, firmware includes default onboard SSH compression (ssh -C) enabled communication between keyboard's motherboard and the rest of I/O hardware - prevents key-logging and keystroke timing and guessing algorithms.<br><br />
<br />
'''Multitouch pad''' - a smooth surface, flat-flush and positioned '''above''' the keyboard. It has a “Wacom”-style mode for the extended stylus or a finger draw.<br><br />
It is multi-touch and gestures capable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Casing''' - a tough, rugged form-factor done in a multi-colour polycarbonate, aluminium composite and recyclable plastic with added LEGO® studs here and there.<br><br />
<br />
==Hardware security and privacy features==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Four (4) hardware '''off/on''' switches''' - webcam (detachable), speakers, the microphones array (detachable) and obligatory Wi-Fi.<br><br />
<br />
'''Detachable USB gender-changer dongle''' - that should prevent anyone to plug in USB-anything unless it is attached and a password unlocked, also when it is taken out prevents anyone to stick USB-anything in. Basically - no physical USB on board.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==A few interesting extras==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''TEMPEST-shield internal cabling''' - shields from any external and internal electromagnetic radiation. Weaved and braided cable shielding above MIL-SPEC/DTL and GOST/IST standards.<br><br />
<br />
'''A stylus''' - for a pad drawing, also provides enhanced entropy while generating PGP keys, easy graphic editing, poking someone etc.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==Additional adapter with an onboard==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® Power Functions''' - for powering and the control of actuators. '''.<br><br />
<br />
'''RJ-12 LEGO®''' - “a shifted notch” connector for '''LEGO® MINDSTORMS®''' series of actuators and sensors,<br><br />
<br />
'''a male D-Sub serial port''' (tty) and a VGA connector.<br><br />
<br />
==Charms==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® keychain''' - for the USB dongle.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Designs|Want to know more? Pretty pictures ahead.]] Or see [[Schematics]], [[Keyboard]] and [[Power Supply]].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Features&diff=346Features2020-01-23T13:29:16Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
==Basic specifications and features</big>==<br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' is made to run '''[https://nixos.org/ NixOS]''', '''[https://trisquel.info Trisquel GNU]''', '''[http://guix.gnu.org/ Guix]''', '''[https://www.debian.org Debian]''' and '''[https://www.ubuntu.com Ubuntu]''' variants of '''64 bit''' '''low-latency kernel''' for '''RISC-V'''.<br><br />
<br />
In a form-factor there are some improvements and novelties in approach to a physical user interface and experience.<br />
Main characteristics of '''Balthazar''' are 4 robust hardware switches for WiFi, camera, microphones and speakers, SoM CPU/GPU swappable card, a removable camera module with 2 microphones array, a keyboard layout with a segmented touch-pad positioned '''above''' the keyboard with pull-out speakers. Motherboard(s) components are behind the screen and below keyboard are batteries - one small non removable and one really big that is hot-swappable - SSD bay is also below keyboard, as well as other peripheral connectors - GPIO, USB OTG-secure, HDMI, headphones and mic inputs, volume knob and finally eSATA.<br> <br />
When the display lid is closed it engages the magnetic switch based on the "Timer Manager Module" and cuts off the power to all of I/O modules preventing any remote "switch-on" possibility even before it suspends to RAM.<br />
<br />
Keyboard is '''QUERTY''' with 7 '''LED'''s illuminated and clickable 8 mm trackball positioned between G and H keys and above B key. It is based on '''Cherry MX''' low profile gaming switches<br><br />
<br />
So when we say the "design is different", it actually is inspired by and extracted from '''[https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/think/ IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad]''' series, '''[https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets-handhelds/computers/ Panasonic ToughBook]''',a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Laptop_per_Child OLPC]''' and main secure USB-dongle features based on '''[https://www.nitrokey.com/ Nitrokey]''' concept. <br />
<br />
Balthazar's design aims for a totally new usability experience.<br><br />
<br />
''"10 or so years ago there were no mobile phones, but we all learned how to use them."'' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rJTJ_wA2NY Arjen Kamphuis in xTED speech in Delft)]<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarSet G1 2.png]]<br />
<br />
===Components===<br />
'''CPU and RAM''' - as the development goes on '''BPCD''' is based on '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' architecture multi-core '''SoM''' or a System on a Module "card" that is exchangeable and upgradeble.<br><br />
<br />
'''[https://riscv.org/ RISC-V]''' architecture is understood as an ideal vehicle for the security community.<br><br />
We also keep an eye on '''ARM Cortex''' - '''A7x''' iterations along the path, waiting for their development to align with our expectations which are open documentation that will enable Open Source community to write drivers and other software.<br><br />
With a maximum reasonable amount of '''RAM''', we use the most rational clock speeds to achieve the best possible computing performance versus battery's power consumption. There should be no compromise there. In any case, count on 8+ Gb RAM and some serious processing power. <br />
<br />
'''GPU''' - '''ARM''''s '''MALI-4xx''' architecture would do great, but we also look into drivers' compatibility and openness, too.<br><br />
While '''NVIDIA''' would be technically possibly the best performance choice, issues arise with general attitude towards '''FOSS''' compatibilty.<br><br />
In any case we look and listen into '''NVIDIA''' and '''CUDA''' options, accelerating totally open documentation from '''NVIDIA''''s side.<br><br />
Also the '''NVIDIA's Jetson''' IoT and AI platform is researched for a compatibility with '''RISC-V''' architecture, '''ISA''' and '''FOSS''' .<br><br />
<br />
'''Storage''' - a '''SATA''' SSD is on board and it should be taken out very fast from a bay.<br><br />
'''eSATA''' connector might help in expanding the storage possibilities.<br><br />
<br />
'''Fanless''' - less movable parts means more battery time for the processing power and a '''passive cooling''' adds to the longevity of the components. Think quiet.<br><br />
<br />
'''Boot and sleep''' - Secure-boot as well as a fast boot time. Nobody has and especially children do not have the patience to wait.<br><br />
Ever since '''C64/AMIGA''' times computers should be able to be switched on and off fast, so using some '''Libreboot/Coreboot''' and a '''Clear Linux''' (minus Intel optimisation) concepts applied in a '''BPCD''' firmware/BIOS should do it.<br><br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' suspends to '''RAM''' and goes to hibernate when battery is at 20%. Properly.<br><br />
<br />
'''Upgradeable''' - RAM and a processor-board featuring '''SoM''' attachment port.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-glare screen''' - size is 13.3” 16:10 full HD resolution (200 dpi +) that provides far less strain on user's eyes.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-reflective''' - a button driven backlight “off” monochrome mode for very low-power use in sunlight - prolongs a battery life a lot.<br><br />
<br />
'''LED backlit''' - colour mode with an alternance of red, green and blue pixels.<br><br />
<br />
'''A detachable webcam''' - also with a slide lens cover and a hardware switch for on/off<br><br />
<br />
'''A volume wheel''' - a ceramic volume potentiometer with a “click” for the on/off functionality.<br><br />
<br />
'''GPIO''' - a retractable and flexible robust flat-ribbon cable connecting General Purpose Input Output 19 pins array for connecting to all the things you want to connect it to.<br><br />
<br />
'''Quick charging battery''' - Long Life Cycle Polymer 10000+ mAh that is also recyclable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Hot-swap''' - a second small battery enabling main battery hot-swap.<br><br />
<br />
'''Modular power''' - on-board power supply that follows full '''ACPI''' specification defaults to scalable/modular voltage for the processor and memory by the design aims at preventing the so-called ''side-channel'' attacks. '''ISA''' already specifies that no data is kept in the cache, but remote possibility of such attack still exists.<br><br />
<br />
'''Waterproof keyboard''' - with an illuminated track-point ball, firmware includes default onboard SSH compression (ssh -C) enabled communication between keyboard's motherboard and the rest of I/O hardware - prevents key-logging and keystroke timing and guessing algorithms.<br><br />
<br />
'''Multitouch pad''' - a smooth surface, flat-flush and positioned '''above''' the keyboard. It has a “Wacom”-style mode for the extended stylus or a finger draw.<br><br />
It is multi-touch and gestures capable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Casing''' - a tough, rugged form-factor done in a multi-colour polycarbonate, aluminium composite and recyclable plastic with added LEGO® studs here and there.<br><br />
<br />
==Hardware security and privacy features==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Four (4) hardware '''off/on''' switches''' - webcam (detachable), speakers, the microphones array (detachable) and obligatory Wi-Fi.<br><br />
<br />
'''Detachable USB gender-changer dongle''' - that should prevent anyone to plug in USB-anything unless it is attached and a password unlocked, also when it is taken out prevents anyone to stick USB-anything in. Basically - no physical USB on board.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==A few interesting extras==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''TEMPEST-shield internal cabling''' - shields from any external and internal electromagnetic radiation. Weaved and braided cable shielding above MIL-SPEC/DTL and GOST/IST standards.<br><br />
<br />
'''A stylus''' - for a pad drawing, also provides enhanced entropy while generating PGP keys, easy graphic editing, poking someone etc.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==Additional adapter with an onboard==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® Power Functions''' - for powering and the control of actuators. '''.<br><br />
<br />
'''RJ-12 LEGO®''' - “a shifted notch” connector for '''LEGO® MINDSTORMS®''' series of actuators and sensors,<br><br />
<br />
'''a male D-Sub serial port''' (tty) and a VGA connector.<br><br />
<br />
==Charms==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® keychain''' - for the USB dongle.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Designs|Want to know more? Pretty pictures ahead.]] Or see [[Schematics]], [[Keyboard]] and [[Power Supply]].</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Features&diff=336Features2020-01-22T22:29:03Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
==Basic specifications and features</big>==<br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' is made to run '''[https://nixos.org/ NixOS]''', '''[https://trisquel.info Trisquel GNU]''', '''[http://guix.gnu.org/ Guix]''', '''[https://www.debian.org Debian]''' and '''[https://www.ubuntu.com Ubuntu]''' variants of '''64 bit''' '''low-latency kernel''' for '''RISC-V'''.<br><br />
<br />
In a form-factor there are some improvements and novelties in approach to a physical user interface and experience.<br />
Main characteristics of '''Balthazar''' are 4 robust hardware switches for WiFi, camera, microphones and speakers, SoM CPU/GPU swappable card, a removable camera module with 2 microphones array, a keyboard layout with a segmented touch-pad positioned '''above''' the keyboard with pull-out speakers. Motherboard(s) components are behind the screen and below keyboard are batteries - one small non removable and one really big that is hot-swappable - SSD bay is also below keyboard, as well as other peripheral connectors - GPIO, USB OTG-secure, HDMI, headphones and mic inputs, volume knob and finally eSATA.<br> <br />
When the display lid is closed it engages the magnetic switch based on the "Timer Manager Module" and cuts off the power to all of I/O modules preventing any remote "switch-on" possibility even before it suspends to RAM.<br />
<br />
Keyboard is '''QUERTY''' with 7 '''LED'''s illuminated and clickable 8 mm trackball positioned between G and H keys and above B key. It is based on '''Cherry MX''' low profile gaming switches<br><br />
<br />
So when we say the "design is different", it actually is inspired by and extracted from '''[https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/think/ IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad]''' series, '''[https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets-handhelds/computers/ Panasonic ToughBook]''',a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Laptop_per_Child OLPC]''' and main secure USB-dongle features based on '''[https://www.nitrokey.com/ Nitrokey]''' concept. <br />
<br />
Balthazar's design aims for a totally new usability experience.<br><br />
<br />
''"10 or so years ago there were no mobile phones, but we all learned how to use them."'' (Arjen Kamphuis in xTED speech in Delft)<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:BalthazarSet G1 2.png]]<br />
<br />
===Components===<br />
'''CPU and RAM''' - as the development goes on '''BPCD''' is based on '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' architecture multi-core '''SoM''' or a System on a Module "card" that is exchangeable and upgradeble.<br><br />
<br />
'''[https://riscv.org/ RISC-V]''' architecture is understood as an ideal vehicle for the security community.<br><br />
We also keep an eye on '''ARM Cortex''' - '''A7x''' iterations along the path, waiting for their development to align with our expectations which are open documentation that will enable Open Source community to write drivers and other software.<br><br />
With a maximum reasonable amount of '''RAM''', we use the most rational clock speeds to achieve the best possible computing performance versus battery's power consumption. There should be no compromise there. In any case, count on 8+ Gb RAM and some serious processing power. <br />
<br />
'''GPU''' - '''ARM''''s '''MALI-4xx''' architecture would do great, but we also look into drivers' compatibility and openness, too.<br><br />
While '''NVIDIA''' would be technically possibly the best performance choice, issues arise with general attitude towards '''FOSS''' compatibilty.<br><br />
In any case we look and listen into '''NVIDIA''' and '''CUDA''' options, accelerating totally open documentation from '''NVIDIA''''s side.<br><br />
Also the '''NVIDIA's Jetson''' IoT and AI platform is researched for a compatibility with '''RISC-V''' architecture, '''ISA''' and '''FOSS''' .<br><br />
<br />
'''Storage''' - a '''SATA''' SSD is on board and it should be taken out very fast from a bay.<br><br />
'''eSATA''' connector might help in expanding the storage possibilities.<br><br />
<br />
'''Fanless''' - less movable parts means more battery time for the processing power and a '''passive cooling''' adds to the longevity of the components. Think quiet.<br><br />
<br />
'''Boot and sleep''' - Secure-boot as well as a fast boot time. Nobody has and especially children do not have the patience to wait.<br><br />
Ever since '''C64/AMIGA''' times computers should be able to be switched on and off fast, so using some '''Libreboot/Coreboot''' and a '''Clear Linux''' (minus Intel optimisation) concepts applied in a '''BPCD''' firmware/BIOS should do it.<br><br />
<br />
'''BPCD''' suspends to '''RAM''' and goes to hibernate when battery is at 20%. Properly.<br><br />
<br />
'''Upgradeable''' - RAM and a processor-board featuring '''SoM''' attachment port.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-glare screen''' - size is 13.3” 16:10 full HD resolution (200 dpi +) that provides far less strain on user's eyes.<br><br />
<br />
'''A non-reflective''' - a button driven backlight “off” monochrome mode for very low-power use in sunlight - prolongs a battery life a lot.<br><br />
<br />
'''LED backlit''' - colour mode with an alternance of red, green and blue pixels.<br><br />
<br />
'''A detachable webcam''' - also with a slide lens cover and a hardware switch for on/off<br><br />
<br />
'''A volume wheel''' - a ceramic volume potentiometer with a “click” for the on/off functionality.<br><br />
<br />
'''GPIO''' - a retractable and flexible robust flat-ribbon cable connecting General Purpose Input Output 19 pins array for connecting to all the things you want to connect it to.<br><br />
<br />
'''Quick charging battery''' - Long Life Cycle Polymer 10000+ mAh that is also recyclable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Hot-swap''' - a second small battery enabling main battery hot-swap.<br><br />
<br />
'''Modular power''' - on-board power supply that follows full '''ACPI''' specification defaults to scalable/modular voltage for the processor and memory by the design aims at preventing the so-called ''side-channel'' attacks. '''ISA''' already specifies that no data is kept in the cache, but remote possibility of such attack still exists.<br><br />
<br />
'''Waterproof keyboard''' - with an illuminated track-point ball, firmware includes default onboard SSH compression (ssh -C) enabled communication between keyboard's motherboard and the rest of I/O hardware - prevents key-logging and keystroke timing and guessing algorithms.<br><br />
<br />
'''Multitouch pad''' - a smooth surface, flat-flush and positioned '''above''' the keyboard. It has a “Wacom”-style mode for the extended stylus or a finger draw.<br><br />
It is multi-touch and gestures capable.<br><br />
<br />
'''Casing''' - a tough, rugged form-factor done in a multi-colour polycarbonate, aluminium composite and recyclable plastic with added LEGO® studs here and there.<br><br />
<br />
==Hardware security and privacy features==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Four (4) hardware '''off/on''' switches''' - webcam (detachable), speakers, the microphones array (detachable) and obligatory Wi-Fi.<br><br />
<br />
'''Detachable USB gender-changer dongle''' - that should prevent anyone to plug in USB-anything unless it is attached and a password unlocked, also when it is taken out prevents anyone to stick USB-anything in. Basically - no physical USB on board.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==A few interesting extras==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''TEMPEST-shield internal cabling''' - shields from any external and internal electromagnetic radiation. Weaved and braided cable shielding above MIL-SPEC/DTL and GOST/IST standards.<br><br />
<br />
'''A stylus''' - for a pad drawing, also provides enhanced entropy while generating PGP keys, easy graphic editing, poking someone etc.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
==Additional adapter with an onboard==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® Power Functions''' - for powering and the control of actuators. '''.<br><br />
<br />
'''RJ-12 LEGO®''' - “a shifted notch” connector for '''LEGO® MINDSTORMS®''' series of actuators and sensors,<br><br />
<br />
'''a male D-Sub serial port''' (tty) and a VGA connector.<br><br />
<br />
==Charms==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''LEGO® keychain''' - for the USB dongle.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Designs|Want to know more? Pretty pictures ahead.]] </div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=335MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-01-22T22:28:28Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
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<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** News|News<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
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* SEARCH<br />
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<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** News|News<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
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* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
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<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** News|News<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
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* SEARCH<br />
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<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* [[News]]<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
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** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
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* SEARCH<br />
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<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* News|News<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
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** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
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* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=329MediaWiki:Sidebar2020-01-22T22:26:25Z<p>Ziga: </p>
<hr />
<div>* About<br />
** Balthazar|Introduction<br />
** Goals|Goals<br />
** Specifications and features|Specifications<br />
** Aperture Operating Environment|Operating Environment<br />
** User Experience|User Experience<br />
** Education|Education<br />
** FAQ|FAQ<br />
** Links|Links<br />
** Glossary|Glossary<br />
** Contact|Contact<br />
* News<br />
* Wiki<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent Changes<br />
** Special:ListFiles|List Files<br />
** Special:Upload|Upload a File<br />
** Special:SpecialPages|Special Pages<br />
<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=News&diff=328News2020-01-22T22:25:12Z<p>Ziga: reorder new with new stuff at the top</p>
<hr />
<div> <br />
<br />
== Actual news and a Balthazar development progress ==<br />
<br />
<br />
A short history of Balthazar:<br />
<br />
Development of Balthazar as a possible and a realistic device has started at the end of April 2019 as a result of the long sessions that lasted a bit more then a few weeks of conferencing and emailing while discussing "whitepaperish" content and realistically putting it into the context with the various sides involved. <br><br />
We have talked to various people, representatives and teachers in '''EOMA68''', '''Tripodo''', '''SiFive''', '''Altinkaya''', '''HiTechnic''', '''Tipro''', '''TUFTS''', '''Bauhaus''' University in Weimar and '''LEGO''' on a joint support in creating a working committee and a case for '''Balthazar'''.<br><br />
<br />
'''Balthazar''' as a name for a laptop draws its associations from the ''Three Wise Man'' known as a ''Magus from Babylon'' and a ''Professor Balthazar'', a 1970's cartoon character that creatively solves problems in a cooperative and inventive ways, being helped out by picturesque early depiction of an '''AI''' machine, "Veronica", in a process.<br><br />
<br />
Conclusion was that Balthazar laptop has to be magical and beautiful personal computing device incorporating ethos, cooperative, inventive and innovative characteristics as a combination of those two historical characters whether they were real or a drawn.<br />
<br />
Timeline:<br />
<br />
==January 2020==<br />
With New Year comes also the new prospect of cooperation with [http://slimbook.es Slimbook] - a pure Linux laptops manufacturer from Spain. We are researching to see how we can incorporate our design proposals and align to have a joint development.<br />
<br />
==December 2019== <br />
Some case design proposals are now in and we evaluate those, as we met with few '''LEGO''' design people and got a good insight into plastic casing designs and heat issues. Also hinges are bit of an issue, but till the end of the year there will be some viable solutions. We prepare the 2 day meet-up in Weimar, somewhat later then anticipated, but will happen in the next 2 weeks provided that all steering members can commit to attend. As it is an end to a one very exciting year, we work hard towards having everything ready before holidays. Some boards are in and received and some are still coming, so with the help of '''Armbian''' team we will see and choose what the best options are there. Also thanks to '''IBM''' 's Open Sourcing move in '''Power9''' ISA field, we started to look really hard into that direction, too.<br />
<br />
==November 2019==<br />
Somewhat longer emailing between SiFive and us on adopting '''RISC-V''' and '''ISA''' making it work with GPUs. We met with '''Armbian''' people that might help us with setting up RISC -V build tools and work deeper on HW encryption. Visited '''Tipro''' a well known European custom and industrial keyboard company with proposals and basic HW design and software. Keyboard's design and FW driven bus we will base on smaller '''RISC-V''' controller for bus-to-motherboard encryption and we will work on it together over the coming months. We have drafted a mutual agreement to publish it all publicly under '''CERN/GPL3''' licences, more to confirm on that later in the year. A more serious RISC-V development boars namely Freedom Unleashed are ordered and those are on the way, as well as a few of '''EOMA68''' evaluation boards. We are also off to Denmark, Billund to meet with Moulding people from '''LEGO''' and also brief some representatives of '''LEGO Education''' on our current development. In Weimar end of November latest mid December at the Bauhaus Uni we will gather in a formal first meeting with steering committee members and set the strategy and a path for the next few month of accelerated development. We are looking into '''CrowdSupply''' support and options we have there. One thing we do know for sure is - we do not want to over-promise. <br />
<br />
==October 2019==<br />
We did the first renders and a few design studies of the casing, but more we will discuss with '''LEGO''' Moulding people in December. Also some 2D and 3D drawings were made, still to be detailed before it goes to the CNC alpha case phase. Presented project by mailing a Turkish high quality moulding company that is specialised in "electronic enclosures" for internal plastics and guidelines, cooling etc. Collected and decided on a few software models that are Open Source and rather powerful when combined.<br />
A German screen and eInk company was questioned for a second screen choice, with our requirements. Looks good, so far.<br />
We also got the support from '''NLNET''' in a shape of technical support and a financial donation to speed up R&D and come up with tangible prototypes faster. What a great push that is. <br />
<br />
==September 2019==<br />
A second public presentation , this time at even more appropriate event, was made in Venice, Italy, during the '''ESC - End of Summer Camp''' where advanced computer and internet users, some HW developers, as per default, offered their participation in a various aspects of development. Really an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable crowd. We collected ourselves old and new bunch of Linux capable boards that we used over the years, some new micro-computers, SoC's and SoM's and started looking into software features and encryption modes and options that we can make a use of it. Keyboard design and a ''secure keyboard to motherboard concept'' was done, even more drawings were made and put up as for UI and UX also for proposed educational interface. We talked with '''HiTechic''' again on the development of a secure USB dongle and GPIO boards design and they gave us an estimate and some overview in expectations for prototypes. Power supply design requirements are made and also battery and other issues (magnetic vs. mechanical switches etc.) were worked on, until we all agreed on how, what and when. <br />
<br />
==August 2019==<br />
prepared a primary presentation, description and imaginary nice to have specs and a Bill_Of_Materials. <br />
A first semi-public presentation was held at the end of August in premises of '''Bauhaus University''' in Weimar to a working group consisting of 30 + Master and Bachelor students of Media Systems and with the help of ''Charles Wuetrich'' and his Chair for Computer GFX. There were tons of questions in a discussion and some valuable points were incorporated into the further strategy of the development. <br />
<br />
==July 2019==<br />
All the security wish-features were added to our whitepaper style webpage, professor Chris Rogers from '''TUFTS''' helped us to make the case in educational aspects of Balthazar, HiTechnic's owner Steve Barker gave his views in designing and building Balthazar with tons of useful tips and contacts. Michael Anderson, ex-LEGO electronic engineer and HW designer guided some technical decisions sharing his production knowledge experience. We also applied for some minor external funding to '''NLNET''', as it is not easy to make a totally new approach in designing the laptop investing just our own financial resources.<br />
<br />
==June 2019==<br />
a concept for a form-factor came up and a first drawings and sketches were made. Deep dive into RISC-V ISA and foresight of viable future processors came up. Keyboard design was in the making, also thorough research was carried on, under the wise guidance especially in some technological approaches of EOMA68 developer Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton. That collaboration gave us some useful tips and helped us to find good reasons not to reinvent the hot water again. We won't.<br />
<br />
==May 2019==<br />
started preliminary talks to Tripodo started on an Intellectural Propery licences and issues for a famous XO PixelQi screen with a dimmable backlight and sun-readable features. That is still pending on. Domain is registred and a website goes up with a rather white-paper content leaving an input open for contributors that came from all the sides. <br />
<br />
==April 2019==<br />
a day Zero, where we realised that it can be done, it should be done and we even know how.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=327Specifications2020-01-22T22:21:28Z<p>Ziga: /* Software */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==<br />
<br />
Software depends on a System on a Module used.</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=326Specifications2020-01-22T22:20:47Z<p>Ziga: /* System on a Module (SOM) */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. These are Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=325Specifications2020-01-22T22:20:04Z<p>Ziga: /* Power Controller and battery */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system, particularly the System on a Module, USB Hub and Display subsytem. It also manages battery.<br />
<br />
It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=324Specifications2020-01-22T22:15:46Z<p>Ziga: /* Display Controller and panel */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system. It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware, too.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
Provides interface to display panel by HDMI<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=323Specifications2020-01-22T22:13:15Z<p>Ziga: /* System on a Module (SOM) */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system. It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware, too.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. Boards from different makers should be supported. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=322Specifications2020-01-22T22:08:30Z<p>Ziga: /* USB hub */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system. It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware, too.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. <br />
<br />
This should be swappable among different makers. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports, which can be additionally used, but should not be required.<br />
<br />
At least USB 2 or better.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Zigahttps://balthazar.space/w/index.php?title=Specifications&diff=321Specifications2020-01-22T22:06:41Z<p>Ziga: /* Power Controller and battery */</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
[[Image:BalthazarBlockDia122.svg]]<br />
<br />
Major Balthazar parts are:<br />
<br />
==Power Controller and battery==<br />
<br />
These supply power to the rest of the system. It should be capable enough to run some USB connected hardware, too.<br />
<br />
==System on a Module (SOM)==<br />
<br />
This is the main system board, the computer. <br />
<br />
This should be swappable among different makers. <br />
<br />
Minimum of ports is required for wider compaitibility. Power, USB and HDMI.<br />
<br />
==USB hub==<br />
<br />
Provides the main infrastructure for connecting peripherals. Need to have many ports and good power supply.<br />
<br />
Often SOMs already provide a number of USB ports.<br />
<br />
==Display Controller and panel==<br />
<br />
==Case==<br />
<br />
==Keyboard and Touch-pad==<br />
<br />
==Software==</div>Ziga