popufare/experiment/production/Production-Overview.md

Production Unit Development Overview

2019-11-01

This is a document recording notes for the path to creating a working production unit.

Hardware

• Get SIM5320A GPRS/GPS working
  • Need to automatically start and connect on boot
  • Need to confirm GPRS antennae and GPS antennae work inside or at other positions in housing
  • GPRS needs to have some pin tied for automatic power on (potentially rpi controlled)
• Connect/stack SIM5320A in line with screen
  • make sure screen and serial have no physical pin conflicts
• Make breakout board for power connector
• Find solution for speaker amplifier
• Need to figure out case. Stop-gap of retrofitting to current case
  • New case need only to attach to the four screw configuration already in place for DIU bottom plate
• Look into brighter screen

Software

• Add 'quick dim' feature to screen
  • Screensaver will light back up on press
• Better screen diagnostics
• Debug/testing of driver interface

Progression

Instead of replacing the whole system in one iteration, I think it's better to replace certain components individually over time.

The rough outline is as follows:

• Replace the DIU with an updated piece of hardware
  • If possible, a new case should be used but the old case can be re-used if the need for replacement DIUs is pressing
  • There should be an old style connector for backwards compatibility
  • There should be a new style PIU and power connector.
  • There should be either an adapter to connect to the old style connector or have all connectors available