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53 lines
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3.1 KiB
Markdown
53 lines
No EOL
3.1 KiB
Markdown
## Femtofox - Getting Started
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This guide assumes a certain level of familiarity with [Meshtastic](meshtastic.org), and [Meshtastic nodes](https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/).
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The Femtofox is similar to, and can functionally replace, a [Raspberry Pi Linux Native Meshtastic node](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/linux-native-hardware/). However, the Foxbuntu OS takes away most of the heavy lifting of a typical install, leaving you free to build your mesh application without the initial hurdles.
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### Hardware
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To get started, you will need a Femtofox. You can either build or buy one.
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#### 1. Building a Femtofox
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Femtofox Community Edition (CE) is provided as standard PCB Gerber files and suitable Bills of Materials (BOM) and Pick and Place files for the components.
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Download the Gerber files from [here](TBC), selecting the set of files for your application:
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- Bare PCB - you have all of the necessary components on hand
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- SMD populated PCB - you have a Luckfox Pico Mini and suitable radio module on hand, plus any other headers or connectors desired.
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- Radio and header populated PCB - only a Luckfox Pico Mini is required to complete the build. Two sets of files are provided for this, based on the radio module required:
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- 22db (E22-900M22S)
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- 30db (E22-900M30S)
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Upload the Gerber .zip file to a PCB maker of your choice, e.g.:
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- JLCPCB
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- PCBWay
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- OSHPark
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Prototypes were made using JLCPCB. We recommend selecting a board thickness of 1.6mm, and a lead-free HASL surface finish. It is also suggested to select "Remove mark" for order serial numbers, as the Gerbers do not contain a specific location for this marking.
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Select the number of PCBs and the assembly options you require. Minimum PCB quantities are usually 5 boards, although assembly can be as few as 2 boards.
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If required, upload the BOM and Pick&Place files, and check that the suggested parts are available. JLC regularly changes their stocked items, so make sure that, at a minimum, the following are correct for each item:
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- Components are the correct footprint (Resistors and Capacitors are 0603 or 1206, MOSFETS are SOT23)
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- Components are the correct rating (see BOM for details)
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- Components are in the `basic` series where possible, especially capacitors, resistors and MOSFETs
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Ensure that the components are placed correctly on the PCB, and that the correct radio module is selected, then check and place the order.
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Assemble the PCBs according to the BOM and Pick&Place files, or the photographs below.
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Solder the Luckfox Pico Mini to the headers as low down as possible, to ensure easy access to the SD card.
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#### 2. Buying a Femtofox
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Although the Femtofox CE is only licensed for personal use and not for sale, a Femtofox Pro is available for purchase as a fully assembled node, through the following licensed sellers:
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1. Open Source Country (USA)
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2. NomDeTom (UK)
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3. Noon (Central Ko
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4. TBC
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5. TBC
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The Femtofox Pro has all the same features as the CE, plus a few features that only make sense when ordered at scale [Insert link]. If you require a large quantity of Femtofox boards, please get in touch.
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