Unchained Preppers
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Nemo on November 28, 2015, 09:47:58 AM
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I think its Gadget testing a computer. Can we design one and not go commercial. Faster, Stronger, Better. (NOT $6million) I think I would like to see if one can be designed. I think we have a capabilities around here.
Build me a real strong, BOB capable/designed small laptop type computer for under $40. Capable of running on 15-45 watts (price not in the $40) solar panel. Do-able?
Some starting suggestions below. I have less computer knowledge than a real live mouse. Go with something else if it would work better, just starting ideas below.
I want something to access info and files regarding recipes, equipment, build and storage info. Say a browser, Word and Adobe stuff.
Nemo
Charger/power supply
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-62443.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-62443.html) This is three 15 watt panels.
Five dollar main board.
http://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/5-computer-change-world-171124178.html (http://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/5-computer-change-world-171124178.html)
Nine dollar case with all the gewgaws.
http://bgr.com/2015/06/17/raspberry-pi-case-mini-pc/ (http://bgr.com/2015/06/17/raspberry-pi-case-mini-pc/)
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being a bit of a computer nerd, i can recommend the Rasberry Pi and Arduino. Learn Python - not a difficult language and you can program the devices. load Linux Mint or puppy and you can be up and running for cheap.
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Can you build one? Does that box work? That board? What Screen? What Keyboard? Memory on a thumb/flash or whatever drive? Can one be put together for $40-50? Is it throw out the 3rd floor window tough?
Nemo
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the Raspberry Pi is a cool 'little' computer. it uses an ARM processor - a souped up cell phone processor.
Linux will allow you to load typical software for free or cheap - word processor, spreadsheet, visio-like, simple graphics and video, audio. you can buy one kitted up. it can't compete with the Pana-Toughbooks for ruggedness but a toughbook doesn't cost $40.
Can you build one? Does that box work? That board? What Screen? What Keyboard? Memory on a thumb/flash or whatever drive? Can one be put together for $40-50? Is it throw out the 3rd floor window tough?
Nemo
can you toss it out a window into a mud puddle and have it work? No. it isn't ruggedized - but you can install it into that type of case - it is a bit of a do-it-yourself thing at that point.
The OS and programming language are open source GNU (no added cost).
Can it be put together for $? cheap and working is 40 USD. a common basic kit 50 USD. The Raspberry Pi zero is 5 USD.
http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Premium-Black-Supply/dp/B017HRT4D2/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1448749757&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=raspberry+pi&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Premium-Black-Supply/dp/B017HRT4D2/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1448749757&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=raspberry+pi&psc=1)
memory - native is SD. can use USB.
it just works out of the box - it would require configuring (there are online walk-throughs).
input interface can be WiFi or USB (keyboard, mice, tabs, touch screen, etc.).
common displays either integrated 3" touch or HDMI
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Raspberry Pi
http://www.adafruit.com/category/105?gclid=CMng17iTtMkCFQymaQodyvMOWg (http://www.adafruit.com/category/105?gclid=CMng17iTtMkCFQymaQodyvMOWg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi)
Arduino
http://www.adafruit.com/arduino?gclid=CNDDkdaTtMkCFQ-oaQoddckBWg (http://www.adafruit.com/arduino?gclid=CNDDkdaTtMkCFQ-oaQoddckBWg)
Raspi 0
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/ (https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/)
Python
https://www.python.org/ (https://www.python.org/)
Puppy Linux
http://puppylinux.org/main/Overview%20and%20Getting%20Started.htm (http://puppylinux.org/main/Overview%20and%20Getting%20Started.htm)
Mint Linux
http://linuxmint.com/ (http://linuxmint.com/)
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Thats what I am trying to figure out. Is it doable and if so, whats a reasonable cost range?
Nemo
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Hi All
It is doable but not for $40 in my opinion.
If it was something of a Diy solution. I recommend something based upon the Raspberry Pi.
To Make the thing and also make it rugged would take a good amount of work.
I had thought of doing the same thing and still might do so.
I was looking at making a wearable computing system with a helmet display.
Then I found the Panasonic I am working with.
Believe it or not. I am typing this on a rugged computing solution.
A Sony Z3 phone in a Love Mei rugged case.
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OK... now that I am on my laptop I can reply w'ith a longer post.
I am a firm believer in the use of all available resources in Prepping.
This includes Computing Technology.
Now in relation to the OP, we find ourselves in a position where there are many ways to skin that cat.
To be honest there are very few things that a Prepper would need from a computer that a tablet or a Smartphone will not do. As long as you put it in a ruggadised case solution that is. You can easily recharge either on a small portable solar system. I personally have bought some Power Bank's for each person in the house so that they can charge thier mobile devices at need. Then we charge the power banks from solar.
My first suggestion would be to look at this as a first choice.
Now for the tasks that require more capability, we get into the use of a computer.
I have went for this due to many reasons. Here are a few.
Radio Programming
Monitoring with a Software Defined Radio
Map and Terrain analysis with the ability to print custom maps
Nautical chart plotting with GPS
Project Management Work
And a bunch of things I am still looking at.
Now to do this more intensive work. I recognized I needed a rugged computing resource. I chose the Panasonic CF-U1 as the best compromise for what I wanted. Size and weight are acceptable to me. The capabilities built into the unit are great. Even more. It is JUST powerful enough to do the things I want it to do.
Now for a DIY solution, the sky is the limit.
Can a rugged, portable and low power usage system be built? Yes.
Could it be built on a budget? Yes (Depending on what we want it to do)
To do this would require a geek that is comfortable with this level of work.
I could write out a massive amount of positives for this approach. As I said I ave been toying with the idea of doing something like this. More in line with a "Future Soldier System" wearable solution. I might at some point do this project.
So that's my penny's worth.
Thanks
All
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Would building one be worthwhile over purchasing one of the ones like you have Gadget? From a time, cost, strength, reliability basis?
Nemo
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the toughbooks are good computers for rugged use - but they are expensive. depends on what compromises you are willing to make.
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Would building one be worthwhile over purchasing one of the ones like you have Gadget? From a time, cost, strength, reliability basis?
Nemo
Since I got mine for £109 delivered to the door. I would advise it as a great option. Depending on what capabilities you are after.
I could not build a rugged Raspberry Pi project with like capabilities for that price.
Thus why I went for this option.
Remember that there are many ways to get capabilities. A good tablet in A rugged case can get you a long way down the road I'm terms of capabilities.
I do however rate the Panasonic CF-U1 as a good piece of kit. Not bad prices second hand.