[Mike] sent in this dell Axim hack. Sure, the Axim is just a handheld, but it’s capable of so much more. [afarre] built a sweet axim jacket. This is version 1, but it features VGA out, rs-232, power, a USB hub and an audio preamp. Version 2 looks pretty good.
handhelds hacks406 Articles
Zune Gutted
bunnie has gotten his hands on a Zune and done the best thing you could possibly do with one: tear it apart. Here’s a HiRes picture of the board. bunnie does note that the Freescale iMX31L is full of potential.
Ben Heck Interview Part 2
Here’s part 2 of my interview with Ben. (Or just grab it via the feed) We answer some more questions and go off on a few tangents about cnc machines, the PS3 and part sources. It cuts directly to the interview – I don’t want to wait 6 hours to record it. I should have a regular podcast up in the next day or two.
ZipIT Running Linux PDA Software
[karosium] sent in this one. He(?) put in alot of effort on this one. After flashing the EEPROM on the ZipIT he got the PIXIL embedded linux distro running on the ZipIT. It’s a work in progress, but the web browser works. Even if you don’t have a ZipIT, it’s worth checking out. There’s mention of building a PLCC32/DIP32 flasher built from an old PII. Great work!
Newton Web Server
[Ian] sent in this Newton web server. [The page is served by the newton, I doubt it’ll handle our load] Apparently there’s still a good following for the handy message pads. (I really wanted a 120 when they came out) This one’s running newton personal data sharing to deliver its web interface.
GP2X GPS
Hack-a-day favorite [Sprite_tm] sent in another nice GP2X hack. He knew he had some space from his previous USB port adventure. He pulled a small reciever from a cheap SDIO GPS card and added it to his GP2x. He rounded it out with an ATTiny13 that’s used to power up the GPS only after it recieves a magic string from the onboard serial port.
GP2X With Built In USB Host Port
Hacker [Sprite_tm] is one of our favorites. He continues to court our fancy with his latest hack, adding a USB host port to his GP2X. The GP2X is a Linux based handheld game system. It supports USB devices through its EXT port. Problem is: it doesn’t provide power and you have to use a dongle. The GP2X uses a MAX1566 DC-DC converter so Sprite_tm was able to get 5V from the chip that was otherwise unused. Once mounted in place all he needed to do was write a simple script to mount the USB device. The chip should provide 500mA, but it’s not guaranteed. High draw could lock up the GP2X so a powered hub should still be used if you are unsure.
