User manual

4D SYSTEMS Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
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Armadillo-43(T) – Linux based Computer Display Module
The kernel archive contains all the kernel modules
which need to be extracted from within a running
system since they need to go in the main
filesystem of the image (the ext4 partition).
The kernel archive also contains the kernel image
(boot/kernel.img) which is to be placed in the
same partition as the start.elf above, renaming it
to the same as the existing image. This should be
done last by manually copying the file as above
with the SD card connected direct to your
computer.
Once all the files have been installed the system
should be able to support the touch screen. The
drivers still need to be activated before they will
operate, however.
These two commands should be added to
/etc/rc.local:
chmod 777 /sys/class/i2c-adapter/i2c-
0/new_device
echo ar1020_i2c 0x4d > /sys/class/i2c-
adapter/i2c-0/new_device
At this point the Armadillo can be rebooted, and
the touch screen should be functional.
Note: by using a Raspberry Pi Raspbian image, you
miss out on a number of benefits of the 4D
Systems Raspbian image. Armadillo-config is not
available, for example.
Powering Up 4.3.
The Armadillo can be powered up in 3 different
ways. It features a DC Barrel Jack, a microUSB
socket, and power pins on the H1 header (2.54mm
/ 0.1” pitch header). Any of these can be used to
power the Armadillo-43T.
The DC Barrel Jack is designed for a fine pitch DC
Jack, 2.35mm in diameter, with a centre hole of
0.7mm, and barrel length of 8mm or more.
A suitable 1 Amp 5.0V DC Adaptor is available from
the 4D Systems website. This DC Adaptor comes
with interchangeable heads so it can be used
around the world in a range of AC sockets and
voltages.
The Barrel Jack on board the Armadillo is a CUI Inc
PJ1-023-SMT, if more information is required.
The microUSB socket accepts a standard microUSB
cable, which can be connected to a PC or to an
AC/DC adaptor, such is commonly used on Cell
Phones, Digital Cameras and is also used for the
Raspberry Pi. At least 500mA is required, however
a 1A supply is recommended. Some PC’s may not
be able to supply the required current for the
Armadillo to boot up or to be stable, when
powered from USB.
The Power pins on the H1 Header are +5V and
GND, and can be connected to any smooth
regulated 5VDC Power source. The +3.3V and GND
pins can NOT be used to power the Armadillo as it
requires 5V for the system to operate. Connecting
Power to the +3.3V and GND Pins will result in
unpredictable results, and will not result in correct
operation with the TFT LCD. The +3.3V pin is an
Output, to power external devices only.
Applying power to any of these power points on
the Armadillo will power the Armadillo up, and it
will initiate the boot sequence from the microSD
card.
First Start Up 4.4.
Once power is applied, the Armadillo boot logo
should appear on the TFT LCD Display to show the
GPU has booted (Assuming the use of the 4D
Raspbian Image). Following that should be the
console prompts showing the Firmware, Kernel
and OS boot messages. When using the 4D
Systems image, a few startup questions will be
asked, which the answers can be entered from the
touchscreen display. Questions include the setup
of a Username/Password, Resizing of the microSD
partitions (if required), and selecting if you want it
to boot into the X GUI at startup. If you have a
WiFi dongle connected at first startup, it will
prompt you for SSID/Password so you can use Wifi
as soon as you load the X GUI.
It can be useful to have a USB Keyboard connected
to the Armadillo, until it is set up the way you
want it, as the touch screen by default can only
replace the left click of a mouse. With the use of
the Armadillo-config utility however, many aspects
of the system can be setup using the touch screen
alone, such as connecting to a WiFi network using
a USB WiFi dongle, inputting your SSID and
Password with the touch screen, selecting the
orientation of the display, along with many other
configurable features.