Hardware

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) is a multi-layer project that includes, among other things, a physical object in the form of a pre-configured easy-to-use device.

Our current hardware design includes everything you need to work autonomously, safely and ecologically, and it is able to run all the software it contains, including our Operating System (created from scratch) and other applications such as: Firefox, Thunderbird, Tor and the project network.

The kit contains a required minimum components for proper operation, although it is totally expandable. When you submit your request to acquire one, you can choose if you want to start from the basic kit or from versions with more components.

• 1 x Raspberry PI
• 1 x PiJuice: BC7X
• 1 x PiJuice: Solar Panel
• 1 x MicroSD (optional)
• 2 x USB Cable

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) starting prototype has worked correctly and stable with a Raspberrypi 3 model B (64-Bit kernel).

We are also researching on making it work at the Raspberrypi 4 series.

The device specifications are as follows:

• Quad Core 1.2GHz Broadcom BCM2837 64bit CPU
• 1GB RAM
• BCM43438 wireless LAN and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on board
• 100 Base Ethernet
• 40-pin extended GPIO
• 4 USB 2 ports
• 4 Pole stereo output and composite video port
• Full size HDMI
• CSI camera port for connecting a Raspberry Pi camera
• DSI display port for connecting a Raspberry Pi touchscreen display
• Micro SD port for loading your operating system and storing data
• Upgraded switched Micro USB power source up to 2.5A

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) starting prototype has worked correctly and stable with a PiJuice BC7X power platform.

With this module you can keep our kit running with solar, wind and other renewable power.

The device features are as follows:

• Onboard 1820 mAh “off the shelf” Lipo / LiIon battery for ~4 to 6 hours in constant use! (with support for larger Lipo Battery of 5000 or 10,000 mAH+ to last up to 24 hrs +)
• A Full Uninterrupted / Uninterruptable Power Supply solution.
• Designed for the Raspberry Pi A+, B+, 2B, 3B and 3B+ but also compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 and Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless.
• Integrated Real Time Clock
• Onboard intelligent on/off switch
• Low power deep-sleep state with wake on interrupt/calendar event
• Programmable multi-colored RGB led (x2) and buttons (x3) with super simple user-configurable options
• Hardware watchdog timer to keep your Raspberry Pi on and working in mission-critical remote applications
• Our revolutionary PiAnywhere technology – the best way to take your Pi off the grid!
• Full power management API available to Raspberry Pi OS with auto shutdown capability when running low on batteries
• Raspberry Pi HAT compatible layout, with onboard EEPROM for easy plug and play operation
• Low profile design to fit inside lots of existing Raspberry Pi cases!
• Enhanced graphical user interface (GUI) available for easy install (via APT)
• Customisable scripts for enhanced flexibility and full report of battery status
• All GPIOs available via stackable header for ease of expandability and connectivity
• Charge via on-board micro USB or via the Raspberry Pi micro USB (or from onboard pin headers)
• Batteries can be charged from different type of sources and voltages
• Replace the battery without downtime. Compatible with any single cell LiPo or LiIon battery
• Fully CE and FCC tested design. Battery safety tested also.

The device specifications are as follows:

• The EEPROM can be disabled and its I2C address changed for increased compatibility with other boards
• BP7X battery - original battery from Motorola Droid 2 (A955) - 1820mAh battery
• Microcontroller is an ST Micro STM32F030CCT6 ARM Cortex-M0, 48MHz, F64KB, R8KB, I2C, SPI, USART, 2.4-3.6V
• Charge IC - BQ24160RGET Charger IC Lithium-Ion/Polymer, 2.5A, 4.2-10V
• Fuel gauge IC - LC709203FQH-01TWG Battery Fuel Gauge, 1-Cell Li-ion, 2.8%
• EEPROM - CAT24C32WI-GT3 EEPROM, I2C, 32KBIT, 400KHZ, 1V7-5V5
• Optional spring pin - Mil-Max 0929-7-15-20-77-14-11-0
• Compatible with any 4 pin battery on board that can be used with 00-9155-004-742-006 battery contacts from AVX including the BP7X, BP6X, and any compatible batteries including the 1600mAh and 2300mAh ones from CameronSino (CS-MOA853SL and CS-MOA855XL)
• There is an on board 4 pin screw terminal block for larger off board batteries. Any single cell LiPo / LiIon is compatible. However, you use your own sourced battery at your own risk. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND using a battery with an internal protection circuit and a NTC (temp sensor)
• Optional header for offboard button - connected to same output as SW1
• 6 pin breakout header - with two GPIO from the ARM Cortex-M0, Vsys, 5v0, 3v3, GND connections
• Header for optional off board solar panel / wind turbine etc.
• Optional RF Shield attachment - Harwin S02-20150300 (can also double as an inexpensive heatsink)
• Input voltage range - 4.2V – 10V
• Output voltage - 3.3V and 5V
• Output amperage - maximum current at 5V gpio is 2.5A and at VSYS output 2.1A, but also this depends heavily on battery capacity. For BP7X have measured around 1.1A at 5V GPIO and around 1.6A at VSYS output. Obviously, this also depends heavily on the current draw demanded by the Raspberry Pi/device itself. To achieve a maximum of 2.5A it will need battery over 3500mAh.

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) starting prototype has worked correctly and stable with a PiJuice Solar Panel.

We have tried different solar panels, taking into account several factors (hours of light, recharge time, processor resources, etc.) and finally we have added a 22W solar panel to the kit by default, although when you go to buy it, we will give you the option to choose others of less or greater capacity (different prices).

The device features are as follows:

• Highly portable – a large 22 watt panel that folds down and velcros into a super compact size. Easy to pack up and go
• Easily mountable – metal eye-holes in each corner (4 total) allow easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents
• Has a useful velcro storage pouch for storing any essential items
• Lightweight – The panel weighs only 520 grams
• Water resistant up to IPX4 rating
• Incredibly durable stitching and construction
• Two Regulated 5v/2.4A USB outputs – it works with your PiJuice, smartphones, tablets, audio players and more!
• Features SunPower solar panels which provide industry-leading solar conversion efficiency

The device specifications are as follows:

• Solar panel – 5.5 volts / 22 watts
• Regulated Max output – 5 volts / 20 watts
• Single USB max output – 12 watts (there are two on board which can be used simultaneously, up to a total output of 20 watts)
• Built-in smart-power chip

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) starting prototype has worked correctly and stable with the 4GB microSD card that comes by default with the Raspberry Pi.

However, if you want to expand your capacity, which is recommended, for example, if you are going to make an intensive use of the project network and you don't wat to attach other external storage devices (ex: USB Hard disk) to the kit, we can send you with your order a larger microSD card (up to 16/32/64 GB).

For our tests we have used an UHS-I MicroSD 600X of 16GB.

We have no preference for any specific model/manufacturer, so it may change.

The device specifications are as follows:

• Dimensions: 11 mm x 15 mm x 1 mm (0.43“ x 0.59” x 0.04“)
• Weight: 0.4 g (0.01 oz)
• Capacity: 16 GB
• Flash Type: MLC NAND flash
• Operating Voltage: 2.7V ~ 3.6V
• Speed Class: UHS-I U1 / Class 10
• Insertion/Removal Cycles: 10,000
• Certificate: CE / FCC
• Warranty: 5 years

SolarNET.HuB (SNH) starting prototype has worked correctly and stable with the USB to USB-C cable that comes when you make an extended order (not provided by default) of the Raspberry Pi.

Also the kit comes with another similar USB cable provided by the PiJuice Solar Panel.

The cable specifications are as follows:

• USB Type-A (male) to Type-C (male)
• Reversible connector (Type-C)
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 480Mbps
• Current rating: 3A
• Voltage rating: 5V
• Length: 1m