Looking for a super - tiny, open - source Linux single - board computer with a powerful 1GHz AM3358 processor? The PocketBeagle is your answer! It packs a ton of computing power into a wallet - sized package. Just like the BeagleBone Black but much smaller, it features a fully - integrated chip that combines the processor and RAM on one piece, making it incredibly compact. Despite its small size, it has 72 breakout pads, a microSD card slot for your filesystem and OS, and a native USB connection. What sets the PocketBeagle apart from other single - board Linux computers is its multiple I2C, SPI, and UART peripherals, built - in hardware PWMs, analog inputs, and two 200MHz microcontroller systems (PRU) for real - time tasks like RGB matrix or NeoPixel displays. It's only slightly larger than our Feathers but comes with 72 expansion pin headers, high - speed USB, 8 analog pins, 44 digital I/Os, and lots of digital interface peripherals. You can add a USB host connection by wiring a USB A socket to the breakout pins. Then, plug in USB Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Wi - Fi devices with Linux drivers. Remember, you'll need an SD card (at least 4GB) to install the Debian operating system as there's no built - in storage. Head over to the BeagleBoard site for quick - start guides, OS images, and project ideas.
Using the PocketBeagle is easy! First, you'll need to get an SD card that's at least 4GB in size. Burn the Debian operating system onto it, as the PocketBeagle doesn't have built - in storage. Once your SD card is ready, insert it into the microSD card slot on the board. Connect the board to your computer using the native USB connection. You can start exploring the system right away. If you want to use additional USB devices like Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Wi - Fi, wire a USB A socket to the breakout pins labeled VI, D+, D-, ID, and GND. Then plug in the devices with available Linux drivers. When it comes to maintenance, keep the board in a clean and dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. If you're not using the board for a long time, remove the SD card and store it separately. And don't forget to check the BeagleBoard site regularly for updates and new project ideas to keep your PocketBeagle experience fresh and exciting.
