OpenPi is a small, discreet and open source, wireless 32bit ARM based computer. It is a tool to help people who create software to, prototype hardware, carry out customer trials and undertake small scale manufacture. The growing trends in software caused by new movements in technology, like; Wearables, the Internet of Things and Smart Cities creates a demand for new practical tools. 

 

Sharing many similarities to the Pi, the notable differences are:

 

Being Compute based, OpenPi is more expensive in singles, however in large quantity the price is similar.

 

The on-board real time clock and temperature sensor give added functionality.

 

Exchanging Ethernet for WiFi significantly lowers power consumption, making it

 

much more flexible when installing in home or office environments.

 

The Pi Foundations’ Compute development board requires you to install an OS

 

before you can use it. OpenPi is instantly usable thanks to a pre-loaded

 

Linux operating system.

 

OpenPi is about a 3rd of the cost 

 

The design files can be downloaded and edited in EagleCAD. Using the design as a working platform, it is possible to quickly repurpose OpenPi to suit many different needs. 

 

Programming languages supported include: Java, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Python, Scratch, PHP, Ruby, (and many more!)

 

The on board SRF transceiver provides connectivity to Wireless Things sensors and transceivers. There are 17 general purpose I/O pins, including; SPI, I2C and Serial. OpenPi could be used for: