About this project
What is Model Magic?
Model Magic is an Open Source USB Keyboard gadget supporting bluetooth, wifi, and ethernet connections. Using Intel's Edison 22nm X86 processor, we can place a genuine personal computer inside of a keyboard and power it with a few hundred milliamps of current.
Connect via Bluetooth with your phone or computer and control apps remotely. Pair with other devices for enhanced multimedia experiences. Have the power of the personal computer in the palms of your hands!
Future improvements include, but aren't limited to, a bootable drive, LCD screen, audio jack, built-in speaker, and more!
Model Magic is based off the iikeyboard project which can be found here:
http://github.com/ii/iikeyboard
Where Do the Funds Go and How Long Will it Take to Finish?
Model Magic is here to meet your portable computing needs, but right now each unit is assembled by hand using off-the-shelf and rapid prototype components. In order to build the final production version at a reasonable cost, funds must be raised to purchase a minimum order of hundreds of batteries, cables, circuits, and plastic components. Other equipment costs include molds for the plastic parts and creating custom assembly fixtures.
Don't forget Chinese New Year when shipments for parts stop for at least a week and production doesn't ramp back up for like a month.
Typical manufacturing lead-times for components are about 30 days and test batches are always ordered before going in to large-scale production. Realistically, it should take about 6 to 8 months to set-up shop, order parts, manufacture parts, inspect components, assemble each batch, final test each unit, package, and then ship them.
Intel Edison Specs:
* Dual-core, dual-threaded Intel® AtomTM CPU at 500 MHz and a 32-bit Intel® QuarkTM microcontroller at 100 MHz
* RAM: 1 GB LPDDR3 POP memory * Flash Storage: 4 GB eMMC
* Power Requirements: 3.3V to 4.5V | 200 mA with 600 mA short duration spikes during Wi-Fi transmit
* Standby Power: (No radios) 13mW, Bluetooth 4.0 21.5mW (BTLE in Q4-14), Wi-Fi 35mW
* External Interfaces: 1 OTG controller, 12 GPIO (with 4 capable of PWM), I2S 1 Controller, SPI 1 Controller with 2 chip selects, I2C 2 Controllers, UART 2 Controllers (1 full flow control, 1 Rx/Tx), 1 SD Card, Clock Output 32 kHz/19.2 MHz
* OS: Yocto Linux
* WiFi: Broadcom* 43340 802.11 a/b/g/n, Dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), Onboard antenna or external antenna (SKU configurations)
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
Rechargeable Battery Specs:
* Time to Fully Charge @ 5V 2A: 3.5 hours | @ 5V 1A: 7 hours | @5V 500mA: 14 hours
* Capacity: 6700mAh/3.6V * Type: Panasonic NCR18650B Lithium-Ion
* Input Cable - 3' Nylon Braided Male USB Type A to Micro Connector
* Input - Current: 450 to 2600mA | Voltage: 5 to 6 Volts
* Output - Current: 1400mA | Voltage: 5 Volts
* Battery Life Under Typical Use: Over 5 years * Replaceable battery
* Provides over 10.5 hours of working time (Custom breakout board will provide longer working time due to improved power management)
The final production version may have some design changes.
What is Model Magic?
Model Magic is an Open Source USB Keyboard gadget supporting bluetooth, wifi, and ethernet connections. Using Intel's Edison 22nm X86 processor, we can place a genuine personal computer inside of a keyboard and power it with a few hundred milliamps of current.
Connect via Bluetooth with your phone or computer and control apps remotely. Pair with other devices for enhanced multimedia experiences. Have the power of the personal computer in the palms of your hands!
Future improvements include, but aren't limited to, a bootable drive, LCD screen, audio jack, built-in speaker, and more!
Model Magic is based off the iikeyboard project which can be found here:
http://github.com/ii/iikeyboard
Where Do the Funds Go and How Long Will it Take to Finish?
Model Magic is here to meet your portable computing needs, but right now each unit is assembled by hand using off-the-shelf and rapid prototype components. In order to build the final production version at a reasonable cost, funds must be raised to purchase a minimum order of hundreds of batteries, cables, circuits, and plastic components. Other equipment costs include molds for the plastic parts and creating custom assembly fixtures.
Don't forget Chinese New Year when shipments for parts stop for at least a week and production doesn't ramp back up for like a month.
Typical manufacturing lead-times for components are about 30 days and test batches are always ordered before going in to large-scale production. Realistically, it should take about 6 to 8 months to set-up shop, order parts, manufacture parts, inspect components, assemble each batch, final test each unit, package, and then ship them.
Intel Edison Specs:
* Dual-core, dual-threaded Intel® AtomTM CPU at 500 MHz and a 32-bit Intel® QuarkTM microcontroller at 100 MHz
* RAM: 1 GB LPDDR3 POP memory * Flash Storage: 4 GB eMMC
* Power Requirements: 3.3V to 4.5V | 200 mA with 600 mA short duration spikes during Wi-Fi transmit
* Standby Power: (No radios) 13mW, Bluetooth 4.0 21.5mW (BTLE in Q4-14), Wi-Fi 35mW
* External Interfaces: 1 OTG controller, 12 GPIO (with 4 capable of PWM), I2S 1 Controller, SPI 1 Controller with 2 chip selects, I2C 2 Controllers, UART 2 Controllers (1 full flow control, 1 Rx/Tx), 1 SD Card, Clock Output 32 kHz/19.2 MHz
* OS: Yocto Linux
* WiFi: Broadcom* 43340 802.11 a/b/g/n, Dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), Onboard antenna or external antenna (SKU configurations)
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
Rechargeable Battery Specs:
* Time to Fully Charge @ 5V 2A: 3.5 hours | @ 5V 1A: 7 hours | @5V 500mA: 14 hours
* Capacity: 6700mAh/3.6V * Type: Panasonic NCR18650B Lithium-Ion
* Input Cable - 3' Nylon Braided Male USB Type A to Micro Connector
* Input - Current: 450 to 2600mA | Voltage: 5 to 6 Volts
* Output - Current: 1400mA | Voltage: 5 Volts
* Battery Life Under Typical Use: Over 5 years * Replaceable battery
* Provides over 10.5 hours of working time (Custom breakout board will provide longer working time due to improved power management)
The final production version may have some design changes.
Inside the Model Magic prototype
Concept breakout board for the Intel Edison powered Model Magic
Prototype for external Model Magic X86 Dock
Compatible with other clicky keyboards!
Compatible with other clicky keyboards!
LCD screen compatible!
Click below for instructions on how to build the Model Magic prototype!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Model-Magic-X86-Mobile-Keyboard-Computer/
Risks and challenges
Chris - A Linux guru leading the Open Source development for the iiKeyboard on the Intel Edison. He's also a gentleman, hippie, and a good-hearted hacker.
Jon - I have worn many hats during my professional career. Most recently I have been a computer forensics expert, created a bitcoin atm and founded the PDX Hackerspace in Portland, Oregon. I am also a mechanical keyboard and electronics tinkerer/maker/hacker, which is why this kickstarter project is a perfect fit!
Isaac - I'm the designer for the battery charge controller system. I have a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with over seven years of experience in the semiconductor industry and I have a successful Kickstarter project under my belt already. I also gained a lot manufacturing experience working at my Dad's sheet metal shop since I was a kid.
Unforeseen issues that can delay the shipment of rewards to Kickstarter backers include, but are not limited to:
* Delays in receiving components on time from vendors.
* Delays from rejected parts during inspection.
* Delays from the carrier in shipping the product to the Kickstarter backer.
As a backer of other projects, we understand the importance of honest communication, even if the news is not so good, so we will make it a priority to answer all backer questions as fast as we can and give updates as soon as possible. We are on this journey together.
Click below for instructions on how to build the Model Magic prototype!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Model-Magic-X86-Mobile-Keyboard-Computer/
Risks and challenges
Chris - A Linux guru leading the Open Source development for the iiKeyboard on the Intel Edison. He's also a gentleman, hippie, and a good-hearted hacker.
Jon - I have worn many hats during my professional career. Most recently I have been a computer forensics expert, created a bitcoin atm and founded the PDX Hackerspace in Portland, Oregon. I am also a mechanical keyboard and electronics tinkerer/maker/hacker, which is why this kickstarter project is a perfect fit!
Isaac - I'm the designer for the battery charge controller system. I have a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with over seven years of experience in the semiconductor industry and I have a successful Kickstarter project under my belt already. I also gained a lot manufacturing experience working at my Dad's sheet metal shop since I was a kid.
Unforeseen issues that can delay the shipment of rewards to Kickstarter backers include, but are not limited to:
* Delays in receiving components on time from vendors.
* Delays from rejected parts during inspection.
* Delays from the carrier in shipping the product to the Kickstarter backer.
As a backer of other projects, we understand the importance of honest communication, even if the news is not so good, so we will make it a priority to answer all backer questions as fast as we can and give updates as soon as possible. We are on this journey together.
