https://www.cnx-software.com/2021/10/01/pocket-p-c-devkits-ship-u-blox-gnss-module-replaced-by-simcom-sim33ela-due-to-import-ban/ Skip to content CNX Software - Embedded Systems NewsCNX Software - Embedded Systems News CNX Software - Embedded Systems News News, Tutorials, Reviews, and How-Tos related to Embedded Linux and Android, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP8266/ESP32, Development Boards, SBC's, TV Boxes, Mini PCs, etc.. Wisblock modular IoT systemWisblock modular IoT system Menu * About + About + Contact Us + Advertisement & Consulting Services + Work for Us + Support CNX Software + Privacy Policy * All News * Raspberry Pi * Arduino * Reviews * Tutorials * Shop Posted on October 1, 2021 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments on Pocket P.C. devkits ship, U-blox GNSS module replaced by SIMCom SIM33ELA due to import ban Pocket P.C. devkits ship, U-blox GNSS module replaced by SIMCom SIM33ELA due to import ban The Pocket P.C. (aka Popcorn Computer) is a handheld Linux computer based on Allwinner A64 with 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, a 4.95-inch Full HD display, and a QWERTY keyboard that was introduced in 2019, and reminds me of PocketCHIP from a few years also with an Allwinner processor, a display, a keyboard, and a battery. The initial plan was to start shipping the device by May 2020, and there are been delays for reasons we'll explain below, but the good news is that Source Parts has just announced the developer units had been shipped. Popcorn Computer ShippingPopcorn Computer Shipping So what happened exactly, besides the COVID-19 pandemic, government lockdowns, and supply chain disruptions? Source Parts first encountered issues with the quality of PCBs delivered by the manufacturer, which ended up with them having to switch to a new manufacturer. Getting the display to work was also a challenge, and Icenowy, a developer involved with linux-sunxi community, found an overflow bug in the kernel driver for the Allwinner DSI interface, and it's now working properly as we can see from the photo above. But what really caught my intention is that the company decided to switch from U-blox CAM-M8Q GPS/GNSS module to a SIMCom SIM33ELA GPS/ GNSS module for future production runs. Why you may ask? It's a supply issue, but not the one you may have thought of at first. That's because U-blox CAM-M8Q has been banned from being imported into China. I'm not sure whether it's because of US sanctions (I would have been an "export ban" in that case), or whether it's somehow related to a recent court case in China, but in any case, the result is that U-blox CAM-M8Q's price has gone from $15 to $80+, and they may not be supplies in China soon. SIMCom SIM33ELA was selected because it's pin-to-pin compatible, with the main drawback being that it does not support the Chinese Beidou Navigation Satellite System. There seem to be many business opportunities with pin-to-pin compatible hardware these days from USB to TLL chips to systems-on-module due to supply issues. Back to the Pocket P.C. itself. Source Part says they are finalizing the software, and that they have been "working nonstop" to put it into customer's hands, but did not provide any ETA. jean-luc aufranc cnxsoftjean-luc aufranc cnxsoft Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011. Share this: Support CNX Software! Donate via PayPal or cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or buy review samples TagsLinux, source parts Related posts: 1. C.H.I.P. is Back via PopCorn Computer with Allwinner or Amlogic Processor (Crowdfunding) 2. List of 39 Low Cost Linux Friendly Boards and Products 3. Smallart U-Host mini PC Unboxing and Review 4. HackBerry AllWinner A10 Board is Now Available for $60 5. $49 Cubieboard: AllWinner A10 Open Hardware Development Board Connect with: FacebookFacebook GoogleGoogle TwitterTwitter Subscribe Login Notify of [new follow-up comments ] [ ] [>] guestguest Label [ ] {} [+] [ ] [ ] Name* [ ] Email* [ ] Website [ ] I agree to the Privacy Policy The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. [ ] [Post Comment] guestguest Label [ ] {} [+] [ ] [ ] Name* [ ] Email* [ ] Website [ ] I agree to the Privacy Policy The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. [ ] [Post Comment] 2 Comments oldest newest tiantian tian 17 hours ago OMG I totally missed the development of this device. It looks stunning. To sad the technical specs for end of 2021 are total garbage. Hope they will make a new revision with something more powerfull. Or just give me shell and let me add a CM4 by myself - even I think it might get heat issues. But nothing that can't be fixed. Damn I do like the design Reply TheguyukTheguyuk Theguyuk 12 hours ago All this time later and the software is still being made sellable ! Red flag, red flag IMO. 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