[WIP] The Nook Color Backpack....

deadbot1 · Jun 12, 2011

To avoid jacking Verygreens thread on usb host support, I am creating this thread for development of the Nook Color Backpack.

What is the Backpack, you ask?

The Backpack will be an open hardware based addon similar in style to the sliders used on Compaq(HP) iPaqs. It will be self contained in that it will carry its own battery source for powering USB peripherals and also a few built in goodies such as a camera module, stereo speakers(possibly amplified), and possibly a GPS module.

This thread is to help others who may want to build a similar device and to accept input from the community on its design. PLEASE, refrain from any flame wars or other similar postings.

Feel free to post with suggestions, comments or even criticism(as long as it is constructive).

deadbot1 · Jun 12, 2011

Reserved for schematics and other technical details....

deadbot1 · Jun 12, 2011

reserved for pics and misc. details......

Link3737 · Jun 12, 2011

Neat idea! I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

ph00ny · Jun 13, 2011

Subscribed

GadgetFreak · Jun 13, 2011

Interesting idea...

pokey9000 · Jun 13, 2011

Sparkfun.com sells a bunch of stuff that would make for a good prototype:

5V 600mA boost converter and LiIon charger (w/ microusb charging port):
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10300

2Ah single LiPo cell:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8483

microUSB plug - right angle breakout:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10031

USB A socket:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9011

If you were planning to use a hub you'd need a more capable boost converter or go with 2 LiPo cells in series and step-down. For a proof-of-concept I think you can get pretty far with these parts.

deadbot1 · Jun 14, 2011

pokey9000 said:
Sparkfun.com sells a bunch of stuff that would make for a good prototype:

5V 600mA boost converter and LiIon charger (w/ microusb charging port):
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10300

2Ah single LiPo cell:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8483

microUSB plug - right angle breakout:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10031

USB A socket:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9011

If you were planning to use a hub you'd need a more capable boost converter or go with 2 LiPo cells in series and step-down. For a proof-of-concept I think you can get pretty far with these parts.

Thanks pokey. I'll check into those. As far as the plug, I'm currently looking at buying and modifying a stock cable...to retain stock charging from a high amp source. Externally I think I will be going with a standard female USB A port for power in/stock USB connectivity.
The hub I've chosen so far is a cheapo Targus unpowered. Very easy to mod into what will be required.

Really need to get on a rough draft drawing of the general layout. I work 12 hours a day in construction. Ill try hard to squeeze spare time in for this and pics of the little I have done so far this week.
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App

anathema_forever · Jun 14, 2011

solar panel, 1.8" hard drive, flash card reader, speakers and 3g card are some things I think might also be cool in something like this.

Syco54645 · Jun 14, 2011

I am digging this idea. Can't wait to see some progress on this. If the speakers were bt then you could limit the wires some. Space for a 1/8 inch hdd would be nice because you could just use a cf card if you desired. Could really make the nook into a sort of laptop device if done right. Really can't wait to see this. Also check this out. Found it in another thread. May want to add a holder for it into the design somehow. http://www.amazon.com/ProMini-Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-TouchPad/dp/B003ZJEUBI/ref=pd_sim_e_1

siddhantfriends · Jun 14, 2011

Good idea 3G will be appreciated.

Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA Premium App

Taosaur · Jun 14, 2011

It took some googling for me to figure out what you were trying to do, but I see now you want to make a hard case that slides over the back of the NC with some hardware integrated.

My main criticism is that the backpack form factor is really optimized for handheld devices, and the NC is already pushing the practical weight for a handheld device. We're looking at easily another 1lb or more with this hardware, rendering it more of a docking station, at which point an actual docking station with a keyboard makes more sense.

Still, if you do want to design a backpack, consider incorporating stands and grips to make it more ergonomic. For instance, you could have fold-out tripod legs, or a picture-frame style easel, and indentations or possibly even finger loops.

Personally, I would prefer a genuine dock to serve as the 'other half of the laptop,' without requiring that the NC be either permanently attached to all that hardware or removed from its primary case.

Syco54645 · Jun 15, 2011

to make the hooks that go around the side you could use sugru to mold them. i would think that would work.

troyy0206 · Jun 16, 2011

I have a few thoughts.

1. I might find time to make this into my obsession for a while, as much as this interests me. My degree is in electronic engineering and I'm a pretty crafty person so perhaps I can be of assistance. I will give it some thought and see if I can contribute. So busy this days with life...

2. One of the things I need to be able to switch from a full laptop is the ability to sit this thing on my lap and work from a keyboard. With all the current cases, they are not supported properly like a hinged laptop display so they have to be on something and propped up. To be able to use some type of hinged holder that is stiff enough to hold the Nook up would be awesome. I have some ideas on how to do this, it could be the finishing touch once it's all working.

3. With the functionality that most people seem to want, I personally don't think size is that big of an issue. Why don't we figure out how to mod one of the existing iPad cases or something of that nature? That would give a slightly larger keyboard and the extra space around where the Nook would attach and/or slide into could hold the additional hardware like speakers and such. IMO, if I can have the size of the Nook and pop it into something like this when I *really* need to work or type a long email, I'm cool with a slightly larger format.

I'm struggling to keep up with some of the latest info regarding USB host & BT support on the Nook and such, but I'll see if I can read up. I'm guessing that once the source for HC is released it all becomes easier and it appears that CM7 is already making a lot of progress.

pokey9000 · Jun 16, 2011

troyy0206 said:
2. One of the things I need to be able to switch from a full laptop is the ability to sit this thing on my lap and work from a keyboard.

...

3. With the functionality that most people seem to want, I personally don't think size is that big of an issue.

More power to you, though it sounds like the Asus Transformer is exactly what you want.

Blue6IX · Jun 16, 2011

Take a look at this:http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/

I have 2 of the XP4001 models, each one is the size of a small usb hard drive. It has two usb ports on it and charges my phone, digital camera, and mp3 player great.

Haven't tried it on the Nook yet...

If I get what you're trying to do, taking apart one of the XP8000 models and going from there might be a good part of the prototype puzzle?

You can find these at office supply stores, more then big box electronics stores.

troyy0206 · Jun 18, 2011

pokey9000 said:
More power to you, though it sounds like the Asus Transformer is exactly what you want.

Now where's the fun in just buying it already made if we can design and build it ourselves

deadbot1 · Jun 20, 2011

Blue6IX said:
Take a look at this:http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/

I have 2 of the XP4001 models, each one is the size of a small usb hard drive. It has two usb ports on it and charges my phone, digital camera, and mp3 player great.

Haven't tried it on the Nook yet...

If I get what you're trying to do, taking apart one of the XP8000 models and going from there might be a good part of the prototype puzzle?

You can find these at office supply stores, more then big box electronics stores.

This looks like a great battery pack. Thanks for the link.

I've been thinking more and reading more on verygreens thread...I'm start to think KISS. Battery pack and USB hub, with one port facing each way(left,right,top,bottom). Then just make a modified camera with the cord eliminated and the plug molded right into its housing. Have opposite ports facing forward and backward at top and bottom to allow for video chat or (very large) camera usage.

Some benifits of this will be more flexibility in hardware, possible use as a simple battery pack for the nook, and MUCH easier designing of the charging/bypass circuits.

Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App

deadbot1 · Jun 21, 2011

Taosaur said:
It took some googling for me to figure out what you were trying to do, but I see now you want to make a hard case that slides over the back of the NC with some hardware integrated.

My main criticism is that the backpack form factor is really optimized for handheld devices, and the NC is already pushing the practical weight for a handheld device. We're looking at easily another 1lb or more with this hardware, rendering it more of a docking station, at which point an actual docking station with a keyboard makes more sense.

Still, if you do want to design a backpack, consider incorporating stands and grips to make it more ergonomic. For instance, you could have fold-out tripod legs, or a picture-frame style easel, and indentations or possibly even finger loops.

Personally, I would prefer a genuine dock to serve as the 'other half of the laptop,' without requiring that the NC be either permanently attached to all that hardware or removed from its primary case.

I see what you are saying...yeah, if I hold my nook one handed for any length of time...its heavy. As above, I have started thinking about keeping it simple. The hub I have only weighs an ounce or two, once stripped of the housing. The batteries will be the main source of weight/bulk. The charge controller is about dead simple using a picaxe 20x2 chip and very few components. Mostly it will just be a voltage source sensor and switch to transfer to the appropriate power source(battery or USB input).

I guess I haven't ever looked at this as a laptop converter, but rather as a way to complete the picture, by allowing the addition of things like a camera and microphone input that Android was made for.

Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App

deadbot1 · Jun 21, 2011

Syco54645 said:
to make the hooks that go around the side you could use sugru to mold them. i would think that would work.

Not sure if sugru will be strong enough. Was thinking more along the lines of custom molded fiberglass. Easy enough, light, damn strong. Mayhaps ill spring for some carbon fiber

@ troyy0206....feel free to work on a seperate design as well. This isn't all about what I want...its about designing something that anyone else can duplicate or modify to their needs. As an EE, you have a leg up on most of us in terms of designing the circuitry. I'm just good at putting parts together.
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[WIP] The Nook Color Backpack....

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