Tiny Open-Source Media Streamer with LoRaWAN - what!?!

A Tiny, Open-Source Media Streamer with a Twist: LoRaWAN!

This project started as an effort to create the smallest possible media streaming device using a Compute Module 5 (CM5). The result is a compact, feature-packed custom carrier board that’s open-source, designed with KiCad, and ready for creative exploration.

Features at a Glance

This carrier board is purpose-built for versatility and compactness, including:

• USB-C Power Delivery (PD): Ensuring efficient and reliable power supply.
• HDMI Output: Stream media directly to a projector or display.
• Ethernet Port: For stable networking.
• USB 2.0 Port: Add peripherals or storage.
• Fan Connector: Keep the CM5 cool under load.
• SHTC3 Sensor: Monitor temperature and humidity for environmental insights.
• I2C Connector: Experiment with additional peripherals and expand functionality.

The Wildcard: LoRaWAN Module

What makes this board particularly intriguing is the inclusion of a RAK3172 LoRaWAN module from RAKwireless. While LoRaWAN might not seem like an obvious choice for a media streamer, its presence opens the door to unique possibilities:

• IoT-Enhanced Media Systems: Stream content while also transmitting environmental data (e.g., temperature and humidity) to a remote dashboard via LoRa.
• Interactive Installations: Imagine adaptive media displays that change based on remote LoRa inputs or environmental conditions.
• Off-Grid Applications: Use the CM5 and LoRaWAN combo in remote locations for fieldwork, combining media playback with long-range telemetry.
• Justplay: Explore the CM5-RAK3172 combo, and connect I2C sensors.

Open-Source certified and Ready for Exploration

This project is completely open-source, certified by the Open Source Hardware Association with UID: IT000019

All design files are available on GitHub.

Whether you’re looking to replicate the build, adapt it for your own projects, or just explore how it all comes together, the resources are yours to dive into.

Designed with KiCad

Every aspect of this carrier board was designed using KiCad, a powerful, open-source PCB design tool. This ensures the project is as accessible as possible for the maker community.

Powered By Raspberry Pi

Very honoured to have received the offical logo "Powered By Raspberry Pi".

The Unexpected

While the primary use case is media streaming, the addition of LoRaWAN and other peripherals creates endless opportunities for experimentation. If you’ve got ideas for combining the power of the CM5 with LoRa, or just want to explore what’s possible, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Frankenboard!

After some testing, I had to move serial communication between CM5 and RAK3172 from UART0_IR to UART2. Apparently, UART0_IR is dedicated for infrared control, and TX line is held in a state that prevents the infrastructure to work. Using UART2 I could successfully communicate with RAK3172, for example in Node-Red.

Schematics, board and production file have been fixed in both Rev1 and 2.

What about AI?

Just playing around with a quick and dirty HAILO 8L integration, 13TOPS exclusively dedicated to machine vision and neural networks. But it works! So I decided to produce an AI Edition supportin 2242 M.2 cards.

Testing the SPI

The Web3-Pi project trasforms a CM5 into an Ethereum node. They have a repository showing how to connect an LCD screen to your Pi.

https://github.com/Web3-Pi/rpi-lcd-dashboard/tree/main

Hosting Dave Jones :)

Great advices from mr. EEVBlog

Casing

Rev2 on its way!

Thanks to the input from the community, I could improve the design with many additional features. Browse it in its own Github repo: https://github.com/piecol/CM5_MINIMA_REV2

What's new:

• SSD M.2 connector to expand storage up to 512Gb
• CSI/DSI camera or display port.
• SPI connector supporting LCD display.
• nRPIBOOT solder jumper to flash the OS directly on the MINIMA board!

When you regret using 0402

Fifteen Rev2 PCBs ordered at PCBWay have just arrived. This time I decided to try solder the components myself. It is my first time to attempt a double-sided process.

Set the CM5 to BOOT mode before flashing the OS

I forgot to include a jumper to set the nRPIBOOT pin to LOW, but luckily the CM5 has exposed test-point for almost every net. To locate TP16, just find it using the coordinates given in the datasheet. Rev2 has a much more convenient normally-closed solder joint that can be cut after flashing. It can always be joint with solder at need.