pinetime-zephyr
Zephyr smartwatch framework
Suppose you want to build a cycle computer quickly. You need :
- bluetooth
- a touchscreen
- a button
- time (clock)
- a method of setting the clock
- wireless firmware updating
- timer functions
- power saving
- battery management
- several graphical screens, with buttons graphics
You could start from scratch, or use a framework and only add the stuff you need for your cycling computer :
- cadence sensor
- display speed
- record speed
Suppose you have an idea for a portable device, before running to the shop to buy a dev-board, develop hardware …. You could use the framework as a starting point, since it supports a virtual posix-board.
this document started off in setting up zephyr RTOS on the PineTime smartwatch.
https://wiki.pine64.org/index.php/PineTime
It evolved to accomodate other nordic nrf52832 based watches (Desay D6....) and a Virtual watch (native_posix_64)
Zephyr allows for hardware abstraction. The framework is not limited to Nordic nrf52.
In theory : compiling with a different board definition file should be enough. (minor changes might be necessary - see the button sample)
The virtual watch lets you create and debug software without a watch nor a debugprobe. (=cheap)
There exist a lot of cheap (chinese) watches based on Nordic microcontrollers.
The hardware will probably differ, but with minor adjustments it should be possible to adapt the framework.
the approach in this manual is to get quick results :
- minimal effort install
- try out the samples
- inspire you to modify and enhance
The masterpiece is the firmware toolkit.
Since it is a big chunk of code, you might be lost.
The samples in the /app directory, contain parts of the toolkit.
Like building blocks, which form the final firmware.
suggestion :
* follow the Zephyr installation instructions
* try some examples
* if you like it copy the /app directory for some more fun
