My BeagleBone Black Workstation
Last Update: October 28, 2013
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Table of Contents

Caveat

This is a collection of notes, thoughts, opinions, etc. on my BeagleBone Black (BBB).

I am using it as a full-up workstation (keyboard, mouse, monitor, ...). This is overkill for the BBB. It is designed to be accessed using the USB cable that came with it or over the local network.

Note: Actually I access my BBB using the USB cable, my local network, and the keyboard and mouse.

Introduction

I wanted to test (play with) the BeagleBone Black (BBB). I was paticularly interested in programming and testing the Angstrom and Ubuntu operating systems.

These are some of the things I want to test. I expect some of these will not be available. (This list was created before I received my BBB)

Why the above list? I was thinking that I could use a BBB as a classroom server. Plus, I am just interested.

Why This Document?

The lack of comprehensive documentation is a problem. Also, the existing documentation is scattered acrosss different web sites. This is one of the reasons I'm creating this document. Basically it is for myself but if it is usefull to others, great.

Note: Most documentation tell you what to do or how do do something, but not why you want to do it. Also, some of the documentation on the web is outdated or just plain wrong.

Cost

The BBB is a very cheap computer ($45), but you need extra hardware to run it as a workstation. Unless you already have the hardware the cost is considerably more. I estimate about $150. (Click here to see a break down of the costs.)

Note: The estimate does not include the new monitor I purchased. (See below for more information.)

Hardware

I used hardware I had available and also purchased "stuff" from www.amazon.com and www.adafruit.com.

Note: There are many other places on the web selling BBBs and hardware.

1. BeagleBone Black

A small CD comes with the BBB. It contains drivers that allow the BBB to be accessed from your PC using a USB port. (You will need the USB cable that comes with the BBB.)

2. BeagleBone Black Power Supply

The power supply is a AC Adapter 5V 2.5A for D-Link.

Note: I want the power to be independent of my PC and not depend on a USB cable.

3. BeagleBone Black Case

Beaglebone Black Birch Case. The case protects the BBB from static discharge and my fat fingers.

(I don't know how many times I was shocked by my Arduino until I got a case for it.)

4. Powered USB Hub

A powered USB hub is required. A USB hub is needed if you want to use more that one USB device (keyboard, mouse, ...).

Initially I start with an inexpensive (cheap) powered HUB that I had available. It quickly died and I purchased a better (more expensive) one. I now have a Plugable 7 Port High Speed USB 2.0 Hub with 3A Power Adapter.

Note: Make sure that you plug in the HUB before powering up the BBB.

5. USB Keyboard and Mouse

I use a mouse and keyboard I already had.

6. HDMI to VGA Adapter

The BBB aparently does not work with non-powered HDMI to VGA adapters.

I initially tried to use a non-powered HDMI to VGA adapter. It didn't work. I eventually purchased a powered HDMI to VGA adapter which does work.

I use the Cable Matters Micro HDMI to VGA M/F Adapter.

Note: The adapter power is supplied by a USB cable. I plug it into the powered USB hub. (See diagram below.)

7. Monitor

I use a VGA monitor.

I tested the BBB with my flat screen TV that accepts HDMI input. It looks great, but the TV is needed for other things. (video streaming, etc.)

I started with an old VGA monitor (8+ years). It was OK, but the display was not great. I eventually purchased the cheapest (on sale) monitor I could find. The display is now a lot better.

Note: My VGA monitor also has a DVI-R interface which I tested. See "Extra Tests" below for more information.

8. Micro SD Cards

These cards are used to boot other operating systems (Ubuntu) and to update the Angstrom operating system in eMMC memory.

You need a least a Class 4, 4 GB micro SD card. However, 4 GB may too small for some distributions.

For Example
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SD Card Classes Explained

9. Micro SD Card Reader

SD cards are not very usefull without a way to read and write them.

I use a DYNEX Memory Card Reader (7 in 1, Plug-in-play USB 2.0). It plugs directly into a USB port on my PC.

Note: Special software is requred to write bootable images onto SD cards. ( Free Image Writer for Windows)

10. Power Strip

I need a power strip to plug things into. (BBB, USB Hub, monitor, ...)

Extra Testing

This hardware is not required for my BBB workstation, but is something I wanted to test.

Wireless Nano USB Adapter

Edimax EW-7811Un 150 Mbps Wireless 11n Nano Size USB Adapter with EZmax Setup Wizard.

Note: This can also be used with the Arduino and Rasberry Pi.

HDMI to DVI-D Adaptor and HDMI Cable

I test the following hardware. It works very well and is a litte cheaper that the powered VGA adaptor.

  • HDMI Female to DVI-D Male Video Adapter
  • Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable

Miscellaneous

Pictures

My Hardware lash-up
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BBB, USB Hub, HDMI to VGA adapter
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