[Arm-netbook] NLNet Proposal Draft

[Richard Wilbur]

Luke,

Here is what I've hammered out.  It looks like the proposal process
must have changed.  They seem to want a lot more detail!

Richard
-------------- next part --------------
Thematic call:                    NGI Zero Core
Contact information =================================================== 
Your name (max. 100 characters)   Richard Wilbur
Email address                     richard.wilbur at gmail.com
Phone number                      xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Organisation (max. 100 characters)      ???????
Country                                 United States of America
General project information ===========================================
Project name (max. 100 characters)      ???????  Deliver EOMA68
Website / wiki    (I guess I should make a page on the rhombus-tech.com wiki for this proposal?)

Please be short and to the point in your answers; focus primarily on the what and how, not so much on the why. Add longer descriptions as attachments (see below). If English isn't your first language, don't worry - our reviewers don't care about spelling errors, only about great ideas. We apologise for the inconvenience of having to submit in English. On the up side, you can be as technical as you need to be (but you don't have to). Do stay concrete. Use plain text in your reply only, if you need any HTML to make your point please include this as attachment.

Abstract: Can you explain the whole project and its expected outcome(s).  (you have 1200 characters)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Deliver EOMA68" project aims to deliver on the goals of the EOMA68 project (reducing E-waste, respecting computer users’ freedom, and reducing energy requirements for fulfilling users’ computing tasks) by delivering the hardware to the customers.  Specifically, this project aims to develop:
1.  A test software load for already assembled CPU cards that will qualify them for delivery to first 100 customers.
2.  A hardware-software test bench to fully exercise the capabilities of the CPU cards in order to provide feedback to manufacturing (~1000 CPU cards) and facilitate repairs.
3.  A hardware-software test bench to fully exercise the capabilities of the Micro-Desktop cases in order to provide feedback to manufacturing (~600 Micro-Desktop cases) and facilitate repairs.
4.  A new revision (v1.8) of the Micro-Desktop to solve observed issues in power supply stability and standards compliance.
5.  A new revision of the CPU card with run-time configurable interfaces made possible by incorporating an FPGA.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you been involved with projects or organisations relevant to this project before? And if so, can you tell us a bit about your contributions?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been active in the EOMA68 mailing list and I guided the redesign of the micro-HDMI signal path and connector layout for the current production version (v2.7.5) of the EOMA68 CPU card.  I proposed new circuits for the next version (v1.8) of the EOMA68 Micro-Desktop.

At other times in my career I have worked on the design of circuit board layout for high frequency signals, programmable logic design, boot-time and run-time test software, board and processor bring up/first boot, and debug and repair of analog and digital circuit problems.  I have taken an idea through solder-less breadboard prototype, PCB prototype, an initial production of commercial product, revised to greatly reduce production costs, increase functionality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requested support
Requested Amount     50000                   (5000 to 50000 in Euro)
Explain what the requested budget will be used for? 
Does the project have other funding sources, both past and present?
(If you want, you can in addition attach a budget at the bottom of the form)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support Richard Wilbur's development efforts
Fabricate and assemble CPU Card and Micro-Desktop case test benches.
Purchase test equipment:  oscilloscope, signal analyzer, bench supply, function generator
Fabricate and assemble prototypes of revised CPU Card and Micro-Desktop case
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Explain costs for hardware, human labor (including rates used), travel cost to technical meetings, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(This starts to sound like we need full estimates and not just IDEAS!)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compare your own project with existing or historical efforts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e.g. what is new, more thorough or otherwise different)
Initial focus on getting a test software load to Crowd Supply in order to qualify the first 100 production CPU Cards for shipment to customers.  (The cards and the customers have been waiting for ~3 years.)

Next create test benchs for CPU Cards and Micro-Desktop cases to support volume manufacturing.

Use lessons learned and proposed improvements to create new design revisions for CPU Card and Micro-Desktop case that are easier to produce, more standards compliant, and more reliable in operation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What are significant technical challenges you expect to solve during the project, if any?)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(optional but recommended)
Diagnose power regulator issue on Micro-Desktop main board and recommend assembly changes to resolve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Describe the ecosystem of the project, and how you will engage with relevant actors and promote the outcomes?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(E.g. which actors will you involve?  Who should run or deploy your solution to make it a success?)
Ideally I would communicate with the (>1000) customers and other developers via updates to Crowd Supply and via the existing, long-standing EOMA68 project mailing list.

Designs--new and modified--would be published in the same libre licenses via the EOMA68 project wiki and attached repositories.

I would certainly consult with those previously active in EOMA68 development.  Specifically including Luke Kenneth Casson-Leighton who introduced me to the project and with whom I have collaborated in the past.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments
Attachments: add any additional information about the project that may help us to gain more insight into the proposed effort, for instance a more detailed task description, a justification of costs or relevant endorsements. Attachments should only contain background information, please make sure that the proposal without attachments is self-contained and concise. Don't waste too much time on this. Really.
Accepted formats for attachments are: 
HTML, PDF, OpenDocument Format and plain text files.


We will contact you within a few days after the deadline. Alternatively (or in case of urgency), you can contact us in a number of ways.