Content

• Place the heatsink
• Insert SD card
• Connect serial cable
• Connect network cable
• Connect HDMI monitor cable
• Connect the power
• How to continue

These steps will help you to start with OpenRex board for the very first time.

Apart of cables, you will need only SD card and heatsink.

Place the heatsink

Remove the red protection foil from the heatsink.


Place the heatsink on the top of the processor.


Insert SD card

Insert the SD card delivered with your board (or create a new one) into the SD slot.


Connect serial cable

Connect the OpenRex UART serial header to your computer. Use the TTL-232R-3V3 cable from your development kit (you will need to install virtual serial port driver from FTDI website). Run Hyperterminal (or download and use Tera Term). Set the following serial port parameters – Baud rate: 115200 / Data: 8 / Parity: none / Stop bit: 1 / Flow control: none.


Connect network cable

Connect the network cable between your OpenRex board and a network switch (possibly a computer). Connecting the board to a network is not required, but it may limit you in testing.


Connect HDMI cable

Connect your OpenRex board with a monitor using a HDMI cable. Also this connection is optional, but it gives you a better control over the board.


Connect the power

OpenRex requires 5V input voltage. Use power source which can deliver at least 1A for OpenRex Solo and 1.5A for Quad version. Low power sources are tricky as they may cause board reset during current spikes.
You have two options, how the board may be powered.

Be sure, your power supply can deliver enough current!

Option 1:
USB Micro charger
You can use almost any USB charger which you have around (e.g. use one for your phone or tablet). Just be sure it can deliver enough current. Before you start, fit the jumper on header JP1 to select USB Micro as an input power source.


Now you can connect the USB charger.


Option 2:
Use a 5V DC adapter (here is one which we were using during testing: 25HK-AB-050A400-D5-1) with a power jack. The plug diameters are 2mm x 5.5mm with the positive voltage in the middle (use e.g. Switchcraft S-760).


Tada!

Now, your board should boot up into Linux. Default login is “root”. In case you have any problems to setup your OpenRex, you can look for the solution in the software section, ask a question on our FORUM or contact us. Enjoy!

What next?

• Try to compile the existing YOCTO uboot, kernel and filesyetem. Then you will know how to modify and compile the software for your own application: OpenRex: How to start with Software
• Learn how to use all the OpenRex peripherals: How to access OpenRex peripherals (Examples)