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Hardware Requirements

This page outlines what hardware you need to purchase and prepare to run Calculinux.

Technical Specifications

For detailed technical specifications of all hardware components, see the Hardware Specifications page.

Required Hardware

Essential Components

Component Requirement Where to Get
PicoCalc Device Base model ClockworkPi Store
Luckfox Lyra SBC 128MB RAM, RK3506G2-based Luckfox Store
MicroSD Card 8GB minimum (16GB+ recommended) Any retailer - Class 10 or better
USB-C Cable Data-capable Any retailer

Luckfox Lyra Configuration

  • RAM: Get the 128MB model - this is the only tested and supported configuration
  • Storage: Models with or without SPI NAND both work (NAND must be erased first)
  • Other variants: 64MB and 256MB RAM models have different footprints and pinouts and would require custom adapter boards

Budget Configuration

  • Luckfox Lyra 128MB (basic model, no SPI NAND)
  • 16GB Class 10 SD card
  • Best for: Console use, scripting, learning Linux

Standard Configuration

  • Luckfox Lyra 128MB
  • 32GB UHS-I SD card
  • Best for: General use with more storage for applications

Advanced Configuration

  • Luckfox Lyra 128MB
  • 64GB UHS-I SD card
  • Powered USB hub (for 5V peripherals)
  • Second USB-C cable (for serial console)
  • Best for: Development, experimentation, debugging

Serial Console for Development

A second USB-C cable connected to the PicoCalc's USB-C port (not the Lyra's port) provides serial console access at 1500000 baud. This is invaluable for:

  • Watching boot messages and kernel output
  • Debugging firmware and kernel driver modifications
  • Troubleshooting hardware issues
  • Development work requiring low-level system access

See Hardware Specifications for details on the two different USB-C ports.

What's Included vs What to Buy

Comes with PicoCalc

  • Display and keyboard
  • Internal battery
  • PicoCalc USB-C port (for charging and serial console)
  • PicoCalc SD card slot (for expansion storage)
  • Original RP2040 board (you'll replace this)

You Need to Purchase

  • Luckfox Lyra SBC (replaces RP2040)
  • MicroSD card for Lyra (system boot disk)
  • USB-C cable

Optional Purchases

  • WiFi adapter (3.3V or via powered hub)
  • Additional SD card for PicoCalc slot
  • Powered USB hub (for 5V devices)
  • Second USB-C cable (for serial console)

Before You Order

Important Considerations

Graphical Desktop Experimentation

Calculinux is console-only by default. While you can experiment with lightweight graphical environments, the 128MB RAM is a significant limiting factor for desktop use. Set expectations accordingly!

SPI NAND Models

If you purchase a Luckfox Lyra with SPI NAND storage, you must erase the NAND flash before Calculinux will boot from SD card. See the SPI NAND Erase Guide for instructions.

PicoCalc Availability

Check ClockworkPi's website for current PicoCalc availability and shipping information.

Next Steps

Once you have your hardware:

  1. Check compatibility: Review the Hardware Compatibility Matrix
  2. Learn about the hardware: See Hardware Specifications for technical details
  3. Prepare for installation: Continue to the Installation Guide

Additional Resources

Optional Hardware

Network Connectivity

No Built-in WiFi

Neither the PicoCalc nor Luckfox Lyra include built-in WiFi. You will need a USB WiFi adapter.

Critical: 3.3V Requirement

The Lyra's USB port provides only 3.3V power. Standard 5V USB adapters will NOT work and may damage the board.

Options: - Use a 3.3V-compatible USB WiFi adapter - Use an externally powered USB hub for 5V devices

Tested: USB WiFi adapters with RTL8192CU, R8712U, R8188EU chipsets at 3.3V

Untested but supported: Additional chipsets listed in Hardware Specifications - WiFi

Storage Expansion

Option Status Notes
PicoCalc SD Card Slot ✅ Tested External SD card via PicoCalc's built-in slot (SPI, slower but great for storage)
USB Storage ❓ Untested Via Lyra USB-OTG port (requires 3.3V or powered hub)

Other Peripherals

The following have NOT been tested with Calculinux and likely require an externally powered USB hub:

  • USB keyboard
  • USB ethernet adapter
  • USB storage devices
  • Other USB peripherals

Luckfox Lyra Plus (Ethernet Model)

The Luckfox Lyra Plus includes built-in Ethernet, but it has not been tested with Calculinux and would require a custom backplate to access the port within the PicoCalc enclosure.

Compatibility

See Compatibility Matrix for detailed hardware compatibility information.

Next Steps