Contents
Introduction
The ZipIt Wireless Instant Messenger is made by Aeronix and imported from China. The official site is at ZipItWireless.com. The ZipIt runs a custom IM app running under linux. The GPL/LGPL source code is available or documented. However, the object file for Zipit binary is not available for re-linking so they are in violation of the LGPL license for glibc.
There is an active community of users working to extend the functionality of the ZipIt. This group maintains this wiki and a Yahoo! group.
Technical details of the ZipIt (hardware & software) can be found on the ZipItTechDetails page.
Details on modifications you can make to the Zipit (backlight, flash menory, ports) ZipitHardwareMods
Alternative software created by users is available ZipItSoftware
The ZipIt can be purchased from RadioShack for $99 or amazon and other online retailers.
How To...
A frequently asked questions list is available at ZipItFAQ
Add hardware features to your Zipit (e.g. backlight, clock, MMC/SD memory, etc.) ZipitHardwareMods
How to perform the 5-wire and 3-wire serial mods so you can alter the Zipit firmware: ZipitSerialMod original website: http://aibohack.com/zipit/serial.htm
How to flash new firmware via serial connection ZipItSerialFlash
How to flash new firmware with no hardware modification over WiFi. (only works on Zipits with firmware versions before 2.01) ZipItWiFiFlash
How to setup an NFS server for windows to update to any other distro for the zipit: WinxpNFS
How to setup Adams software AdamsSoftware
How to compile new software for use on ZipIt: ZipItCompile
Tutorial on developing applications for ZipIt: ZipItDeveloperTutorial
Sample program to write to framebuffer: ZipItFramebufferExample
How to connect to WiFI networks from Linux command line: ZipItWiFiConnect
Information about Audio on the ZipIt: ZipItAudio
What to do when you use the wrong power supply www.openhardware.net
Linux zipit tools zipit tools
Hardware Overview
Cirrus EP7312-CR-90 (ARM720T CPU running at up to 90MHz)
- 2M flash - MX 29LV160ATxBC-70
- 16M SDRAM - Hynix HY5V26D
- 320x240x4 LCD (16 level gray scale)
Agere WiFi chip - WL600114LY
Wolfson Micro WM8751L Stereo DAC
- LPC915 (8 bit uP)
ZipitCommentsNotOnYahoo
Additional ZipitNotes
External Articles & Reviews
http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT8107883197.html
http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/07/17/1416202&tid=100
http://www.elkgrovewireless.com/zipit/
Project Updates
July 2005
Greatly expanded information on installing the BURN3 and OpenZipIt firmware, especially from Linux.
Many tech details have been moved to the ZipItTechDetails page in order to simplify this main page.
June 2005
Added two How-Tos: ZipItWiFiFlash and ZipItCompile
- A software-only firmware modification is outlined in the former link.
March 2005
- Keep checking the Yahoo BBS for the latest current status
The core Linux components are now replacable (including newer BusyBox, telnetd etc). Also a way of reflashing a non-solder modified device has been found.
- Eventually a software-only SDK will be released (soldering not necessary if you are careful with subsequent reflashing steps)