The maker community is buzzing with excitement over Slime OS, a new app launcher designed for PicoVision and other RP2040/RP2350 devices. Originally developed for the SlimeDeck Zero mini cyberdeck project, this experimental software has captured attention through its innovative approach to creating a user-friendly interface for small-form-factor devices.
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Technical Implementation
Slime OS operates in a specialized 32-color mode with a 400x240 internal resolution that interlaces up to 800x480, making it suitable for most HDMI displays. The system includes comprehensive libraries for graphics, input handling, and system control, providing developers with tools for creating custom applications. The software architecture emphasizes modularity, with separate components handling graphics rendering, system intents, controller identification, and keyboard input management.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Display: 32-color mode
- Resolution: 400x240 internal (interlaced to 800x480)
- Supported Hardware: PicoVision (RP2040/RP2350)
- License: MIT
- Core Libraries: gfx, intents, ctrl, kbd
Current Limitations and Development Status
While showing promise, Slime OS is still in its experimental phase with several acknowledged limitations. The system currently only supports I2C keyboard input through a specific hardware configuration using an MCP23017 chip. Some applications face orientation issues due to screen rotation requirements, though newer apps utilize updated graphics methods that support configurable display orientation. The development team is actively working on expanding hardware support and improving compatibility across different RP2040 and RP2350 boards.
Current Limitations:
- I2C keyboard input only
- Screen rotation issues in older apps
- Limited hardware support
- Experimental expansion port detection
Hardware Ecosystem
The project currently centers around the PicoVision mainboard, with a unique expansion port system using 5-pin Dk925A-10M connectors. An interesting technical challenge involves the ADC-based expansion detection system, which currently faces reliability issues due to voltage reference limitations. This transparent acknowledgment of hardware constraints demonstrates the project's commitment to open development and community involvement.
Community Impact
The project has garnered significant community interest, particularly through its associated cyberdeck implementation. Video demonstrations and documentation have inspired makers and developers to explore the platform's possibilities. The open nature of the project, combined with its MIT license and use of CC BY 4.0 licensed assets, encourages community participation and further development.
The combination of innovative hardware design, open-source software development, and active community engagement positions Slime OS as an interesting platform for future development in the maker and embedded systems space.
Reference: slime_os