BeagleBoardFAQ

This page collects frequently asked questions (FAQ) about TI's ARM based OMAP3 Beagle Board. See "official" BeagleBoard FAQ and eLinux BeagleBoard wiki page, too.

=Board revisions=

Q: What is the difference between BeagleBoard revision B4 and B5?

A: Revision B5 removes capacitor C70 to fix errata #7.

=Shipped hardware=

Q: I like to buy a BeagleBoard from DigiKey, what hardware is included?

A: Only the board itself. To make board as cheap as possible, for most peripherals you need additional adapters.

=Shipped software=

Q: I like to buy a BeagleBoard from DigiKey, what software is included?

A: 2nd stage loader (|X-Loader) and bootloader U-Boot in diagnostic version is flashed to Beagle's NAND flash. No further operating system, e.g. Linux, is included.

=Peripherals needed=

Q: As shipped BeagleBoard doesn't contain any peripherals and adapters, what else will I need?

A: There are some adapters necessary to bring up and some are nice to have for diagnosis etc.:


 * IDC10 to DB9M serial adapter (necessary)
 * Serial null modem cable (optional, depends on your serial adapter and your serial PC port)
 * USB serial adapter (optional, depends if your PC has still DB9M serial connector)
 * SD card >= 256MB (necessary, at least for some fun with demos)
 * USB-A to mini USB cable to power BeagleBoard (necessary, or optional if you have additional 5V power supply, see below)
 * 5V, >= 500mA, 2,1mm/5,5mm plug, stabilized power supply (optional)
 * HDMI to DVI-D cable (optional)
 * USB Standard-A to Mini-A Adapter (optional, for USB usage external 5V power supply is necessary)
 * Self power USB hub (optional, and some USB peripherals like keyboard and mouse)

=New board, and now=

Q: Hurray, I got my board. And now?

A: See out of the box page.