Peek

In The News

 * Company Website
 * Linux Devices
 * Geeky Peek Linux Challenge
 * Amazon.com
 * Peek teardown photos Maushammer on Flickr
 * Discussion on irc.freenode.net channel #edev

Basic Specifications

 * 320x240 TFT LCD with backlight
 * 47 Key QWERTY keyboard
 * 360 degree jogwheel with button
 * Vibrator Motor
 * Small Speaker
 * Side Push Button
 * Top Power Button
 * Standard SIM Socket
 * Micro-B USB Charging Socket ( USB connectivity is not supported, this is really just a TTL Serial port and a charging socket.)
 * Internal Coin Backup Battery
 * E-Mail Notification LED
 * Battery Door Contacts Switch

Discussions about the Current OS

 * It's a lightweight, purpose-built OS called PeekUX.
 * Starts with TI's very own version of the real-time OS called Nucleus ( by Mentor )
 * TI has compiled in device drivers, and other stacks and turned it into their own platform.
 * Peek SW developers then took what TI gave them and wrap it with their own proprietary GUI and network libraries to create Peekux.
 * The email application then runs on top of that.
 * The whole thing is built as a single image. Thus the distinction between OS and App is blurred.
 * "Hacking maybe difficult" article at Peek Forums.

Wireless Network and FCC stuff

 * Uses T-Mobile's nationwide GSM network.
 * Also can use AT&T's GSM network as a secondary network.
 * FCC ID is listed as: V6LPEEK0001
 * Uses the GSM850 band. TX: 824-848MHz  RX: 869-893MHz
 * Maximum RF Radiated Power (GPRS850): 26dBm EIRP
 * RX Sensitivity: -109dBm ?
 * Antenna: PIFA type

Mail Handling

 * Currently, the very large computing resources at Amazon AWS (Seattle, WA) is being used to handle the mail polling and forwarding for the Peek users.  The mail handler was worked out at Peek HQ and then unleashed at AWS.  AWS's "EC2 Service" is immensely flexible and allows Peek to keep up with the growing user base.

Chip List

 * Spansion 71NS128NB0BJWRN 32Mb Psram + 128Mb NOR Flash datasheet Additional flash info
 * TI D6591BQA - TCS2310
 * TI T3031FZH - TWL3031 power management and IO control
 * RFMD RF7115 Quad Band GSM850/GSM900/DCS/PCS TRANSMIT MODULE datasheet
 * ST STMPE2401 - Port expander with Keypad and PWM controller Datasheet
 * 26.00 MHz XTAL for the TCS2310
 * 32.768 kHz XTAL for the TWL3031

Battery

 * Model: PK-BAT-001
 * Voltage: 3.7V
 * Capacity: 700mAh
 * Maximum Charge Voltage:4.2V
 * Standard: GB/T18287-2000

Peek Accessories

 * Upgrade Cable for upgrade/hacking
 * Replacement Battery

Opening the Case

 * The case has 4 tiny "torx" style screws. I think the size is T3.  You will need a Precision Torx Screwdriver set.
 * Obviously, opening your Peek voids the warranty.
 * There are 3 tiny screws immediately visible when you take off battery cover. And the fourth screw is hidden under the red "Do not remove" sticker.
 * After the screws are removed, start from bottom of unit and carefully pry the top and bottom housings apart.
 * To understand what I mean, see this picture from Maushammer on Flickr. On the left side of image is the bottom housing.  Notice the four screw holes.  The rest of the housing attaches with tabs that easily pry apart.

Debugging/Programming Tools

 * Micro to Mini USB Adapter (does not convert the UART to USB)
 * Flyswatter USB JTAG Debugger for upgrade/hacking
 * OpenOCD JTAG Debugger Software
 * UART TTL to USB Adapter for upgrade/hacking
 * J-Link USB JTAG/SWD debugger from IAR Systems. User's Guide
 * Same J-Link product from Segger USA
 * Cheap but decent Benchtop DC Power Supply from Extech Instruments. This will save you from needing to keep charged batteries around.

External MicroUSB Charge/Upgrade port
This is the MicroUSB port that is exposed on the left side of the peek. It's used for both charging and upgrading the Peek. The upgrade cable uses a serial TTL to USB level shifter to convert the serial TTL into a USB com port. a bootlog can be viewed using serial settings 115200,n,8,1

Internal UART Header
This is on the inside of the Peek under the SIM (this is also covered by the warranty sticker). a bootlog can be viewed using serial settings 115200,n,8,1 Note:  This is not a new, hidden serial port. This port is electrically the same as the External Charger/Upgrade port shown above.

Picture from Maushammer on Flickr

JTAG Pads (vias)
These vias are found on the bottom side of printed circuit board just below the white antenna strip.  ''' *Note: You will need to remove the solder mask and solder small wire to the vias. 26AWG or 30AWG is best. ''' Obviously, the four signals TDO, TMS, TCK, and TDI are the most important ones. Connect these signals straight to your JTAG dongle. You should also pick up a Ground signal somewhere near the DC Power circuity on the lower left section of PCB. Perhaps, depending on your JTAG dongle, you could also power the Peek from the dongle itself. ;-) Thanks to "codeman" and "prpplague" for this.

Bootloader

 * a bootloader, such as U-Boot or APEX, will be needed to facilitate booting uClinux
 * low level access to Flash memory via JTAG is now doable. ( see above )
 * U-Boot could be used, but is pretty large
 * APEX is small, configurable, and easily adapted for ARM7TDMI

Kernel

 * mainline kernel has the basic support for ARM7TDMI core
 * need basic support for the TCS2310

Root Filesystem

 * use Buildroot for initial testing
 * use uClibc as core C library
 * use BusyBox as basic utilities for testing

Tools

 * use CSST ( Cellular Systems Software Tools ) from TI for loading Flash with bootloader etc.   This is the Release Notes for the CSST included in SDP2430 (OMAP2430).   There is a CSST for the TI LoCosto chips included with the Peek Upgrader software from Peek.  More detailed info on CSST can be found here.

The Peek update program calls a command line CSST app to actually load the new firmware to flash. In my case, the command line was: D:\apps\Peek\CSST\csstcli.exe -t 1 -op download -i D:\apps\Peek\software\Rel_01_09_10.m0 -dt NOR -p COM5. This command can be executed from a command prompt. You will be prompted to reset the Peek (remove and replace the battery, then hit the power button) and the download will begin!

Other Peek Hacking Sites

 * PeekLinux.com

Similar board bringups

 * OMAP2420 with U-Boot

TI documents

 * TI Wireless Solutions Guide. the TCS2310 appears on Page 17.

Watch a Peek being assembled

 * Watch Gabe Fabius and Dan Morel of PEEK, Inc. discuss the inner guts of the Peek device.