MinnowBoard Max is an open source development board. It runs on 64 bit Intel Atom E38xx Series SOC. It supports multiple I/O options like Micro SD, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, Ethernet etc.
I am playing around with MBM since couple of weeks now, and working on a POC. Board doesn’t come with an OS installed, so the first step is to setup one. So, here are the steps, to get your MBM, up and running.
Step 1: Update the firmware
Before installing any OS, it is essential to update the firmware to latest release. More info on updating the firmware can be found here:
https://firmware.intel.com/content/minnowboard-uefi-firmware-download
Once your MBM is running latest firmware, you can proceed ahead with installing Windows 8.1.
Although it is safe to install from a USB to a USB/SD Card, but running an OS from a USB drive is not a great idea. USB drive/SD cards suffer from relatively low read/write speeds, as well as number of reads/writes is limited. This brings the idea of hooking up a SSD with MBM for installing OS.
Step 2: Choosing correct power supply
Before connecting a SSD, it is important to review power supplied to MinnowBoard. Generally, MBM runs fine with a power supply of 5V 2A, but to carry additional load of a SSD, it is advisable to use 5V 4A power supply.
I was able to get a 5V 4A adapter online from Shopclues.com, here is the URL:
http://www.shopclues.com/power-adaptor-5-volt-4-amp-charger-ac-input-100-240v-dc-output-5v-4a-14.html
http://www.shopclues.com/power-adaptor-5-volt-4-amp-charger-ac-input-100-240v-dc-output-5v-4a-14.html
Power adapter from ShopClues was of good quality, but connector did not fit in power input socket of MBM. Luckily, I was able to find a connector that fit well on MBM, so I replaced the connector.
(If you get into similar situation, don’t forget to check the polarity. Ensure that polarity doesn’t get reversed when you replace the connector)
Step 3: Hook up a SSD to MinnowBoard Max
MinnowBoard comes with a SATA I/O port, but doesn’t come with power port, but you can still power your SSD using MinnowBoard.
Powering the SSD: Prepare the cable that powers SSD from MBM Pins
Pins 1 and 3 can be used to supply required 5V power the SSD. Following is the pin-out of MBM:Powering the SSD: Prepare the cable that powers SSD from MBM Pins
In order to neatly connect the pins to get the power, I got relimate connector from CktPlus.com, here is the URL:
http://cktplus.com/Relimate-Connector-with-Polarized-Header-4pin-2.54mm-Pitch
http://cktplus.com/Relimate-Connector-with-Polarized-Header-4pin-2.54mm-Pitch
Here is how my power cable looks like, it has relimate connector on one side, and a SATA power supply pin on other side.
Here again, pay attention to polarity. Connect ground to ground.
Step 4: Putting it all together
This is how the setup looks like (Top view, and side view of SSD power connection from pinout)
Step 5: Prepare the USB installer media (USB drive)
Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro is available for download as an ISO file. Download ‘ISO to USB’ from http://www.isotousb.com/, to make a bootable USB drive (containing Windows 8.1 Embedded)
Step 6: Begin OS installation.
Plug Windows 8.1 installation media to a USB port, and connect a USB keyboard to 2nd USB port.
Power on the board. Press F2/Del to enter setup, and select your USB drive (not SSD) from boot menu. After this, OS installation is similar to any regular OS installation.
Step 7: Download essential drivers
Once OS is installed successfully, download ‘Intel Embedded Drivers’ and ‘HD Graphics drivers’ from following links:
Embedded Drivers: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/24229
HD Graphics: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/24227
HD Graphics: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/24227
Step 8: Install the drivers
Follow the instructions provided on Intel’s website on installing* the drivers downloaded at step 7.
URL: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn781278(v=vs.85).aspx
(*You can jump directly to step 5 of article mentioned above, where it describes the steps and sequence of installing these drivers)