New uConsole Buyer with Radxa 101?

[mterencelao]

I’m Team Raspberry Pi, unfortunately. And a CM4, at that. But I can try to answer as best as I can, based on information searchable here. I’m also assuming you’re referring exclusively to the non-Lite variants of the Radxa CM5.

@hannover

some say the uConsole kits already come with the CM4/5 adapter, some that it doesn’t, do I need to buy it? And is this one the same that works with the Radxa?

Since the Clockwork cores are practically phased out, it’s a guarantee the kit will come with the standard CM4 adapter. The Radxa CM5 will work with the standard adapter, as proven by the existence of an OS image for it. Do be warned of the caveats, though.

@hannover

The given compatibility with Raspberry Compute Modules that make it an alternative in the first place.

Any alternative can claim to be drop-in compatible with a Raspberry Pi. But in the end, at least one reviewer has proven that really is not the case. Heck, even RPi’s own CM5 is not drop-in compatible with a CM4 (Not that they intend to, in the first place.)

@hannover

sometimes some could take a long wait to get.

If you’re sourcing the CM4 from Clockwork, then yes, you’re in for worse that a world of hurt. But we’re talking about Radxa CM5 here, so what will probably hold you back instead is the cellular expansion. Just make sure you bring your own microSD card. And if you’re buying multiples, best declare it in your order. Or, if you really can’t wait to get your hands on a uConsole, there are vendors in AliExpress willing to sell you one for at least 50% markup. And speaking of the cellular expansion,…

@hannover

If I buy the cellular data module uConsole, will it work with the Radxa? Is it integrated in the board or is it a separate module?

Nobody has tried, to date. If the Radxa CM5 has programs to access the GPIO’s necessary, like the CM4/CM5 do, (which they probably should, since they proudly claim to be compatible) then it should be possible in theory.

@hannover

Does eMMC work with SSD PCI storage? I’ve read they are mutually exclusive, but is this the case with the Radxa? Radxa doesn’t have modules with no eMMC.

There hasn’t been a definitive answer on that, given SSD support has only recently been possible with a community developed board. What is known, however, is that the Radxa CM5 has the sole distinction of retaining access to the microSD slot, despite having onboard eMMC.

@hannover

And would all adaptations outweigh the cost or convenience of simply buying a Raspberry CM5 module?

Cost? Maybe not that much higher than a CM5. (Running it has minimal issues. Just make sure you buy one with wireless.) But convenience? Well, you’ve hit the nail in the head there.

@hannover

Will I need to buy external audio compatibility and other externals for this setup?

A Wi-Fi card, a Bluetooth card, a USB audio card, and potentially a USB-A hub, at the minimum, if parity with the CM4 is a goal.

@hannover

And what’s with the image software?

@hannover

What’s with the Software image?

I’m scratching my head why you have to ask the same question twice. Is it an issue with the Debian image? Kernel too outdated? Lacking alternatives?

@hannover

I’m a software developer but my background is as Open-Source-in-mainstream-PC guy

And I might catch a stroke trying to read this over and over. So a software developer by trade, who is mildly acquainted with open source software? Like, comfortable operating LibreOffice, GIMP, Firefox, and such?

@hannover

I think this post’s best purpose is to be ideal to make purchasing easy to the rookiest, most clueless enthusiast.

So, there you have it. What you’re really gaining from the Radxa CM5 is the performance boost, relative to the Raspberry Pi Compute Modules. And you’ll have to decide if that is worth losing out on expansion compatibility, wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and audio support. Feel free to pile on if you have any further questions.