--- title: "OpenIPC Thinker Air Unit" description: "OpenIPC Thinker installation and technical notes" --- # OpenIPC AIO "Thinker" v1.0 The OpenIPC Thinker is a compact and lightweight camera and video transmission unit, which integrates seamlessly with various RC vehicles. Two variants of the unit are available: - Base Edition ([Store Link](https://store.openipc.org/OpenIPC-Thinker-v1-0-Base-with-SD-p711054393)) - Features an SD card slot, requires an external WiFi module - Tiny Edition ([Store Link](https://store.openipc.org/OpenIPC-Thinker-v1-0-Tiny-with-WiFi-p633445803)) - Features a low power integrated WiFi module[^1], does not have an SD card slot [^1]: RTL8731BU, typical peak TX power is 50mW @ 5G, 125mW @ 2.4G ## Technical Specifications ### Features - SSC338Q SoC - Power Supply: 2–6S - Integrated 3A BEC - Analog MEMS Microphone - Connectivity: - 3x UART ports - 1x MIPI camera interface - 1x USB with configurable 5V or 3.3V power output for ext. WiFi module - 1x Ethernet - 1x DC power Input ### Physical Characteristics - **Board Size:** 25x25mm - **Weight** (main unit and connected camera module only): - Without heat sink: ~8.8g - With heat sink: ~13.4g - **Mounting Holes:** - **PCB**: 20x20mm - **With heat sink installed**: 25.5x25.5mm - **Cooling:** Optional aluminium heat sink with passive cooling ### Camera Options #### IMX335 Module ([Store Link](https://store.openipc.org/OpenIPC-IMX335-v2-module-without-cable-p721231276)) - 14x14mm camera module in aluminium housing - Lens: 140° FOV, f/2.8 - IMX335 sensor, integrated 6DOF IMU This is the default camera unit that comes with the Thinker AIO. #### IMX415 Module ([Store Link](https://store.openipc.org/OpenIPC-IMX415-v2-module-without-cable-p721152215)) This module uses the same hardware as the IMX335 module but features an IMX415-based sensor. ### Drawings (Dimensions, Connectivity) #### Connectivity & User-Accessiuble Components ![image: Thinker Connectivity & User-Accessiuble Components](../images/aio-thinker/thinker-connectivity.png "Thinker Connectivity & User-Accessiuble Components") ##### Installation Notes - Power Connection - Connect a 2S-6S battery between Vcc and GND terminals - **Do not power** the unit **through USB Vd**, it is a power output - Network Connection - Use the supplied RJ45 cable and adapter to access the web interface, and other management and update utilities - The ETH link indicator LED shows connection status - Camera Module - A camera modules is attached to the main unit out of the box. - Camera modules can be exchanged, compatible camera modules are listed in this document. - Optional Hardware - SD Card Slot (available on Base edition) - **On Base edition** units, an **external WiFi module must be connected** to designated pins - **On Tiny edition** units, the **USB** header **cannot be used** to connect external hardware, as the connection is used by the integrated WiFi module. - The UART available for communication with flight controller Various notes: - Do not remove the **thermal putty** from the heatsink, it **cannot be replaced with thermal paste**. If already removed, use low hardness thermal pads, or thermal putty as a replacement. ##### Pin Descriptions | Pin Name | Dir | Description | |-------------|------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | **RJ45 / UART0 Header** | | | | UART0 RX | In | UART0 receive line (connect to RJ45 adapter or serial console) | | UART0 TX | Out | UART0 transmit line | | RJ45 TX+ | Out | Ethernet transmit (positive) | | RJ45 TX− | Out | Ethernet transmit (negative) | | RJ45 RX+ | In | Ethernet receive (positive) | | RJ45 RX− | In | Ethernet receive (negative) | | **USB Header** | | | | Vd | Out | Ext. WiFi Module Power output[^2][^3] | | DM | I/O | Ext. WiFi Module USB Data - | | DP | I/O | Ext. WiFi Module USB Data + | | GND | — | Ground | | **Power / UART1 Header** | | | | Vcc | In | Power input | | Vcc | In | Power input (duplicate pin, merge wires) | | RX | In | UART2 receive line (to FC) | | TX | Out | UART2 transmit line (to FC) | | GND | — | Ground | | GND | — | Ground (duplicate pin, merge wires) | [^2]: Output voltage can be programmed, [^3]: The use of Vd is optional, high-power WiFi modules can be powered externally. In such cases, connect DM, DP, and GND only. #### PCB Outline & Heat Sink Dimensions ![image: Thinker PCB And Heats Sink Dimensions](../images/aio-thinker/thinker-dimensions.png "Thinker PCB And Heat Sink Dimensions") ## Firmware Update To update the firmware, [download the latest release](https://github.com/OpenIPC/builder/releases/download/latest/ssc338q_fpv_openipc-thinker-aio-nor.tgz). This release includes drivers for RTL8812AU and RTL873XBU. **Note:** The RTL8731BU has limitations as a receiving unit (does not support LDPC), disable it on the ground station when using tunnel/MAVLink. It works well as a transmission unit for both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.[^4]. [^4]: Ref. https://t.me/c/1809358416/127308/129654 To disable LDPC, add the following to the `/etc/wifibroadcast.cfg` file on your ground station: ``` [tunnel] ldpc = 0 ``` If you are using an RTL8812EU module, use [this firmware release](https://github.com/OpenIPC/builder/releases/download/latest/ssc338q_fpv_openipc-urllc-aio-nor.tgz). ## Built-in RF output settings ![image](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4edbafca-f737-446b-ab2e-4677f23c6a6d) ![image](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/44b6810e-67cb-4b66-a3b1-000d402e65da)