[Discuss] OSHWA perspective on Arduino Yun?

[Drew Fustini]

On Wed, Feb 25, 2015 at 10:56 AM, Mario Gómez <mxgxw.alpha at gmail.com> wrote:
> Option 2 use a GPS module that only gives NMEA strings that is esentially a
> black-box that I solder to my PCB and use an external microcontroller to
> process everything.
>
> I decided to choose #2 because even if it's more expensive it allows me to
> release full documentation and even considering that I don't know any of the
> internal workings of the GPS module that I'm using it doesn't prevent me or
> anyone to alter/modify the design.

I think you have identified a common problem, and I believe you took
the correct route from an OSHW perspective.  I think of it like your
project is OSHW if you have released the design files needed to modify
and redistribute it.

There will always be monolothic components used in your design and
listed in your BOM.  I don't think it raises concerns when that
monolithic component is fixed function like an ADC.  However, I think
it makes us less comfortable when that component contains a processor
running firmware.  Pretty much any RF module falls in this category.

I think such modules are fair to use in an OSHW project as long as the
module can be purchased in low quantity from distributors, has a
documented interface (like NMEA strings over serial) and is listed in
your project BOM.

cheers,
drew

BTW, I liked your point in previous post that a NDA would violate the
"5. Free redistribution" clause of the OSHW definition.