VOXL2 Microhard Add-On & High Speed Board to Board Connector Compatibility

[jacobcayetano1]

We are implementing a VOXL2 into our system and wish to use the Microhard Add-On board while also utilizing the High Speed Board to Board (HSB2B) connector (J5). However, since the Microhard Add-On was developed before the VOXL2, it covers the J5 connector and we are completely cut off from the HSB2B connector when using the Microhard Add-On. The documentation mentions that ModalAI is in the process of developing a breakout board for J3 (Microhard Add-On connection) and J5. How soon will this board be available? Alternatively, are there any current solutions to this issue beyond stacking a custom breakout board between the VOXL2 and Microhard Add-On?

Thanks

[Vinny]

Hi @jacobcayetano1
Apologies for not updating some of the tech docs content about that test board we developed.
Here are some links:
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl2-dev-test-board/
That describes the board and provides schematics and other useful user info.

Since the test board is a very easy way to destroy your VOXL 2, we keep the sale of it on our Beta page to alert customers that it is an "at-risk" design since you can easily void your VOXL 2 warranties by over-stressing the VOXL2 and introducing ESD and other signal shorting risks.
That said, here is the purchase link:
https://www.modalai.com/pages/beta-voxl-2-b2b-breakout-board
It comes as a kit with many goodies for it's use including cables, a mounting case, and an SD card.

Now, as far as being able to use Microhard AND J5, we recommend using the standalone version ("dongle") of the Microhard board: https://www.modalai.com/collections/modems/products/mdk-m0048-2 since that will allow you to cascade it off any USB port we have (or one that you include in your design).
Here are some tips for designing a good USB port with our Voxl ecosystem: https://docs.modalai.com/expansion-design-guide/#usb-expansion-over-j3--j5

Should you go down the route of designing a custom VOXL 2 plug-in board, we will offer a courtesy review of your schematic to help you along! Feel free to tag me again when you are ready, and we will start an email exchange to share your data so you are not posting it on our forum (unless you wanted to).

Hope this helped.
Vinny

[jacobcayetano1]

@Vinny ,

Thanks for the speedy response and for the recommendations. I will discuss the options with my team. That dongle sounds like a good alternative for this use case.

Jacob