Overall, if you’re looking for a low cost, no-frills Compute Module then is a solid choice.
Compute Module 5 Boards Review
Waveshare have released a number of affordable Compute Module 5 boards. These boards are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 modules including the eMMC, WiFi enabled as well as Lite versions.
CM5-Nano-A
Features & Functionality
The CM5 Nano A1 is a paired back version of the CM5-Nano-B board. It has the same form factor but lacks the USB-C port and RTC connector. It is a great option for those who want to use the CM5 in a compact design without the need for additional features.
- 40 pin GPIO Header
- USB A
- USB C Power / flash firmware
- 2x Mipi Display/Camera
- SD Card slot
- RTC connector
- Fan connector
- Power & Boot buttons
Price
The CM5-Nano-A is priced at $14.99 2, making it an affordable option for those looking to use the Compute Module 5 in a compact design.
Whats in the box
In the box are the CM5-Nano-A board, an optional, unsoldered 40 pin GPIO header.
User instructions & Documentation
The instructions for the board are available on the Waveshare Wiki. The documentation is clear and easy to follow, though I did get a little confused about how to flash the eMMC so that the Raspberry Pi can boot from the internal storage.
Ease of use
The boards could not be simpler to use, just plug in the CM5 module and you’re away. If you want to use the optional GPIO headers, there is a small bit of soldering required.
Availability
Available world wide; check out the list of resellers on Waveshares website https://www.waveshare.com.
Asthetics
The boards are straightforward and functional. There isn’t much space to waste in this form factor, and the components are thoguthfully laid out.
Build Quality
The PCBs and components have a solid connection and the overall board seems pretty robust.
Packaging
The packaging was simple and functional. The boards were well protected in the box and there was no damage to the boards during shipping.
For extra points the plastic bubble wrap could be replaced with shredded cardboard or paper.
Environmental
The packaging could be made a little more environmentally friendly by using shredded cardboard or paper instead of plastic bubble wrap.
Summary
Overall, if you’re looking for a low cost, no-frills Compute Module then is a solid choice.
Scoring
Below is the Kevs Robots review framework. First, each product is scored out of 5 for each of the 9 areas. The total score is then calculated by adding the scores for each area and dividing by 9. The total score is then rounded to the nearest whole number.
| Scoring area | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Very Expensive, verging on not worth it | Expensive, but worth it for the value add | Affordable, similar in price to competitors | Cheap / great value for the parts and features | Free / Very low cost |
| Ease of use | Hard to use, complex operations requiring multipe steps | Many steps, some of which as complex. | Some steps to construct or operate, some of which are complex | Few steps, simple to do | Very easy to use / use is obvious and clear |
| Functionality | Very little innovation or usefulness | Does less then you’d expect, but still useful | Practice, does what you expect but no more | Quite a few innovative functions, does more than you’d expect | Amazing features & innovation, industry leading |
| Availability | Very difficult to get hold of any variation or version | Little available; some variations or versions are available | Available in some countries and stocks mostly available | Available in most countries & mostly in stock, short wait for stock replenishment | All versions and variations widely available in all countries & in stock |
| Aesthetics | Design is not pleasing to the eye; poor colour choice, parts do not fit together, no cohesive design | Design is acceptable, some elements do not work together well | Design is functional, no overall cohesion | Design is functional with some flair, most elements work together well | Very pleasing to the eye, complimentary colour choices, great fit and finish, with an overall cohesive design |
| Build Quality | Poor construction, with gaps or overlapping parts. Poor quality materials used | Functional construction, cheap materials | Functional construction, acceptable materials used | Durable design, some parts are high quality, most are acceptable | Solid construction, parts fit together as intended with no unexpected gaps or overlapping parts. High quality materials and parts used |
| Documentation | Single language instructions, no diagrams, basic features only | Basic instructions, technical specifications in a few languages, little no diagrams, no example code | Basic instructions, technical specifications in a few languages, diagrams for use. Some example code | Documentation available in multiple languages, with all features covered and diagrams for use. Some example code | Documentation available in multiple languages, with all features covered and simple diagrams for use. Mechanical and circuit diagrams also included. Example code. Advanced topics covered too |
| Packaging | Little to no thought given to environment. Wasteful use of space leading to higher shipping costs. Excess layers of packaging | Some thought given to environmental packaging & recycling. A few layers of packaging | Some thought given to environmental packaging materials & recycling. Single layer of packaging | Environmentally friendly, packaging designed for recycling with some effort. Packaging is has mostly efficient use of space to cut down on shipping costs | Environmentally friendly, packaging designed for easy recycling. Packaging is small with efficient use of space to cut down on shipping costs |
| Environmental | No consideration given to sourcing, production, supply, delivery or disposal of product, with toxic chemicals used in production | No consideration given to sourcing, production, supply, delivery or disposal of product | Product is efficient to operate, but may have poor environmental production or disposal impacts | Most of the product is sourced from recycled materials, no toxic chemicals used in production, some thought given to production and delivery energy used | Product is sourced from 100% recycled materials, with no toxic chemicals used in production. produced with clean energy, packaging designed to lower delivery costs and disposal of product is taken care of |
total is 4.2
See the transparency notes for details.
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Price excludes shipping and local taxes ↩
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