There are two pcie 1lanes connected to two minipcie seats. However, a high-speed wifi7 card like BE14 requires 2lane pcie, which is our special setting. I set it so that it can be directly inserted into BE14, and customers do not need to use it as two minipcie
I mean change slot A like so (could also change slot B):
So now we can use a standard 2-lane pcie3.0 M2.A+E card in slot A on this board, not only a custom made one.
PS: Would have been nice if also the first R4 had this.
Or, as alternative, BPI could produce a mpcie to m.2-a+e adapter with two lanes in copper. Could be usable on R4 and R4lite Then we could also use a standard 2-lane pcie3.0 M2.A+E card.
With the possibility to use standard 2-lane pcie3.0 M2.A+E cards, I think it would attract more buyers as they would have a lot more options to choose a setup.
Because the power consumption and size of AP WiFi chips are relatively large, the module size cannot be made small.
Currently, AP modules are basically mPCIe.
The M.2 A+E cards you mentioned should refer to MT7925, QCNCM865, etc.?
These cards are STA modules and are not suitable for AP, but if it is some simple usage scenarios, and these cards can meet the needs, we are considering making adapter.
I’m pretty sure you should use the 1x4 GB RAM for the R4 Lite!
I know, 2 GB is much more than most routers have and most people need!
But the question is, what is the price difference between 2 GB and 4 GB?
My problem is the following:
I bought the R4. The first R4s were publicly available in December 2023, right? Now BananaPI came to the conclusion that 2 x 4GB is a good idea for the R4 . Yes, but it was a good idea, but right from the beginning!
Probably, I may never need more than 2 x 2 GB.
My fellings now are not easy to descripe. I lost something which I never had .
In general, you have developed further in the following areas:
I.)
USB Type-C port for debugging, which also means you have the chips included on the board . This IS a game changer in many ways:
→ We did not need to discuss which chip is compatible.
→ It will decrease the amount of frustrated people who realize they will need an additional USB to TTL Serial Adapter.
→ This will make it impossible to damage the serial port by using an adapter that uses a logic voltage of 5V.
→ Fewer frustrated people because they mix up TX and RX and do not get it running!
→ Cleaner desk.
→ The possibility to take an ordinary USB-C cable for debugging increases the usability and provides a quick start even for a layman!
II.)
Direct use of an RTC battery
→ R3 no battery, R4 possibility
R4 lite = direct use without additional effort.
III.)
MikroBUS Header on the Board → Will Banana Pi provide the necessary driver support to ensure seamless integration and functionality of the MikroBUS socket within official OpenWrt?
In this parts I do not see a “Light” board. I see a heavy progress!
. Yes, but it was a good idea, but right from the beginning!
Probably, I may never need more than 2 x 2 GB.
My fellings now are not easy to descripe. I lost something which I never had 
.
.
. This IS a game changer in many ways:
