Articles & Blogs > CuBox-i by SolidRun – Quick Start Guide

CuBox-i by SolidRun – Quick Start Guide

By: Curtis Johnson 2018-06-07

Introduction

The DigiKey part number for the CuBox-i4Pro by SolidRun that we are using is CU04W-P-000-00-ND. You can find the datasheet here. SolidRun is billing this as the "smallest computer in the world".

Specifications

This 2" x 2" x 2" package has a full backside of connectors.

(Image source: SolidRun)

There are five configurations that you can choose from.

(Image source: SolidRun)

Installation

SolidRun - Ignition.img

SolidRun provides its own image that you will download to your SD card and use to download the operating system of your choice. Click on the picture below to get to the SolidRun website. Once there, click on "Downloads".

(Image source: SolidRun)

Click "Learn More".

(Image source: SolidRun)

Follow the steps as outlined on the webpage.

(Image source: SolidRun)

Operating System

Once you have etched Ignition.img to your SD card, you can place that in the CuBox and provide power. The following graphics will show you the process of downloading your choice of operating systems.

(Image source: SolidRun)

Since we purchased the remote control, DigiKey part number RC01-ND, we decided to choose an operating system that will allow us to create a type of media center. After some testing of the various operating systems available, we decided on OpenELEC (Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center), which utilizes Kodi to turn the CuBox into an entertainment center.

Click "Install".

(Image source: SolidRun)

Click "Yes" to download the operating system to your SD card.

(Image source: SolidRun)

Click "Yes" to restart.

(Image source: SolidRun)

The CuBox will restart with the operating system you selected.

(Image source: SolidRun)

The first time OpenELEC opens, it will provide three welcome screens that you can click through.

(Image source: SolidRun)

If you have questions on setting up the OpenELEC system, go to openelec.tv and click on "Documentation".

Click here to view the New Product Discovery with Randall Restle where he introduces the SolidRun CuBox-i.

About this author

Curtis Johnson, an Associate Applications Engineering Technician at DigiKey, has been helping customers with technical questions since 2017 and has been with DigiKey since 2015, after a 15 year stint as a banker. Curtis holds an AAS in Electronics Technology Automated Systems, a BA in Psychology (I know, no relation to banking or electronics), a MBA with an Accounting emphasis, completed post-graduate studies in Economics and Finance and will be enrolled in a BS degree program in Computer Science in the Fall of 2018. Curtis is working on getting more of an understanding in the embedded systems, RF, Cellular communications, among others, arenas. In his free time, Curtis enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and learning.