Please note: Quartz64 in the picture NOT included.

This little board adds a TOSLink optical audio output for the Quartz64 single-board computer, so that you can enjoy crisp clean SPDIF digital audio.

I've made this board to provide a simple and neat way to use the SPDIF output found on PINE64's Quartz64 single board computer. It plugs directly into your Quartz64's GPIO header, and exposes all pins it plugs into on its top side for stacking. Two rows of pins are used for the sake of stability, the back row of 3 is not electrically connected in any way and can be used worry-free with the stackable pin headers.

Simply plug the board into the left-most GPIO pins with the TOSLink port facing away from the board, and you're good to go!

When unplugging or plugging in a TOSLink cable, please ensure to support the board with your fingers, or even better, unplug it from the Quartz64 and plug it back in with the cable attached.

The board conforms to RoHS; all components are RoHS-compliant, and the solder used for assembly is lead-free. However, I still urge customers, their children and their animals to not ingest the board.

Questions and Answers

Will this board work with other single-board computers?

No but yes. It won't plug straight in; other PINE64 boards have a different pin layout for the GPIO header. However, you can use 2.54mm jumper cables to bridge the SPDIF, 3.3V and GND pins of those to the adapter board, if you don't mind a little jank.

For SBCs without an SPDIF pin, this won't work.

How is the board assembled?

By me, with a soldering iron, and moderate amounts of swearing. Lead-free SnCuNiGe solder is used, as well as flux where appropriate. After soldering, the flux residue is cleaned off using isopropyl alcohol and an ESD-safe brush.

How is the board shipped?

In an antistatic bag, safely taped down inside a cardboard box to make sure it's not crushed in transit. All customs and duties are paid by the recipient.

What software do I need?

Mainline Linux since 5.16 onwards will work straight out of the box.

SPDIF output will show up as a regular ALSA audio card, so your favourite audio servers and software should Just Werk™ provided you choose the correct output device.

Can I make one of these myself?

Of course! A link to the KiCAD project can be found below. The design is licensed under the CERN-OHL-P license.