Meet VGA Switch, the first open hardware project released by Ubuntu

Along with software-related news, Mark Shuttleworth announced and briefly presented, at UDS-Q, the first open hardware project released by Ubuntu, VGA Switch.

The pocket-sized device has a more niche usefulness, allowing testers and developers to disconnect a VGA display from a running system in order to simulate a "user plugging in an external display or projector".

The VGA Switch uses relays to connect and disconnect all 15 pins for the VGA connector, featuring a manual rocker switch on the side in order to allow fast and easy connect and disconnect the VGA device actions.

The Ubuntu device is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license, source code/design files (eagle CAD board design files, output files required to manufacter the PC board, bill of materials and a case design in openscad format suitable for printing on a makerbot) are available on http://kernel.ubuntu.com/git?p=ubuntu/ubuntu-ohw.git;a=summary