Thread: Linux help needed - make fun of the N00b

Schools out! This weekend, I should be able to make some success happen on the plug. Once I put a real kernel on the plug, I plan to get:

• USB Serial/FTDI
• Apache/PHP/MySQL
• GPSD
• FBD
• OBDGpsLogger

I'm going planning to make my website much more serious. I'm going to put together a blog of my daily gadgets/computer/electronics endeavors and throughout said blog I will have how-to's/tutorials on how to do what I've done. In there I will go into depth a bout how to actually flash the kernel and install exactly what is needed to make this system work.

Sweet. Please consider making a Sheeva section on wiki.openice.org and document it there. That way others can collaborate and refine when they gets theirs. Same for any other linuxice related bits like the FB, OBDGpsLogger etc.

I also started a Sheeva section on the mp3car wiki.

@Paul - can't wait to see what someone who knows what they are doing will find with this. My Linux books are here and I'm study Linux, php, mySQL in preparation.

Originally Posted by cgalpin

Sweet. Please consider making a Sheeva section on wiki.openice.org and document it there. That way others can collaborate and refine when they gets theirs. Same for any other linuxice related bits like the FB, OBDGpsLogger etc.

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

I also started a Sheeva section on the mp3car wiki.

Yes, when I start posting these, I'll post them around a bit. I will also state that I don't care if anyone else copies my work as long as they just give me some credit.

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

@Paul - can't wait to see what someone who knows what they are doing will find with this. My Linux books are here and I'm study Linux, php, mySQL in preparation.

Best way to learn linux is to use it. Did you read books when you started using Mac OS X? From what I can see, you're pretty good with computers already. Linux shouldn't be too tough for you. Install a full linux distribution on a computer so you can play with it. Try using that computer more than any other. Once you've worked with some GUI in linux, start learning how to do things by the command line.

When I learn something on a computer I usually grab a book, read the first couple of chapters to get me some sort of base and then go back to the book to figure things out on an as-needed basis whenever I feel like the book will help me more than google (which isn't very often).

Wow. I just hacked my sheeva plug up to run on 12 volts. Easiest mod ever. Runs cooler, more efficiently and is lighter without the big 120 to 5 volt transformer. Simply awesome. I'll post a how-to later. I'm thinking of using the extra space inside to permanently mount a 4 port USB hub.

Yeah, there's a ton of space in there and a 4 port hub would be a GREAT idea to put inside!

I took a look at the specs when I got it, but I've forgotten now -it's 12v out from the transformer, right?

Are you using anything to regulate the power?

5 volt out from the transformer. I'm using a CNX-P5V. I'll have the how-to up within an hour.

Alright heres my guide and a start to my website. I at least sort-of have my site's layout done. Theres no real home page right now, but I'm working on it. Soon I should have a few more articles on it too.

http://paulf.dynalias.com/hacking-sheeva-power.php

Tell me what you think.

Well done Paul.

BTW, What was the temp of the sheva before the mod? You initially said it would run cooler, but it sounds like the P5V is actually running hotter. The Carnetix site suggests a heat sink if you have over 1amp draw.

I'd like to do something similar, but keep the existing 120v back the way it is, source a power connector (and maybe another rear half of the case/shell if available), and make a separate power source for the car so I can swap it back and forth without effort.

I am not very familiar with the power converters available - what other products out there are suitable (ie regulated) to power this plus multilple other 5 - 12v devices?