Linux help needed - make fun of the N00b - Page 7

chunkyks · 06-16-2009, 12:51 AM

ftdi problems?

Gary (-;

PaulF · 06-20-2009, 12:52 AM

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.

cgalpin · 06-20-2009, 11:01 AM

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.

Bugbyte · 06-20-2009, 12:22 PM

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.

PaulF · 06-20-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote: 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.

Quote: 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.

Quote: 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).

PaulF · 06-21-2009, 12:31 PM

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.

Bugbyte · 06-21-2009, 10:53 PM

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?

PaulF · 06-21-2009, 11:23 PM

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

PaulF · 06-22-2009, 12:58 AM

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.

cgalpin · 06-22-2009, 09:02 AM

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?

Bugbyte · 06-22-2009, 09:25 AM

The P5V is perfect for this. It is effectively a linear regulator with some noise filtering and a soft on/off sense. It runs about $25.

Fortunately, I have one of these on hand.

I think when I mod mine, I'll include an SPDT switch on a separate input for the accessory line and green wire. That way, you can either have it always on, boot up each time the car starts, or just keep it off if you want.

cgalpin · 06-22-2009, 09:33 AM

Thanks. Yeah I think it's time to give the mp3car store some luvin

PaulF · 06-22-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by cgalpin

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.

The temp of the Sheeva overall feels cooler, but if you touch that screw then it is hot. The 5 volt draw is under .8 amps. Since this is going in the trunk of a car, and there are almost no cooling features in the plug, I think I'm going to stick a couple of fans in it.

Quote: Originally Posted by cgalpin

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.

If you do that, you'll be spending more money than you need to.
Once you mod it, you can get one of these guys for 6 bucks for when you want to power it inside the house. Personally, I'm just using a desktop power supply hooked up to it. If you wanted to get fancy, you could even pick up a couple of barrel connectors and stick a female on the plug, a male on the 12 volt supply in the house and another male in the car, for extremely quick switching from car to house.

Quote: Originally Posted by cgalpin

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?

The MP3car store has two 12 volt to 5 volt regulatores. One from opus and one from Carnetix. The opus is 10 bucks more expensive but probably does run cooler overall.

cgalpin · 06-22-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulF

The temp of the Sheeva overall feels cooler, but if you touch that screw then it is hot. The 5 volt draw is under .8 amps. Since this is going in the trunk of a car, and there are almost no cooling features in the plug, I think I'm going to stick a couple of fans in it.

If you have a heat sink lying around, please try it. Running cool is important, and I really think this can happen without adding fans which are just more things to go wrong.

charles

Bugbyte · 06-22-2009, 10:54 AM

Heat sink < power than fans. If you're only pulling .8 amps, a heat sink should do okay.

Theoretically, you can do this super cheap with a 5 volt regulator from Radio Shack for $1.59 and heat sink for $1.49.

It's rated to 1 amp. If you need more juice, you can use two in parallel. Not the most elegant solution, but it should suffice.

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