Re: [iPAQ] downloading linux to ipaq details?

On Tue, 7 Nov 2000, Thomas Driemeyer wrote:

> Hi -- this is a question about Linux on iPaq. If I have the wrong
> address, I would appreciate a pointer to the right one. Thanks!
>
> I am now the proud owner of an iPaq because it can run Linux. However,
> unfortunately the most critical part of the Linux install instructions
> are the least precise: "start an xmodem download", in step 13 of
> ftp://ftp.handhelds.org/pub/linux/compaq/ipaq/v0.16/install.html. I
> tried xmodem in Linux minicom and got a tiny error window with rapidly
> scrolling messages containing words like "NAK" and "retry".
>

You need to start the download within ~ 5 seconds of running the load
... command. It has been tested with box Hyperterm and minicom.

> - exactly which terminal program was this tested with? eterm on Win98?
> (Just guessing here.)

Hyperterm and minicom. Probably others, but I cannot comment on them, us a U
have not tried them.

>
> - what kind of xmodem is supported by the bootldr, regular or 1K? Are
> y/zmodem or other subformats properly rejected?
>
> - will the bootldr refuse to flash an incorrectly received Linux kernel?
>

I believe so, but I will leave the real answer to the compaq guys (george, jg,
jamey). I think, as long as the transfer successed (sp), which can happen, even
with naks..The loader will flash...

> - how long does the process take? Since the download is only about 55 KB,
> I would expect about ten seconds for flashing.
>

Well, the bootloader is very quick. The rest takes a long time...about 1 hour to
do everything I think...

> - ideally, I would like to see detailed step-by-step instructions for
> the download. We are talking about a rather expensive piece of
> equipment (more so over here in Europe), and a warning that a mistake
> would reduce it to a doorstop is not encouraging.
>

More detailed then what we have? Screen shots? What else do you think we can
add. If you think Screen shots would help, please feel free to contribute them.

> Anyway, good to see that Compaq actively supports Linux. I would never
> have bought the iPaq otherwise, WinCE is really bad for someone like
> me who comes from the PalmOS world. So many unnecessary complications
> from applying a nonapplicable desktop metaphor, so few features, and
> so closed...
>
> Once I get this running, I would like to write and contribute software.
> For example, I have some rather successful freeware projects going and
> would like to support the iPaq. Is there a mailing list specifically for
> handheld-Linux developers? The ones I found are very low-volume and
> mostly contain beginner questions.
>

That would be great!

> Thanks for your help!
>
> Thomas
>
> --
> Thomas Driemeyer thomas@bitrot.de www.bitrot.de +49-30-89092917
>
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>

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edwardam@handhelds.org
-----------------------
'It's because crappy programs offend me.' --Eric Raymond