April 2007 - WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

Recycling Electronics
by dulsi＠identicalsoftware.com 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

Anyone know where I can recycle old electronics? I've got a dead TV and amiga monitor. I should probably get rid of the old amiga computer as well and perhaps other spare/broken parts. Dennis Payne dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com

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Re: [Wlug] Recycling Electronics
by Jamie Guinan 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

On Tue, 10 Apr 2007, dulsi(a)identicalsoftware.com wrote: > Anyone know where I can recycle old electronics? I've got a dead TV > and amiga monitor. I should probably get rid of the old amiga > computer as well and perhaps other spare/broken parts. http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/crtrsbz.htm http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd2003/ I paid $30 to get rid of a dead 27in Sony at E.L. Harvey in Westborough. I would have looked around for a better deal (my town takes them for $10, between 9am-noon *one* day a year), but I had to make room in my garage. -Jamie

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ULTRA1 Gentoo Install presents a problem
by ken jones 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

Mike wrote: "I fear you have just only gotten through the easy part!!" Mike's words rang true this morning. While doing "tar xvjf /mnt/gentoo/portage-latest.tar.bz2 -C /mnt/gentoo/usr" the machine stopped dead. This has happened twice. I fear that I do not have enough hard disk space, but I would hope for a gentler error message. Here is Gentoo Install's last gasp while extracting the Portage snap shot. I was connected to the Gentoo box via ssh. ------------snip from tar output--------- portage/eclass/tla.eclass portage/eclass/perl-app.eclass portage/eclass/gtk-engines.eclass portage/eclass/perl-post.eclass portage/eclass/rpm.eclass portage/eclass/rox.eclass portage/eclass/xfree.eclass Read from remote host 192.168.1.110: No route to host Connection to 192.168.1.110 closed. [1]+ Done emacs /root/.ssh/known_hosts [root@kjones-fedora .ssh]# --------end snip---------- At this point all terminals on the machine do not respond. Is there a way that I can get back to this stage? If I power cycle I get back to the livecd prompt and all my INSTALL work is lost - I think. If [stop a] works I still must boot cdrom to get started again. Any ideas? Here is the hard disk/partition setup. They are not very big :'( -----------snip from fdisk results---------- livecd gentoo # fdisk /dev/sda Command (m for help): p Disk /dev/sda (Sun disk label): 16 heads, 135 sectors, 3880 cylinders Units = cylinders of 2160 * 512 bytes Device Flag Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sda1 0 463 500040 83 Linux native /dev/sda2 u 463 694 249480 82 Linux swap /dev/sda3 0 3880 4190400 5 Whole disk /dev/sda4 694 3880 3440880 83 Linux native Command (m for help): q livecd gentoo # fdisk /dev/sdb Command (m for help): p Disk /dev/sdb (Sun disk label): 19 heads, 80 sectors, 2733 cylinders Units = cylinders of 1520 * 512 bytes Device Flag Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sdb1 0 658 500080 83 Linux native /dev/sdb2 u 658 2733 1577000 83 Linux native /dev/sdb3 0 2733 2077080 5 Whole disk Ken Jones

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DSL testing
by Keith Wright 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

After several years of near flawless working, I am starting to have trouble with my DSL connection. A few times per year the modem would lock-up. It was rare enough that I did not worry much, I figured it was due to lightening or cosmic rays. In any case, it was rare enough that I could think of no way to debug it, and there seemed to be no real reason to, the power went out more often than the DSL. Lately it has been happening several times a day, I just got done with a burst of about ten consecutive lock-ups. I will be browsing the web, or something and it will just quit working. Ping of the ISP's nearest computer (by IP addr) does not work. I go to the modem, pull out the power plug, wait a few seconds, plug it in, wait for it to boot up, and it works again until the next time. I complained to the ISP (Speakeasy) and the nice guy there said: > I had a look at your circuit and see a sync at 1536 > kbps Downstream / 384 kbps Upstream with decibel > margins of 2.0 dB Downstream / 17.0 dB Upstream. The > downstream decibel margins are very low and as a > result, your line is incrementing heavy errors. I asked if I could see these numbers myself, so that I could try some re-wiring to see if it made the problem better (or worse). He said: > You won't be able to see real time Layer 2 stats of > your circuit, as this information is accessed from > the DSLAM in the Central Office. But I know I have heard some of you talking about statistics gathering programs for network performance. Does anyone know of a program that might help to see how well a DSL line is working, or other diagnostic tools for this? -- Keith

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Re: [Wlug] Revised Consulting project - Embedded Linux developer
by Clint Moyer 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

I'm pretty sure we've never seen any pissing matches on this mailing list. Let's squelch this discussion before it becomes one, shall we? Clint ---- John Spencer <jspencer(a)optimaleng.com> wrote: ============= Keith, Not sure why you felt compelled to be so publicly negative. My personal contact info was on the posting. You could have contacted me directly. Perhaps you had a bad day when you read this and could not resist the temptation to slam someone you don't know. There are any number of factors that could cause a company to revise their needs. One item that I am sure is NOT on that list as you state is "they have no idea what they are doing, but would love to have a consultant to blame". For further clarification, this project always required strong embedded Linux and C skills. They are now hoping to find someone that also has the J2ME, but know that is a difficult skill to find and may have some resources that can chip in and help with that part of the project. It also gives someone the opportunity to pick up some J2ME skills. If anyone, including you Keith, would like to discuss this further, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email directly. Regards, John (978) 256-1113 x7608 jspencer(a)optimaleng.com OPTIMAL ENGINEERING PARTNERS "Your Optimal partner for full-lifecycle engineering services in embedded and real-time, systems and application development" -----Original Message----- From: Keith Wright [mailto:kwright@keithdiane.us] Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 11:51 PM To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org; John Spencer Subject: Re: [Wlug] Revised Consulting project - Embedded Linux developer > From: "John Spencer" <jspencer(a)optimaleng.com> > > My client in MA has the following needs for ... At first I thought this was just a repost of a message from a week ago, but it is, in fact, a revision. Other than some trivial re-formatting and typo correction, these are the differences: $ diff consult.txt consult-new.txt 6c6 < Linux J2ME consultant(s). --- > an embedded Linux/C consultant(s). 21c21 < Mobile Embedded Linux architect --- > Embedded Linux architect 34c34 < Linux, strong knowledge of Java ME(J2ME), --- > Linux and C. Any knowledge of Java ME(J2ME) is a plus, So it seems that in the last week the project has been changed from Java to C. You could take this as a sign that they are open to doing it in your favorite language, or you could take this as a sign that they have no idea what they are doing, but would love to have a consultant to blame. But you had better hurry > Estimated about 3 mths to do this piece of the project. > > The development team exists and is ready to begin the porting effort, > but needs strong guidance from an experienced, senior architect. Must > be able to start soon. because you are already late. -- Keith _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Revised Consulting project - Embedded Linux developer
by John Spencer 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

My client in MA has the following needs for an embedded Linux/C consultant(s). This could be one position if the developer can do the architecture as well. Otherwise they will need an architect as well as a developer. If you are qualified and interested, please give me a call or send me an email. 1. Architect key changes to their thin client which is Linux 2.6 based which is being moved over to a mobile device. The key is architecture. Strong documentation, strong embedded Linux (ideally 2.6). Estimated about 3 weeks to do the architecture. 2. Development role will include constructing the framework, defining the API, implementing lower layer (abstraction) interfaces from sockets to application stacks like SIP/RTP, etc. strong C and Linux. Embedded Linux architect required to perform high level analysis and design work for a project that involves porting an existing thick client to a Linux/Java environment for the mobile industry. Consultant's responsibilities will include: - taking the recommendations from the customer - quickly learning the existing client architecture - identifying and developing the best approach to porting the client - delivering a complete design and porting guide using best practices - remaining available for ad-hoc consultation throughout the stages of the port Successful consultant must have solid experience in embedded Linux and C. Any knowledge of Java ME(J2ME) is a plus, experience in designing clients for such environments, and the proven ability to lead a team in the initial design phases of a project. Estimated about 3 mths to do this piece of the project. The development team exists and is ready to begin the porting effort, but needs strong guidance from an experienced, senior architect. Must be able to start soon. Regards, John John Spencer (978) 256-1113 ext 7608 jspencer(a)optimaleng.com OPTIMAL ENGINEERING PARTNERS "Your Optimal partner for full-lifecycle engineering services in embedded and real-time, systems and application development" www.optimalengineering.com <http://www.optimalengineering.com/>

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Consulting project - Linux kernel
by John Spencer 10 Apr '07

10 Apr '07

Our client in MA (LOCAL and QUALIFIED Candidates only please) has a need for a Linux kernel consultant for a 6+ mth project. Kernel development project in embedded Linux development team. Job responsibilities include bringing up Linux 2.6 kernel in new embedded system, integrating kernel into build control system, bug fixing and new additions. This kernel work will be across a diversity of kernel subsystems. Linux kernel support, system tuning, and platform software development. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: - Candidate should have kernel development experience with Linux or UNIX operating systems. They are currently working with Linux 2.4.21 specifically for legacy and 2.6.current for new embedded environment. - Familiarity required with kernel debugging, process management, and kernel system management interfaces. - Kernel-level driver development and system tuning. - Understand the design and implementation of the Linux operating system and have prior experience with the installation and configuration of Linux and system utilities - Familiarity with the following processors: PowerPC 440GP for legacy and Freescale for new is a plus. - Perform system-level and regression testing. - Security patch integration. - Knowledge and understanding of IP protocols - Knowledge of USB drivers If you are interested and qualified, please send email to jspencer(a)optimaleng.com Regards, John John Spencer (978) 256-1113 ext 7608 jspencer(a)optimaleng.com OPTIMAL ENGINEERING PARTNERS "Your Optimal partner for full-lifecycle engineering services in embedded and real-time, systems and application development" www.optimalengineering.com <http://www.optimalengineering.com/>

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REMINDER: Upcoming WLUG Meeting
by Andy Stewart 08 Apr '07

08 Apr '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Wednesday, April 11th, at 7:00 PM in the Access Grid room on the WPI campus in Worcester, MA USA. At this meeting, Andy Stewart will give a presentation on his recent work with the Delcom USB I/O Development Board. Part of this work involves writing a Linux kernel device driver for the board, which will be discussed in some detail. This is my first attempt at writing a Linux device driver. The hardware is exposed to the user via sysfs. Reference usbled.c to get an idea of how this driver is coded. Another part of this work involves hardware add-ons such as an I2C memory chip and a character LCD display, both of which will be demonstrated at the meeting. Yes, we'll see some blinking LEDs, too! Afterwards, we'll talk about the May meeting, and my hope that we can have a PGP key signing party at that meeting. I'm looking for a volunteer or two to run the May meeting, since I don't know how to properly run a PGP key signing. Besides that, I'm hoping to get my passport back from the US Govt. before that meeting (it is being renewed). I'll bring these books for the free raffle: - The Ruby Way - 2nd Edition, Addison-Wesley - Java in a Nutshell, O'Reilly (used) - User Mode Linux, Prentice Hall We should also talk about this summer's WLUG party/BBQ. If there is anybody who lives nearby that would like to host the party, please let me know. (BTW, what ever happened to the pictures from last year?) We'll then adjourn to the Tech Pizza restaurant for food, drink, and good conversation. See ya later, Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group (http://www.wlug.org) Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group (http://linux.meetup.com/393) Amateur Radio: KB1OIQ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFGGSVMHl0iXDssISsRAhakAJsGCJppUrc6ApUydyB8ySXWQuHWAgCePvG4 ySP5mx39OBBoOx7u2t7iNE8= =04D0 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Success with my bootless ULTRA1
by ken jones 08 Apr '07

08 Apr '07

Thank you all for your suggestions. The SUN ULTRA1 booted! The screen said, " Welcome to Gentoo Linux LiveCD". The trick was from the "ok" prompt to get the address of the CD reader. This was done using devalias. Then ok> boot /sbus/SUNW, fas@e,8800000/sd@6, 0:f worked! I do not know gentoo at all having cut my teeth on aurora and fedora. This will be an adventure. Thanks again everyone. Ken Jones

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Re: [Wlug] Success with my bootless ULTRA1
by Mike Leo 08 Apr '07

08 Apr '07

I fear you have just only gotten through the easy part!! Good luck with Gentoo.....(insert diabolical laughter) ----- Original Message ---- From: ken jones <kjones(a)ziplink.net> To: WLUG <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> Sent: Sunday, April 8, 2007 11:39:06 AM Subject: [Wlug] Success with my bootless ULTRA1 Thank you all for your suggestions. The SUN ULTRA1 booted! The screen said, " Welcome to Gentoo Linux LiveCD". The trick was from the "ok" prompt to get the address of the CD reader. This was done using devalias. Then ok> boot /sbus/SUNW, fas@e,8800000/sd@6, 0:f worked! I do not know gentoo at all having cut my teeth on aurora and fedora. This will be an adventure. Thanks again everyone. Ken Jones _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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