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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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ping command expansion
by Chuck Noyes 05 Apr '07

05 Apr '07

Hi All, I want to ping lots and lots of consecutive ip addresses. If I issue ping 192.168.1.{1,2,3}, I get ping 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.2 192.168.1.3 which isn't exactly what I want. How can I issue a "short-hand" ping command, that will expand to ping 192.168.1.1 ping 192.168.1.2 ping 192.168.1.3 etc. TIA, -- -Chuck

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My bootless ULTRA1
by ken jones 04 Apr '07

04 Apr '07

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Consulting project - Linux J2ME Architect and developer
by John Spencer 04 Apr '07

04 Apr '07

My client in MA has the following needs for Linux J2ME consultant(s). This could be one position if the developer can do the architecture as well. Otherwise they will need and 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. Mobile 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, strong knowledge of Java ME(J2ME), 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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vpn solution
by Michael Long 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

I now have a need to setup a vpn to my office network and I have just enough admin skills to be dangerous. I am running opensuse 10.2. Am I better off installing openswan (or some other vpn solution) or purchasing an appliance with a vpn built into it. My main concerns are ease of use and security. I am currently using a linksys router as my firewall and gateway to the internet. Each of my computers inside the network also have there own firewalls. Thanks, Mike

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Re: [Wlug] vpn solution
by freak4uxxx＠gmail.com 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

do you just need remote access (shell / email) or do you need a bunch of stuff? while I don't have much expirience w/vpns, tunnelling via ssh handles what I do very well. Add securing it via pub/priv keys and its set. -Eric -----Original Message----- From: Michael Long <mlong(a)datalong.com> Subj: [Wlug] vpn solution Date: Tue Apr 3, 2007 7:21 am Size: 601 bytes To: WLUG <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> I now have a need to setup a vpn to my office network and I have just enough admin skills to be dangerous. I am running opensuse 10.2. Am I better off installing openswan (or some other vpn solution) or purchasing an appliance with a vpn built into it. My main concerns are ease of use and security. I am currently using a linksys router as my firewall and gateway to the internet. Each of my computers inside the network also have there own firewalls. Thanks, Mike _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Re: [Wlug] Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner
by Jamie Guinan 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

On Mon, 2 Apr 2007, Andy Stewart wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > Tim Keller wrote: > > This is what I would do. > > > > 1. Install "lsusb". It behaves much like lspci so you can what devices > > are on your system. > > > > When you do a "lsusb" it'll list what devices are hanging off of each > > USB bus. Do a before and after so you can see the major/minor numbers. > > > > 2. When you know the devices major and minor number you can write a > > program using libusb that'll look for the device, open the device if it > > exists, take posession of it and then read data to and from it, hopefully. > > http://libusb.sourceforge.net/doc/examples-code.html > > > > Looking at that example, I don't think it would be too hard to whip up a > > program to open the device and then loop until there's input and then > > dump it on the screen. > > > > Thanks, > > Tim. > > HI Tim, > > Thanks for the tip about libusb. I have lsusb installed, and I also > have usbview. > > I'm surprised that I can't find the proper thing to "cat" to see output > from the barcode reader. That would be the shell equivalent of what you > propose. If I could find that, I'd be in business. I'm 99% certain > that I'm looking in the right place. Now, I wonder if it is possible > that the barcode reader is defective.......hummmmm. > > Once I find the right file to "cat", whipping up a program to grab the > bytes and deal with them would be fairly trivial, I agree. > > Thanks! > > Andy It might be that the device needs some initialization before it will start returning data. I wouldn't expect this for a HID device, but since the event* nodes aren't showing anything, who knows... In the kernel, it would be interesting to see what happens if you turn on DEBUG in hid-input.c, which currently contains, #undef DEBUG ... static void hidinput_configure_usage() ... goto ignore; // lots of these gotos! -jamieg ... ignore: #ifdef DEBUG printk("IGNORED\n"); #endif -Jamie

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New Paging System Makes Scrolling Obsolete
by Bruce Linnell 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

http://www.dorks.com/videos/books.html

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Re: [Wlug] Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner
by Jamie Guinan 02 Apr '07

02 Apr '07

> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > > Hi Everybody, > > Jamie Guinan wrote: > > > >> See if "evdev" is loaded, then try reading the various > >> /dev/input/event* nodes. > > Yes, evdev is loaded and I see some /dev/input/event* nodes. The unique > ones for this device (that show up when I plug in the device) are event3 > and event4. Also, I see mouse1 and ts1. > > > > >> I have a USB keyboard here. Oh neat, under 2.6.19, they even give you > >> a path that matches the device ids, > > > >> # od -x /dev/input/by-id/usb-1241_1203-event-kbd > >> (tap tap tap...) > >> 0000000 92a9 460e 0000 0000 36dc 000b 0000 0000 > >> 0000020 0001 001c 0000 0000 92a9 460e 0000 0000 > >> 0000040 36e0 000b 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 > >> ... > > In /dev/input/by-id, I see: > usb-Cypress_Cypress_PS.2_Keyboard-event-{kbd,mouse} > usb-Cypress_Cypress_PS.2_Keyboard-mouse > > I tried your "od -x" trick on each of these to no avail. I pointed the > barcode scanner at some arbitrary barcodes, and it beeped and turned off > the red light, but nothing appeared on my screen as a result of the "od -x". > > Are there other possibilities to consider? At this point I'd start putting printk's and turning on DEBUGs in the kernel source. For starters, drivers/usb/input/hid-core.c:hid_input_report() drivers/usb/input/hid-input.c:hidinput_configure_usage() I typically do something like this, $ make $ make modules_install INSTALL_MOD_PATH=$(pwd)/tmp (don't go installing under /lib just yet) $ rmmod foo $ insmod ./tmp/..../foo.ko [ unplug, replug, dmesg, tail messages, rinse, repeat ] -Jamie

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Re: [Wlug] "Filesize limit exceeded" error
by freak4uxxx＠gmail.com 02 Apr '07

02 Apr '07

what's the filesystem? -Eric -----Original Message----- From: Chuck Noyes <vze284qe(a)verizon.net> Subj: [Wlug] "Filesize limit exceeded" error Date: Sun Apr 1, 2007 2:02 pm Size: 505 bytes To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org Hi All, I'm trying to copy a 7.9GB tgz file to an external USB drive. The external drive is 500GB. About half way through the cp process, I get the error message: 8119 file size limit exceeded cp maui-Sun.tgz /media/My\ Book/chuck/ There's plenty of space on the USB drive. I'm running 'edgy eft' on a laptop. Any ideas on what might be going on here?? TIA, -- -Chuck _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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"Filesize limit exceeded" error
by Chuck Noyes 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

Hi All, I'm trying to copy a 7.9GB tgz file to an external USB drive. The external drive is 500GB. About half way through the cp process, I get the error message: 8119 file size limit exceeded cp maui-Sun.tgz /media/My\ Book/chuck/ There's plenty of space on the USB drive. I'm running 'edgy eft' on a laptop. Any ideas on what might be going on here?? TIA, -- -Chuck

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Re: [Wlug] Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner
by Jamie Guinan 31 Mar '07

31 Mar '07

On Fri, 30 Mar 2007, Andy Stewart wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > > HI everybody, > > Does anybody in the group have any experience using a USB barcode > scanner with Linux? Its tough to google for "barcode scanner" since > each term brings up its own set of things which aren't what I seek. > > In particular, I have been loaned a USB barcode scanner which is made by > PSC, Inc. with model number QS2500. When I plug it into my laptop, the > USB vendor and device IDs are 04B4:0101. I looked this up on the Linux > USB devices website and it has multiple references (mostly to USB > keyboards). > > I think this device is being handled as a USB HID device, but I'm not > certain. Hi Andy, See if "evdev" is loaded, then try reading the various /dev/input/event* nodes. I have a USB keyboard here. Oh neat, under 2.6.19, they even give you a path that matches the device ids, # od -x /dev/input/by-id/usb-1241_1203-event-kbd (tap tap tap...) 0000000 92a9 460e 0000 0000 36dc 000b 0000 0000 0000020 0001 001c 0000 0000 92a9 460e 0000 0000 0000040 36e0 000b 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ... C code, #include <linux/input.h> int keyboardFd = open(kbdev, O_RDWR); struct input_event ev; int n = read(keyboardFd, &ev, sizeof(ev)); See the fields in ev, you'll get events for press/release, keycode, etc. Have fun! -Jamie > > I'm wondering if Linux has any software that would read the value from a > barcode scanner and do something with it. If I knew which device file > was used, maybe I could "cat <devfile>" and see some output when I > scanned a barcode. > > Note that there are several examples of software for printing barcodes, > but that's not what I need (at least not yet). > > Any help would be appreciated. > > Thanks! > > 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 > > iD8DBQFGDcRgHl0iXDssISsRAjF2AJ98hr6d4i2EMSQ5AvAWiiyfPLHdWACeLSm+ > uCN6IcuTTYvDZbz44z+t4I4= > =gdbi > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

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Gigabit NICs for Linux
by sageman＠WPI.EDU 31 Mar '07

31 Mar '07

All, Recently, I've been looking to upgrade my current network setup and make the push to gigabit. At the moment, I'm looking for any suggestions on gigabit NICs that folks have got working under the 2.6 kernel, preferably without too much effort. I'm currently looking at the Rosewill RC-400, which supposedly uses the r8169 module. Any one happen to have any luck with that? Additionally, I'm looking for a gigabit switch. Only need like 4-8 ports and would like it, again, to work very easily. Never used a switch, just hubs and routers. Right now, have a hub hooked into a router. From what I understand, if I replace the hub with a switch, it should *just work*. Basically, a switch is like a hub, but with full duplex support and maybe some fancy QoS features or something, right? My plan is to plug the high bandwidth internetwork connections into the switch which then connects into my router and through to a cable modem. Basically, fast connection on the network for transferring files, streaming and such, but, when it comes to the internet, cable modem is the bottleneck, so who cares if the router supports gigabit, right? Does this sound reasonable to you network folks out there? Thanks for all your help! Carlton Stedman

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Re: [Wlug] Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner
by Mike Leo 31 Mar '07

31 Mar '07

we had a demo model, too....it basically just scanned in the data as if you typed it in on the keyboard. ----- Original Message ---- From: Mike Frysinger <vapier(a)gentoo.org> To: wlug(a)mail.wlug.org Cc: Brian J. Conway <bconway(a)alum.wpi.edu>; andystewart(a)comcast.net Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 10:44:56 PM Subject: Re: [Wlug] Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner On Friday 30 March 2007, Brian J. Conway wrote: > We used similar devices extensively in our wafer fab at my old job (hi > Mike), moo > though not under Linux more than a couple times as my desk. Since > my experience is only partially relevant, I can offer a few words as a > start. The scanners we used had interchangeable cables: When using a PS/2 > wedge (pass-thru) cable, it sat between the keyboard and the computer and > passed data as a standard keyboard, no drivers required and OS-agnostic. > When using a USB cable, it functioned as an HID device, and required only > the standard Windows HID keyboard driver. Scanning would send data as an > HID keyboard input. In both cases, it was transparent to any program we > were using (a simple terminal emulator, in our case), but we did need to > scan a configuration code out of the manual each time we changed cable > types. yeah, the scanners tend to be pretty simplistic ... they usually just send the scanned barcode values straight through ... actually, you'd be surprised how many of these things are runnnig Linux themselves ... some of them you can hijack, but once you get past the novelty of it, the device isnt terribly useful without their application ... -mike _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

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Seeking help with a USB barcode scanner
by Andy Stewart 31 Mar '07

31 Mar '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI everybody, Does anybody in the group have any experience using a USB barcode scanner with Linux? Its tough to google for "barcode scanner" since each term brings up its own set of things which aren't what I seek. In particular, I have been loaned a USB barcode scanner which is made by PSC, Inc. with model number QS2500. When I plug it into my laptop, the USB vendor and device IDs are 04B4:0101. I looked this up on the Linux USB devices website and it has multiple references (mostly to USB keyboards). I think this device is being handled as a USB HID device, but I'm not certain. I'm wondering if Linux has any software that would read the value from a barcode scanner and do something with it. If I knew which device file was used, maybe I could "cat <devfile>" and see some output when I scanned a barcode. Note that there are several examples of software for printing barcodes, but that's not what I need (at least not yet). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 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 iD8DBQFGDcRgHl0iXDssISsRAjF2AJ98hr6d4i2EMSQ5AvAWiiyfPLHdWACeLSm+ uCN6IcuTTYvDZbz44z+t4I4= =gdbi -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting topic(s)
by Terry S 30 Mar '07

30 Mar '07

I have a new digital camera I haven't even used yet. I'd be more than happy to bring my camera. I'm curious to understand, will these be publicly viewable pictures, or *only* viewable to those who have your key? (P.S. I've never made a key before, so this is a good topic for me.) On Tue, Mar 27, 2007 at 11:03:05PM -0400, Keith Wright wrote: > > Also, maybe somebody with a digital camera > > could take pictures of WLUG leaders and > > followers, and put them on the web site, > > together with public key identifiers. > > Despite being told several times over the > > past few years, I don't remember most > > people's names, but I might be able to > > if I had a chance to practice at home > > with my web browser. > > > > It is only somewhat useful to have a > > record in your keyring that says you were > > once convinced that the name goes with the > > key, if you have totally forgotten what > > person goes with the name.

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Upcoming meeting topic(s)
by Andy Stewart 29 Mar '07

29 Mar '07

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, We appear to have a choice of meeting topics for April: 1) PGP Key signing party 2) My talk about the USB Delcom driver that goes with this piece of hardware: http://www.delcom-eng.com/productdetails.asp?productnum=802004 I'd rather move my talk out to May, but I could do it for April if that what folks desire. If we do the key signing party, I am wondering if Eric and Chuck would like to team up to run it. If so, does the April meeting work for you? Thoughts? Thanks, 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 iD8DBQFGCIrEHl0iXDssISsRAo1MAJ9X8rVpCxpQXSsF/TQwH2Jzv9HRBgCeMzzS WgmcOYfMRxy61ULEEkQHmMo= =oCZq -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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JOBS - Linux consultants needed
by John Spencer 28 Mar '07

28 Mar '07

We have 2 clients in MA that have needs for Linux expertise. Both descriptions are below. Please call or email me if you are qualified or have additional questions. Software Tools Engineer (6+ mths; temp to perm possible) Consultant needed to develop software tools using C++ and Perl scripting to develop and implement flows for verification infrastructure. Skills needed are strong software development skills using C++, Perl, Linux, some Web dev't, and SQL databases(MySQL). Candidate will implement and improve model build, regression and metric measurement tools for unit and full chip level microprocessor verification flows. ************************************************************************ **************** Consultant needed (6+ mths., temp to perm possible) as part of a small team to produce high quality functional specifications, design specifications, product code, unit tests, and build scripts as needed. You must also be able to rapidly and effectively troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve defects in an existing code base. You must be comfortable selecting and maintaining an appropriate focus in your daily work that will range from broad and abstract system architecture issues to detailed and concrete implementation issues. This is a currently a small team so anyone joining will be involved with a number of things. The main focus will be at the Linux Kernel / Hardware integration layer but you may be involved at multiple levels of the product software and build environment. Responsibilities: - Provide software support and integration for new hardware features as they get added to the platform - Provide Linux support to upgrade Linux distribution as well as associated build environment - Work on low level features such as Software Upgrade - Instrument code and help analyze resource utilization - Maintain code repository - Address operational issues - Work with team on code releases Requirements - BS or MS in Computer Science, or equivalent experience - Either Real-Time OS or DSP experience - Experience in Linux, C, C++, Perl - Innovation and attention to detail - Ability to work independently but to know to get direction when you need it - Ability to work well with others on a small focused team - Excellent written and oral skills - Ability to obtain security clearance 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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