CM-A510: Linux: Debian

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Overview

The example run-time Linux filesystem image for CM-A510 is based on Debian GNU/Linux Sid. The CompuLab Linux package for CM-A510 includes ready to run NAND flash image, archive of the root filesystem used to create the image and Linux kernel configuration and source code patches.

The default Debian Sid Linux image takes approximately 170 megabytes of flash space, and includes more than 400 software packages. Among them:

  • Core system
  • Debian package management system
  • X11 Windowing System
  • Enlightment E17 desktop manager
  • Netsurf web browser
  • Samba connectivity suite
  • SSH and FTP server and client

The Getting started with Linux on CM-A510 page provides a brief introduction on how to install the run-time Linux image. This article describes package structure and peripheral device options specific to the CM-A510.

CM-A510 specific settings

Connection and Logging In

Use the following usernames and passwords to login:

Account with administrative privileges:

User: root
Password: 111111

Regular user account:

User: user	
Password: 111111

In addition to these accounts CM-A510 allows anonymous FTP access. To login into the Linux system, you may use a serial console (ttyS0) at 115200 bps, or connect through the network, or use a keyboard and LCD display (tty1, tty2, tty3).

Networking

To configure networking, edit /etc/network/interfaces, /etc/resolv.conf, and /etc/hostname. For more information about Debian Linux network configuration, refer to Network configuration chapter in the Debian Reference.

Wireless LAN support

CompuLab Debian Linux package supports Wireless LAN (802.11n) on CM-A510 modules.

To enable Wireless LAN interface type:

insmod /lib/modules/dhd.ko firmware_path=/lib/firmware/bcm4319/4319.bin nvram_path=/lib/firmware/bcm4319/nvram.txt


Admolition note.png The Wireless LAN module is loaded automatically with /etc/rc.local script

The firmware for the Wireless LAN controller is included in the Debian Linux image and can be found at /lib/firmware/bcm4319/ directory.

To setup Wireless LAN parameters Linux standard ifconfig and iwconfig and wpa_supplicant utilities can be used.

USB

CM-A510 USB-0 port supports either USB host or USB device mode. The default operation mode for each USB port is host mode. To configure the USB-0 port for device mode operation, usb0Mode=device parameter must be appended to the kernel boot arguments.


Admolition note.png SB-A510 does not support USB mode detection mechanism

USB Device Storage emulation

To enable the USB device file storage functionality:

  • Connect SB-A510 USB-0 port with USB port on your host PC
  • Prepare file-backed storage file, as described in Backing Storage for the File-backed Storage Gadget article
  • Load file storage gadget: modprobe g_file_storage file=<filesystem image>
  • Examine kernel messages on your host PC using: dmesg


Admolition note.png USB device mode is operational starting from CM-A510 LSP-5.4.2 release version

Consoles

Linux file system image is designed to suit different kernel versions and configurations. Therefore, during the operating system startup, consoles at several serial ports and VGA display are enabled. Some of these devices may not be supported either because of kernel versions incompatibilities or because the kernel was not configured to support these devices. When the console is enabled at such device the following or similar message will appear on active console: INIT: Id "T0" respawning too fast: disabled for 5 minutes This is not an error message, it is just a warning that can be eliminated by editing /etc/inittab file.

X Windows system

CompuLab distribution contains full featured X Windows system with Enlightment window manager. Before starting X Windows, connect USB mouse and keyboard to the system. You can run X Windows by typing startx.

Software Management

Debian Linux for CM-A510 image includes all the information required to use Debian package management utilities. You can use apt-get and dpkg out of the box.


See also