Linux Kernel 4.9 and a (not so) happy Jornada 720

Stefan, I’m willing to pay for a 128MB module. I can’t guarantee I will be able to make it work (my latest fiddling around on the Linux kernel was a few years ago on my PhD), but I certainly would like to try.

Hi!
Update: The 128MB RAM upgrade works!!!! I got the modified linexec for 128MB.
The system is a lot snappier and bigger applications are no problem anymore. I even managed to get the Arduino IDE working

I also got wifi with WPA encryption working, so no unsafe WEP encryption anymore ...
You need a Wifi card with a Prism 2 chipset and this firmware version (it is possible to upgrade the firmware)
NIC: v1.0.0
PRI: v1.1.1
STA: v1.8.0

Regards
Stefan

Hi Stefan,

This is great news and progress!

Hope you can share more info on getting this setup for those of us that don't have your advanced knowledge.

Best,

Mark

Hi!
Yes, I work on a little guide to install Linux and set everything up.

Currently I test Kernel version 3.16.81 (older but LTS and maintained until June 2020)! I hope this version is not affected by the swap bug. I will update you later this day if I got everything running ... need to adapt a few drivers.

Regards
Stefan

Hi Stefan,

A guide would be truly appreciated greatly by me and others too.

Look forward to it and your continued testing.

Regards,

Mark

Edited by ArchiMark 2020-09-11 5:25 PM

It would also be good to know:

a. If it's possible to save files (text, spreadsheets, etc) to a CF card (or other storage device, if that is what is needed).

b. And if it's possible to save files, how to do it.

Thanks,

Mark

Well...yes. Why wouldn’t it be possible? I haven’t tested this particular port, but it is still Linux after all.


File -> save on your favorite Linux text editor, spreadsheet, etc

Hey Stefan, I’m wondering if you’re willing to sell your modified 128MB rom cards. I bet many users here would be interested.

Sorry, if my question was not clear......

I know how to save files in Linux.

Just trying to understand where things stand with shutting down the Jornada and then starting it up again for another Linux session.

As I recall, in the past retaining changes, saved items, from a previous linux session was a problem, due to not being able to save to internal 720 storage.

Hope this my question is clear now.

Thanks.

Actually, HPCs don’t have any internal storage. They store files on RAM, and that’s completely wiped out when you boot Linux because, well, that’s RAM. That’s why you lose all your WinCE files and configurations because WinCE uses a portion of RAM as storage. Stuff written to the storage card however will remain there forever, until you delete them. This is valid for both WinCE and Linux. The only “small” difference is that on the WinCE side you can only see the fat16 (or fat32) partition on your card. The Linux ext2 (or ext3/ext4) partitions will remain hidden to the WinCE side because it doesn’t know how to handle files in them. On Linux you can see both the fat (16 or 32) partition as well as the Linux file system on ext2/3/4.

Thanks! Got it now.....

Appreciate the clear explanation.

Hello!
Thanks for the explanation ntware!

I have a few RAM chips available, maybe i build a few more boards that i can sell. I let you know!

During the weekend i got the Kernel 3.16.81 up and running. There are no freezes anymore and everything works as expected. We have now a stable and working Linux environment on the Jornada 720! It also works on low memory models with 32MB. But i recommend 64MB.

The only things that are left: Sound (I work on a driver for it), a proper keymap for keyboards that have a other layout than the US "qwerty" and a "fake sleep" (if you use a desktop environment like Fluxbox the X server shuts down the display and saves energy - this is currently the only option)
(And proper USB support, but this is a non-standard thing and therefore not so important).

I write a How-To for setting everything up and upload ready to use root images on my website.

Regards
Stefan

How practical/sensible would it be to form JLime to run with the 128MB patches in place?

Hi!
You can use jlime with 128MB. Simply boot with the jlinexec for 128MB RAM. I dont know if Jlime boots with my newer Kernel, I did not try this.
But you can use the 2.6 kernel that is available in the repository.

Here is the newer kernel if you like to try it: http://www.sp-net.at/nextcloud/s/5qBbkaXaZtiypbP?path=%2Fkernel3.16...

Regards
Stefan

Hi Stefan,

Great progress!

I would be interested in a 128MB board if you make some available.

Keep up the good work!

Best,

Mark