[App_rpt-users] [Bulk] Re: Simple node
Ramesh Dhami (VA3UV)
Ramesh at va3uv.com
Wed Feb 13 17:20:31 UTC 2013
On 13/02/2013 10:19 AM, Tony KT9AC wrote:
> Myself and another ham just picked up two of the 5710 thin clients for
> less than $50 each shipped. So what is the recommended way to build a
> node - ACID with a larger drive or Limey with existing hardware inside
> (512M ram/ 512M flash)?
>
<-- I have had several folks contact me about the HP Thin Clients.....
so I will post the mod info here on the group.
I initially started with this mod' for my FREE STAR* systems (had to get
that in there Jim!):
http://gnbi.com/T5710/
As you can see, we replace the on-board memory module with a 4GB
microdrive. I have also built several HP's for Allstar use and even had
one running Asterisk as my home PBX for a while.
For my FREE STAR* application, I disable logging as much as I can - here
is my FREE STAR* status page - and the reason I show it here is that it
displays the uptime stats at the bottom of the dashboard (this is
running on a HP T5710 of course):
http://va3pmo-dstar.homelinux.net:5088/
Some folks have suggested using a SSD drive, etc., in lieu of the
microdrive and yes, with the appropriate adapter, that can be done - but
you will then need to bring out the cabling outside of the HP and mount
the drive outside, etc..
Lots of possibilities!
Now, a little while ago, I helped a fellow setup a HP Thin Client - he
was fortunate that his on-board memory was a 4GB module! - in that case,
there is no need to modify it at all.
I have been installing right off the ACID CD using an external USB > ATA
adapter with a CD drive attached to it. I have never used Limey - but,
from previous discussion, I recall that Limey is suited to a select few
motherboards.
The HP's come in several models, I have always tried to buy the 1.2GHz
derivative. I have also successfully used the 800MHz model for my FREE
STAR* application. For Allstar, I stick with the 1.2GHz model -
although, I am sure that the 800MHz model will work just as well.
chan_simpleusb works fine with the HP's - making it an ideal solution
for a simplex node or repeater site with an existing controller.
Oh - one other thing - replace the BIOS back-up battery when you get
them; I also set them to 'boot upon power' - especially for remote
installations.
A couple of people also asked me off-list about the USB fobs, so a quick
mention....
I have had tremendous success with the StarTech fobs from TigerDirect:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4104870&CatId=4261
I have modified about 20 of these! - I can provide a schematic on
request.... I dubbed the finish product the "UVRI" ;o). I bring out
both audio channels, making it versatile for a repeater application
allowing for the PL tone to be injected into the modulator rather than
mixed with the microphone audio.
That's all I have time for right now!
Cheers,
Ramesh.
> I like simple_usb because using a repeater or S-COM interface all you
> need is audio and logic signals. I would like a few GPIO outputs for
> external control purposes, too.
>
> What is the K0KN PLRI interface? Does that take advantage of the
> parallel port or something?
>
> Thanks,
> Tony
>
> --- On *Tue, 2/12/13, Benjamin L. Naber /<Benjamin at kb9lfz.com>/* wrote:
>
>
> From: Benjamin L. Naber <Benjamin at kb9lfz.com>
> Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] [Bulk] Re: Simple node
> To: "Ramesh Dhami (VA3UV)" <Ramesh at va3uv.com>
> Cc: app_rpt-users at ohnosec.org
> Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 6:38 PM
>
> You may be able to get away with not buying a micro-drive which will
> fail sooner than later.
>
> Use Limey Linux. I have a Neoware which was bought out by HP. Neoware
> and HP thin clients have VIA chipsets in there, ie microprocessor,
> ethernet controller, audio, and Super i/o which controls your serial,
> parallel ports among other things.
>
> I used the K0KN PLRI interface that I was able to build from parts in my
> junk box. After a little solder smoke filled the air, made a few
> adjustments, the URI was working for the TX. I use the inexpensive
> StarTech USB sound FOB for TX/RX audio, and have the settings set to DSP
> to detech RX audio and CTCSS tone. After it was setup with a service
> monitor, it works wonderful. Zero issues.
>
> Now I just need to build, test, and install a better, higher, antenna.
>
> ~Benjamin, KB9LFZ
> Allstar node 28569
>
>
>
> On Mon, 2013-02-11 at 20:48 -0500, Ramesh Dhami (VA3UV) wrote:
> > On 11/02/2013 8:04 PM, Alan Adamson wrote:
> > > All, I think I know the answer to this, but figured I'd check
> again… Yes
> > > I know I could do an RTCM (I have 5 of them already). I'm
> looking to
> > > get another family member (new ham) up with a personal node.
> Was hoping
> > > that someone might have done something around the Beagle Bone
> as the Pi
> > > seems to no be up for the task. I could live with simpleusb if
> needed.
> > >
> > > Are there any *inexpensive* options to get to a functional
> simpleusb
> > > type node?If so, what are they?
> > >
> >
> > <-- Hi Alan; Best candidate (IMO) is a HP Thin Client -
> something like
> > the HP T5710; you can pick them up off eBay for as little as
> $25US (you
> > have to look out for them!) - then there is a mod' to remove the
> memory
> > module and install a 4GB micro-drive. You can install ACID right
> off an
> > external (USB) CD.
> >
> > The HP will run chan_simpleusb just fine.
> >
> > Low cost / works great / low power (runs off 12V / 13.8VDC @ ~
> 650mA).
> >
> > Cheers!
> >
> > Ramesh.
> >
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