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=41... 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@kb9lfz.com>/* wrote:
From: Benjamin L. Naber <Benjamin@kb9lfz.com> Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] [Bulk] Re: Simple node To: "Ramesh Dhami (VA3UV)" <Ramesh@va3uv.com> Cc: app_rpt-users@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. > > _______________________________________________ > App_rpt-users mailing list > App_rpt-users@ohnosec.org </mc/compose?to=App_rpt-users@ohnosec.org> > http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-users
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