DBox-Debug-Mode-HOWTO von dridders v1.00, 30.12.00 Translated into english by Dennis This HowTo describes how to put the german DBox2 into debug mode so it can load unsigned files, thus being able to boot linux. ___________________________________________________________________________ CONTENTS 1. Sources of Information / Feedback 2. Prerequisites 3. Procedure ___________________________________________________________________________ 1. Sources of Information / Feedback ------------------------------------ Unfortunatly, there is not much information on the net yet. I've found the following so far: 1.) http://dbox2.elxsi.de - The main page 2.) Visit the team at #dbox2 on IRCNet. Normally, there is somebody around to help you. 3.) http://64.65.58.118/hgw/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi You can find a forum on developing software for the DBox there. 4.) http://www.mvista.com Get the CDK here, it'll help you developing software for the DBox. 5.) http://members-proxy-1.mmbrprxy.home.net/mmporter/linux/cross Some hints on compiling the most necessary programs for your box (gcc, glibc, binutils...) 6.) eMail: dbox2-help@gmx.de 2. Prerequisites ---------------- 1.) A running version of Linux. If you don't have one, get one at http://www.suse.com, http://www.debian.org oder http://www.redhat.com, just to name a few. 2.) bootpd or dhcpd It'll tell your box which ip-adress to use and which bootimage to load. Example for /etc/bootptab: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- dbox:bf=/tftpboot/os:ha=: ip=:sa= ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Example for /etc/dhcpd.conf: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- subnet 192.168.1.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {} host dbox { fixed-address ; hardware ethernet ; allow bootp; server-name ; filename "os"; } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The MAC-Address is printed on the sticker on the back of the box seperated by ":" or "-". If your are usindg bootpd, make it is started at boot-time. Normally, this is done through an entry in /etc/inetd.conf. Example: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- bootps dgram udp wait root /usr/sbin/tcpd bootpd ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Note that you only need one, bootpd OR dhcpd! 3.) /etc/hosts Add the following entry to /etc/hosts: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- dbox ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.) tftpd You need the ftfp-daemon installed which is started via inetd normally. Example entry for /etc/inetd.conf_ --------------------------------------------------------------------- tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/sbin/tcpd in.tftpd --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.) NFS You'll need an NFS-server as well to boot linux on the DBox2. It should be installed by default. Just add the following entry to /etc/exports: --------------------------------------------------------------------- /dbox dbox(rw, no_root_squash) --------------------------------------------------------------------- and create the directory /dbox. 6.) RARP The original BetaResearch kernel gets its IP-Address using RARP. Just type 'rarp -s dbox '. Note that RARP has to be in the kernel for 2.2.x versions of linux and in the userspace for 2.4.x versions. 7.) minflsh.tar.gz Extract minflash.tar.gz and move its content to /dbox. Copy /dbox/kernel/os to /tftpboot. You have to change "umount -F /" to "umount /" in /dbox/do. 3.) The Procedure ----------------- 1.) Connect the DBox2 to your local network. If you like, you can alsno connect your box via the serial port a terminal-application (57600, 8N1, no protocol/ handshake) RECOMMENDED FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES! 2.) Power on your box. 3.) The box should display "Lade...". If it displays "Starte Version Vx.x" something went wrong. Check the above steps again! 4.) Type 'rsh dbox help'. A helptext should appear. If it doesn't, check the above steps again! 5.) Open your box. A Torx T-10 should work on the screws on the back of the box, for the screws on the side you need a special torx (same as DBox1) or try a small wrench, a really small screwdriver or something else. You'll figure out :) 6.) Disconnect your box from the power supply. You have to bridge XH4 and XH6. Unfortunately, there are no jumpers in the newer boxes but solder points. Just connect these point with a wire or cable. 7.) Switch on your box again and wait until it displays "Lade...". 8.) Type '/dbox/do dbox :/dbox' and watch the terminal-application if available. 9.) Disconnect the box from the power supply an remove the jumpers/ wire/ cable. 10.) Your box should be in debug-mode now. It should provide additional information while booting up. If it doesn't, check all above steps. 11.) Get ppcboot and the Linux kernel and follow the instructions provided therein. Or wait for a newer, improved version of this HowTo :)