Newbie Guide to Kernel Installation?

[Maddy]

Hi.

I need to get Sheevaplug working with a usb-serial adapter. I probably need to install the new kernel that I found on this forum? I'm pretty novice to all this stuff, so is there any easy step-by-step instructions on what to do? I tried to search these forums and the Wiki and I found bits and pieces of information, but not really a complete guide. Any help is appreciated, if someone can at least point me to right direction. Thanks.

[restamp]

Welcome aboard, Maddy.  I'm presuming you have an Intel box running Linux somewhere handy.  It's much easier if you do.  I'd start here as far as directions for getting the USB Console up and running:

http://www.openplug.org/plugwiki/index.php/Setting_up_Serial_Console_Under_Linux

Make sure you have a solid mini-USB connection to the Plug:

http://plugcomputer.org/plugforum/index.php?topic=454.0

and when you're able to reliably talk to your Console over the USB mini-plug interface, read the following carefully if you want to upgrade your Plug's OS:

http://www.openplug.org/plugwiki/index.php/SheevaPlug_Installer
http://plugcomputer.org/plugforum/index.php?topic=355

There are other ways to install a new OS, but I think Rabeeh's installer is the most comprehensive and straightforward.  I'd just make sure you can access the files on the thumb drive before running the installer in earnest.  Otherwise, you'll be left with an OS-less Plug until you figure out what is wrong.  Read topic 355 carefully, as several of us have posted our learning curves there.  And if you have questions, just ask.

Good luck, and enjoy your Plug.

[Maddy]

Thanks a lot. I followed your instructions and everything worked perfectly.

[Java1Guy]

Will this include sufficient kernel sources to compile a special USB driver? (for a LabJack data acquisition device).  I've been down lots of dead-end roads without a working driver   (I'll probably try it anyway...)

[restamp]

Not by default.  You'll have to apt-get what you need from the Ubuntu repository.  In fact, you'll even have to "apt-get install gcc".  But, it will,
with luck, unbrick your Plug.

You said elsewhere that you were having problems getting a solid connection to the console/JTAG.  Make sure you find a mini-USB cord that makes a good connection before attempting this.

Good luck!