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Linux Port of Netpliance's I-Opener?
2bfree writes "Netpliance has the I-Opener for $200 and I was wondering if anybody was working on a port for Linux for it. This would be great for controlling other computers on a home network with VNC, Internet access for people that come over and maybe playing MP3s off the network. What do you guys think? " Update: 03/12 12:50 by C :It seems that there is a solution! Check here for the details.
From what I understand, the specs are as follows:
CPU: ITD WinChip 3.3Vcc(60Mhz clock) C6-PSMF180GA is in a Socket 7
Video: CyberBlade i7, Trident 8420, A AHGO1, D37150.00, 9942/41AVB8, TM7438H/TAIWAN
Chipset: VIA, VT82C686A, 9936CD TAIWAN
Memory: 32MB Mosel Vitelic, SO-DIMM Rev 1.0, 9932PP, V54C365164VBT8PC
Flash: SanDisk, M9044652, SDTB-128
SanDisk, 20-99-00024-9935E3015, SDCD
(There is a 44 pin interface next to the flash chips.)
Modem: Lucent (PCMCIA form factor daughterboard) 37-0100-3026, 03-0338-5A, w/ Lucent 1673T28, RDD12 9938S, 3110335
I would post pictures if Slashdot had that capability...
that above link included detailed photos inside the i-opener, as well as the simple plans to make it a "real" computer. when you look inside, its amazing to find that they left an IDE port available...kinda tricky though, they mirrored the pinouts so you have to sway pin 1-2 and so on. Its great, becuase you can fit any size 2 1/2 notebook drive in there, im running a 2 gig...to solve the network dilema all i did was use a parallel NIC adapter ..bout $100....all together the entire job cost me about $300...but hey, now i have a computer in the kitchen, damn im cool =) I can stream mp3's off the server, and well as browse the net lightning fast.... be sure to check out that link in the above post
im working on my fifth right now, internet access in every room! check out my buddies link for a full set of diagrams
In order to actually use the i-opener to "surf the web", you have to pay them $21.95 per month for their internet service, can't use your old ISP. I'm waiting for a return e-mail as to whether you can use that account with any other equipment, like a "real computer". Will post answer (if I get it) in reply to this post.
I see even classic Slashdot is now pretty much unusable on dial up anymore.
Assuming this thing doesn't have any sort of disk drive, the "OS" is probably in that flashrom. Anybody got any ideas about how to re-flash it with something else to turn it into a "computer" (sort of)? Anybody got any pictures of the inside of this thing?
I see even classic Slashdot is now pretty much unusable on dial up anymore.
If nothing else, PLIP through the parallel ports of two Linux machines will allow networking. If Linux can talk to the i-opener modem, try "Leased-line mode" AT commands on both modems or else wire up a central office battery simulator (a simple circuit if you know telephone equipment; the minimum voltage varies with equipment and country).
there's no network port, but there is certainly a USB port - so one could concievably either use a parallel port or USB ethernet adaptor (Last i hear d the parallel port jobbies were more supported). I just want someone to say if it's possible to hook it into my network somehow - even via a sketchy modem-modem link (with my server on the other end lying to it)
slashdot username - at - email.domain.name
the following:
e r_Appliances/other_appliances_6.html
http://devices.internet.com/other_appliance/Oth
says that the iopener runs qnx, that would be cool, but the lack of drivers would be a problem. The big question would be how to get into it to see what's going on.
It appears to use a 200Mhz processor so you can't expect too much. However as a remote terminal it would be very nice. Now, how to hack it...
Has anyone here found a device that emulates a phone system so I can put one of these in the kitchen and have it talk to my server? (I also have a apple desktop tv system (the pippen) that would also benefit from this. Heck if I could browse using webTV without the service that would be nice.
Several companies make telephone line simulators/emulators. Teltone and Dianatek come to mind(after a quick search...). They're rather expensive though- around $500 US. Another search result turned up a DIY solution:http://www.hotspot.free serve.co.uk/HOTSPOT/TLS/tlsframe.htm.
It caught my eye also. I've squeezed Linux into about 12K before, so could probably fit it there. 32K RAM is tight for web browsing, of course.
There's no network port. I could talk to another Linux box through the parallel port, or the modem if it's not a proprietary modem (I can make a modem-to-modem interface if I can tell both modems to not expect a dialtone or ring).
The i-opener uses the Trident CyberBLADE i7 graphics chip -- I haven't checked the level of Linux support for it. I also don't know how standard the signals from the mouse on the keyboard is.