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Mobile Linux Project In Ammo Canister

Posted by simoniker on from the boot-boot-boom dept.

Chaosrider writes "Army Linux is a mobile development platform constructed from a 50-caliber ammunition canister. This site documents the development of an embedded Linux project, which features a backlit LCD screen, a VIA technologies Mini-ITX form factor motherboard and a 1U power supply. The site covers construction techniques, costs and hardware installation." The site also points to a similar PC-in-ammo-box project at Epiacenter.com.

9 of 219 comments (clear)

  1. more links by klocwerk · · Score: 4, Informative

    also at mini-itx.com,
    ammobox pc
    another one
    aaaand yet another

    -your friendly mini-itx loving geek

    --

    "You worthless post!"
    -Shakespeare, 2 Gentlemen of Verona, 1. 1. 147
  2. Embedded. by mindstrm · · Score: 5, Informative

    The idea of an embedded system is one that seems to be badly distorted nowadays..
    .
    A small, but otherwise fully functional PC in a strange case is not an embedded system.

    The computer that handles your car's internals is an embedded.

    Your tivo is kind of an embedded system... not sure on that one.

    But a full on PC inside something weird certainly isn't.

    As it was once described to me.. an embedded system is a computer inside something that isn't a computer. A case doesn't count.

    Those little boards the size of a dimm slice with a processor, ram, i/o, and other stuff on them are good for embedded work.

    It's not about what version of linux runs, or what OS, or even what it does.. but a PC in a disguise is still a PC, not embedded.

    1. Re:Embedded. by Miniluv · · Score: 5, Informative
      DirecTivo is technically more of an embedded system than a standalone Tivo, in that the DirecTivo is technically a satellite receiver, that happens to also have some linux stuff bolted on to do PVR functionality. The Tivo is just a nifty case around a PPC processor and a harddrive which has a TV-IN card.

      A real embedded system is the controllers for, say, an automated automobile assembly station. The device builds cars, it just happens to have a brain composed partly of linux/qnx/tron/winCE/PalmOS to do the car building.

  3. Re:Once Again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    It goes without saying, of course, that this wouldn't be news if the installed OS was anything but lunix.

    You have to RTFA, he's running XP.

  4. Re:How many people by Krunch · · Score: 1, Informative

    Something like that ?

    --
    No GNU has been Hurd during the making of this comment.
  5. Re:ammo box by JesseL · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can get 150 rounds of .50 BMG tracers sent to your house for $199 from right here, they're not any more restricted in most of the USA than any other ammo. I don't know why you would think they would be more of a problem to check on a plane than any other ammo. For info on firearms and ammo in checked baggage look here.

    --
    "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!"
  6. Re:ammo box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Just because it's being sold over the Internet doesn't mean that it's legal to bring it over state lines without the proper legal paperwork. Some states do not allow this transaction.

    It is certainly going to cause you trouble when flying, since you could easily pick up a route and end up in a state or country where such items are contraband, or at least illegal to transport in that manner. Not to mention the fact that primed and sealed ammunition can become tiny hand grenades in the presence of extreme heat, or that the contents may deteriorate to an unstable state in the presence of high-moisture environments.

    There is also an age limit on the sale of ammunition, and anything that is "armor piercing" or otherwise exotic is subject to prior licensing and fitness for sale under federal regulations.

    But why should .50 BMG be treated differently? It certainly isn't any more dangerous than most other cartridges out there, and isn't the most powerful either. But I understand, its name evokes emotional response from hoplophobes at large, therefore it is evil.

    -Frd

  7. Re:ammo box by JesseL · · Score: 2, Informative

    I'm not aware of any state that has a ban on .50 BMG ammo. I believe there are some states with restrictions on the use of tracer ammo on state land due to fire danger.

    The temperatures required to start "cooking off" ammo are never going to happen in the cargo hold of a plane unless it crashes and burns. Remember that this ammo is intended to be chambered in machine guns that get very hot after a few hundred prior rounds.

    I've never heard of any legal requirements on ammunition shelf-life (In fact I regularly see pre-WWII surplus ammo advertised for sale). There is no licensing of AP or other exotic ammo, the only restrictions I'm aware of are that hollow points are illegal in New Jersey, and AP ammo is banned from importation or production in calibers for which handguns are chambered, there may be other state and local regulations. Buyers of ammunition must be 18yoa for rifle ammo and 21yoa for handgun ammo.

    I suggest you look over these FAQs from the BATF.

    --
    "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!"
  8. Re:ammo box by ThisIsFred · · Score: 2, Informative

    No really, take a look at Ammonman's shipping information page. There is listed all the states to which they cannot ship the ammunition. And it isn't .50 BMG specifically, it's everything.

    Remember that the BATFE only handles federal law. State and local laws apply as well. :)

    There is a federal law requiring that "handgun" ammo only be sold to those 21 and older? When was that law passed? What's "handgun" ammo?

    Question: Which of these are "rifle ammo," and which are "handgun ammo?"
    .357 S&W Mag. :: .45-70 Gov't :: .223 Rem. :: .44 Rem. Mag.

    (hint: it's a trick question)

    --
    Fred

    "A fool and his freedom are soon parted"
    -RMS