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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.

4 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: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!"