[COLUG] Re: Virtual TTY's, FrameBuffers on ARM

[Larry W Howell]

Josh,

I doubt if a general user list is likely to provide the answer to your 
question.  The question is a bit misdirected when asked "on ARM" when it 
should be focused on the Chumby device, and the hardware devices it can 
support.  The Chumby user community is a better source of answers.  In 
general, the ARM platform isn't that different from x86.  Except for hardware 
specific drivers, the same souce can be complied for each platform.

I have two Linksys NSLU2 "Slug" devices which are ARM 5 (SCALE IXP420) which 
are Linux based out of the box.  A large community of hackers has evolved and 
various replacements for the limited stock firmware exist with many HOWTOs 
(www.nslu2-linux.org).

The NSLU2 has 8 MB flash, 32 MB RAM, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and a RJ45 network port. 
  There is no display at all.  I've modified these to full core clock of 266 
MHz and added a RS232 level shifter to one for serial console.  Both are 
running Debian Etch on USB connected 2.5" HDD and are functionally similar to 
a PC running Etch.  Connection is via SSH.  One is used for "test" and the 
other runs mt-daap and subversion servers.  Each Slug uses 4 W average power, 
which was the major reason I chose them as home servers.

As with most embedded appliances, there many other issues you need to be aware 
of when developing software for the Chumby.  I'll send you something off-list, 
since it probably isn't of interest to most here.

Larry