Install linux on ipaq using only usb, no serial.

cipicip · 10-19-2007, 11:16 PM

Hi guys,

I'm trying to install linux on my ipaq. Problem is I don't have a serial port on my laptop. Any ideas on how I can install the linux using only the usb. I guess the question is if there is a method to open a minicom session using usb only.

Thanks

psychicist · 10-20-2007, 10:47 AM

I have a Dell Axim X3 that I want to install Linux onto, preferably Armedslack. I have previously run a precreated kernel and initrd that used usbnet, but that turned out to be too unreliable. I would also like to install an ARM boot loader, either UBOOT or GRUB for ARM.

The people at http://www.handhelds.org have neither this model nor the X30 in a functional state so I'm pretty much on my own. What I will try now is build a modern initrd image using QEMU ARM emulation and see if I can get that working.

Let me know if you're interested in collaborating on getting both your and my device to work.

cipicip · 10-20-2007, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychicist

I have a Dell Axim X3 that I want to install Linux onto, preferably Armedslack. I have previously run a precreated kernel and initrd that used usbnet, but that turned out to be too unreliable. I would also like to install an ARM boot loader, either UBOOT or GRUB for ARM.

The people at http://www.handhelds.org have neither this model nor the X30 in a functional state so I'm pretty much on my own. What I will try now is build a modern initrd image using QEMU ARM emulation and see if I can get that working.

Let me know if you're interested in collaborating on getting both your and my device to work.

Thanks for your response. Mine is an iPAQ hx2490. I guess my question was if you could install linux on your pocket pc using only the usb. All the manuals I've found online talk about connecting it to the serial port and using hyperterminal/minicom to install a distro after installing the bootloader. Unfortunatelly I don't have a serial port on my machine, only usb, so I was wondering if there is a solution for this.

Thanks.

psychicist · 10-20-2007, 02:39 PM

Reading this page, it doesn't seem like your device is supported, unless you know of a port that already works. I can boot into Windows Mobile and start HARET.EXE to boot a kernel and initrd image on an SD card, I don't know if the same is possible for you.

I found this information on the http://www.handhelds.org web page:

Ken Lyons
Winter Garden, FL, USA
SplinterFL AT GraphixWizard.com
iPaq 2495 (hx2495) GPE using pxa270 firmware

Hacked together bootable zImage for Harzet to get GPE to load, pxa270 firmware partly works, no Wifi, or batt mon. Autodim and Autosleep lockup unit. Cmd line and GUI work fine. Partial linux success, needs a little more work to be 100%. Dual booting with 4GB CF.

You could ask him what he did and does to get Linux working on your device.

cipicip · 10-20-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychicist

Reading this page, it doesn't seem like your device is supported, unless you know of a port that already works. I can boot into Windows Mobile and start HARET.EXE to boot a kernel and initrd image on an SD card, I don't know if the same is possible for you.

I found this information on the http://www.handhelds.org web page:

Ken Lyons
Winter Garden, FL, USA
SplinterFL AT GraphixWizard.com
iPaq 2495 (hx2495) GPE using pxa270 firmware

Hacked together bootable zImage for Harzet to get GPE to load, pxa270 firmware partly works, no Wifi, or batt mon. Autodim and Autosleep lockup unit. Cmd line and GUI work fine. Partial linux success, needs a little more work to be 100%. Dual booting with 4GB CF.

You could ask him what he did and does to get Linux working on your device.

Great! Thank you so much. I'll talk to him.

jiobo · 01-04-2009, 03:20 AM

Were you able to install the bootloader using a Linux host too?

cipicip · 01-04-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiobo

Were you able to install the bootloader using a Linux host too?

Unfortunately no. And since then I sold my iPaq.