Re: [cobalt-developers] building kernels on the raq3

[Chris Johnson <cjohnson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	> Date   : Thu, 23 Dec 1999 20:22:54 EST
	> From   : Dennis <dennis@xxxxxxxxx>
	> 
	> Subject: [cobalt-developers] building kernels on the raq3
	> 
	> Just got a raq3 and found the following:
	> 
	> 1) the source code on the unit is not the full souce to the kernel
	>	installed (its version C2 and version C3 is running)

    Oops.  We'll get on this quickly.  GPL issues and all that.
    In practical terms, I don't think there was a big difference
    between C2 and C3.

	> 2) parts of it dont compile, specifically SCSI code which I
	>	can live without for now.

    Odd.  As long as you are building a SCSI component that is
    part of the normal configuration it should build fine.
    Are you changing the configuration from the "config-raq3"
    file?

	> 3) the backdoor (/usr/games/.doug) doesnt seem to work.
	>	is anyone building kernels on raq3s? I've build a
	>	kernel but without the backdoor im apprehensive
	>	about trying it.

    Slap on a serial line to the console port, set it at 115200,
    and you will get a reasonable ROM monitor interface.

	1) Build your kernel
	2) gzip it into /boot/mykern.gz
	3) reboot
	4) Press a 'space' during the boot process.
	    (after the ROM banner)

	5) You should see a prompt:
	    Cobalt:Main Menu> 

	6) Type "boot" get to the boot menu.

	7) type "bfd /boot/mykern.gz" to boot your kernel.
	    (Needless to say, it doesn't have to be in /boot.)

    There is no need for a ".doug" hack for kernel development.

    During normal use, you can also boot the system using the
    "bfr" command to the boot menu.  This brings the system up
    running the kernel that lives in ROM as the second stage
    booter.

    You can also get to the 'bfr' command from the front panel:

	1) While booting (i.e. the Cobalt logo is scrolling),
	    press the select button .
	    NOTE: not the "four button hack" - the "S" button.

	2) The LCD should say "Select boot type".  Use the
	    select button to scroll to "Ultra Failsafe".

	3) Wince at names selected by engineers.

	4) Push enter button.

    This is better than a '.doug' since it will find a kernel
    even if there is none on disk.  Of course you will still be
    mounting root, so you still need a root file system.  The
    "Net Boot" option may be discussed in some later note.

    Chris Johnson
    cjohnson@xxxxxxxxxx