Kernel 2.4.19 IDE bugs? was RE: [cobalt-users] Package Install order wrong

["Mike Jenkins" <cobalt-users@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> If it is a RaQ [x] turned into a 550, you can not use their
>> Kernel updates, as it will break your server > ... you need to 
>> get the one from: www.nuonce.net ... They have the C6/C7 
>> Kernel for the RaQ3/4/XTR => RaQ 550.
>> 
>
>I tried this update on a raq4, and it won't boot. I think it's because I
>added 80Gb drives (as a coincidence the same seagate's installed in a
>genuine raq550). Is there a compile time option needed for disks > 33Gb
that
>the kernel needs? The drives work fine if you stick to the OS Restore
Kernel
>or boot from ROM.

I found some references in the linux-kernel archive.

"The ALI driver in 2.4.19 supports only ALi north/south properly, not
Ali/Transmeta or Ali/ATI combinations. 2.4.20-ac should get Ali/Transmeta
right and 2.5.47-ac now has test code to avoid non legacy DMA on the ATI"

I know that the raq4 uses an ALI15X3 driver, although the boot info
describes it as an ALI M5229. (Acer Labs M5229 TXpro IDE Controller), but I
don't know how to find out if it's ALI north and south bridges so I'm not
sure if I'm barking up the wrong tree! I'd be grateful if anybody who has
successfully loaded the 2.4.19 kernel on a raq550 converted from a raq3/4
would send me the harddisk model they're using.

As an aside, is there anyway to pass parameters to the kernel on boot (like
you can in lilo etc), for example  to disable dma on the drives as a test.

Thanks

Mike
--
Mike Jenkins
Poundbury Systems Ltd
mailto:cobalt-users@xxxxxxxxxxxxx