Guide: Installing Ubuntu Linux 10.04LTS on eBox 33xxMX &

[PedroR]

Preface:
This Guide is a compilation of all the information RoboSavvy collected on the installation of Linux on eBox 33xxMX series and Keyboard PC.

Warning 1: There are a few Linux installation guides on the Internet for eBox 33xx Series (including the manufacturer's website) but most of them are for 33xxA which is an older model and uses a very different architecture.
Therefore many of these guides will not work with the newer eBox 33xxMX series.

Warning 2: KeyboardPC, eBox of 33xxMX series are based on the Vortex86MX/Vortex86MX+ processors.
These processors do not support the full i686 instruction set (they are i586). This means, for example, that Ubuntu versions after 10.04 don't work
This also means there is no support for CMOV or SSE/SSE2.


Step 1: Choosing your HDD / SD card
All eBox models can use an SD card as their HDD.
This is the only option available in the case of eBox 3350MX and in the case of eBox 3310MX you can choose either SD card or instal a 2.5" SATA HDD.

- If you have an eBox 3310MX (which supports SATA HDDs), and you're looking for maximum maximum performance we recommend using a good 2.5" SATA HDD (5 400rpm at least).
You can also go with a 2.5" SATA Solid State drives although a regular HDD offers a good performance already.

- If you're using a KeyboardPC your unit may have come with a SATA DOM pre installed.
You can install to this SATA DOM or otherwise install and boot from SD card just like on eBox models.

- If you prefer to use an SD card as HDD please observe the following:

a) Choose a card that is at least Class 6 or Class 10 SD from a reputable vendor.
A Class 4 SD card from Sandisk can often be faster than a class 10 from an unknown vendor.
Choosing SD cards from a reputable vendor also improves overall reliability.

b) Use Full Size SD cards and NOT microSD cards with adapters to full size SD.
Using MicroSD cards has proven unreliable and may results in random errors or intermittent failure.

There are plenty of reasons to prefer the use of an SD card as HDD: applications subject to vibration work better with an SD card; using SD cards lets you have multiple OS'es (one on each card) and quickly switch between OS'es; if you have an eBox 3350MX SD card is the only available option for HDD, ...

The quality of the SD card has a huge impact on the performance of your eBox. Therefore make sure to follow the guidelines above.


Preparation:
Our recommended OS for eBox is Ubuntu 10.04 LTS due to the ease of installation and wide range of software available. (you may also use Lubuntu 10.04 which is a Ubuntu fine tuned to be Lightweight)
We'll be using version 10.04 LTS as Vortex86MX/Vortex86MX+ processors are recognized as i586 meaning that the latest Ubuntu version that is supported is 10.04 LTS (for i386).

All later versions of Ubuntu are optimized for i686 as they make use of the CMOV instruction which is not present on the Vortex86MX and therefore won't work.

We've downloaded Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (LTS stands for Long Term Support which means system and apps will be maintained for a long time) and burned it onto a CD.

If using SD card as your HDD insert it now, before turning the machine on.
Make sure you use a full size SD and stay away of MicroSD -> Full SD adapters!

Connected all USB peripherals (CD Rom, Keyboard and mouse) and turn the box on.

Warning: if you're using eBox 3350MX, make sure your Power Adapter is able to supply a steady 5V 2A.
Insufficient power or lower quality power adapters may cause intermittent failures such as: no VGA, Reset during the boot process, date reverting to 2008 or not booting at all; if you experience any of these symptoms on the eBox 3350MX please be advised they're caused by insufficient power supply; try using different adapters rated 5V 1A at least (ideally 2A).
We're now supplying the Official eBox 3350MX Power Adapters from DMP which offer the full 5V 2A.

After turning the box on:
- Enter Setup
- chose "Load Failsafe Defaults" (just to ensure everything was going to work smoothly)
- set the CD ROM as the first boot device.

Installation Process:
The installation process is straightforward. Just boot from CD and follow the installation steps.

There are a couple of recommendations from DMP but essentially during the Setup process you need to do this:

- Choose to manually partition the HDD.
- Create a main partition for the OS (with mount point /) with filesystem ext3

- Create a partition of 750Mb or 1.25GB for SWAP (depending if your box has 512Mb or 1Gb RAM)

Follow the standard installation routine (setting keyboard layout, locale settings, machine name, ...) and wait for setup to finish.


First boot:
On first boot, you'll get a fully functional desktop but you won't have Network access.

This is because you're using the default kernel of Ubuntu which doesn't include the drivers for the Ethernet port and HD Audio built onto the SoC.

To fix this (and get maximum performance) you need to install a custom kernel from DMP.

At the time of writing, the latest, recommended Kernel is version 2.6.34.10 released by DMP.


Installing the DMP Kernel:
Download the DMP kernel file to a USB thumb drive from the following location:
- http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... 2_i386.zip .

The kernel comes as a DEB package which is very straightforward to install.

The kernel DEB package can't be installed through Graphical Package managers. You must to install it from the command line following the instructions on one of the following locations:
. If the ZIP file with the Kernel packages includes a PDF with installation instructions, follow the instructions on that document.

. If the ZIP file with the kernel DEB package does _not_ include installation instructions then you must follow the default instructions for DMP kernels available on this page http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... NSTALL.htm

When installing the new kernel you may see some warnings about symbolic links but these can be safely ignored.

Booting with the new kernel:
When booting Ubuntu with the new kernel you may see some Warnings being thrown by Linux because the Vortex86 architecture is considered "unkown".
These can also be safely ignored; just wait for the eBox to finish booting and you'll get into the Graphical Desktop.


Option: Installing the WiFi Drivers
After completing all the steps above and depending on your model (and the extras chosen) your unit may come with an internal WiFi dongle from DMP.
(KeyboardPC includes it by default but it's usually NOT included with eBox models).

The drivers for the WiFi module can be obtained at the following location:
- http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... rtex86MX+/
The file is named rtl8188_8192.zip

You should extract the file on your KeyboardPC/eBox and follow the included instructions.
The instructions include a comprehensive set of steps that need to be performed as root, for compiling the driver and also setting up the WiFi connection.


Tips for Advanced Users: the Custom DMP VGA driver
By now you should have a fully functional Ubuntu Linux Desktop. If you're happy with your installation you can safely stop reading and enjoy your eBox
X windows will be running using a standard VESA based VGA driver. This is enough for everyday applications and for the majority of users.

Still if you'd like to optimize your system a little more, you can install DMP's VGA driver. This procedure is only recommended for users comfortable with working on the Console.
DMP's VGA drivers improve the 2D performance and can also enable higher resolutions if you need them (X windows will be smoother when drawing and moving windows for example).

The installation procedure is very well documented by user Linx on this post.

In summary this is what you'll need to do:
- Download location for VGA drivers: http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP/LinuxDrivers/
(select the folder Vortex86MX if you have an eBox 3350MX or the folder Vortex86MX+ if you have an eBox 3310MX or KeyboardPC)

To install the VGA driver itself open a console Window and type the following:
# cp rdc_drv.so /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/.
- Use the newest version of the drivers, the 1.7.5 that comes in the ZIP file.

# gdm-stop
- Type this from a terminal. This will stop the X windows system and send you to text mode. This takes a few seconds.

# (enter Login & passwd)
# sudo su
# (enter passwd again)
# Xorg-configure
- For a few seconds we lose the screen and the program writes the file /root/xorg.conf.new.

# cp /root/xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf
# reboot

For more details on installing the VGA driver refer to Linx's post

Again, it is important to stress that installing custom VGA drivers on X windows is optional and is aimed at users comfortable with working on the Console.
The eBox works well with the standard VESA drivers that ship with Ubuntu.

Regards
Pedro

[Revision History:
Sept 21st:
- Revised and added information about installing DMP's VGA drivers

Nov 14th:
- Added instructions for KeyboardPC
- Added information about WiFi drivers
- Added link to DMP Power Adapter for eBox 3350MX ]

[smg offline]

Hi

I've been searching through this forum for hours, but couldn't find an answer. Maybe one of you can help:

I'm trying to install Ubuntu 10.04 on an eBox 3350MX, using an 8 GB Class 10 SanDisk Extreme card, following the instructions above.

The regular installation takes some time, but finishes fine and the box boots to the graphical interface with the "stock" kernel.

However, each time I install the DMP-kernel (linux-image-2.6.34.10-vortex86-sg_1.2_i386.deb) and reboot the system, the box stops at the graphical Ubuntu 10.04 screen, telling me that "the disk drive for / is not ready yet or not present".

Has anyone else experienced this and how can this be remedied?

Rgds,
Sven

[PedroR]

Hi smg

Did you follow the instructions exactly as described in the PDF included with the ZIP file?

What commands did you run?

The only occasion where we experienced random issues with the HDD was when we were using a MicroSD with adapter to Full SD, and using cards from an unknown Chinese vendor.

Therefore can you confirm what kind of card you're using?

Pedro.

[smg offline]

Hi Pedro

a) As stated, it's an original SanDisk Extreme SDHC UHS-I card (8 GB, Class 10).

b) If you check zip file in your link (http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... 2_i386.zip), you will find, that it only contains the .deb packages for the kernel image and the kernel headers, but no pdf file.

c) I installed the kernel package with the graphical tool (gpacket manager) --> right click-->"install package"

Rgds,
Sven

[PedroR]

Hi Sven

Installing with gpacket manager is not a supported scenario and is likelly the cause of the issue.

The kernel needs to be installed from Command line following the instructions on this page http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... NSTALL.htm

I will update the original post to include this as well.

You can either re install Ubuntu and start from scratch or, if you'd like to recover your installation this is also possible.
You would need to re.install the DMP kernel (following the steps in the document I linked above) but I don't know exactly to which extent you'll effectively be able to remedy the installation of the DMP kernel.

If you choose the option to try and fix the installation, there is a way to get Ubuntu to load using a different kernel (ie the "stock" one)

I don't fully recall the details but it's either by pressing a specific key to bring up the kernel selection menu (I think you need to hold the ESC or "Shift" key button during boot) or by editing the grub conf file (which you do by booting from the installation CD and then getting to the command line).

As I mentioned, I don't recall the full details but googling for "grub 2 access kernel selection menu" or similar should help you get there
If you're able to boot from CD and get to the command line, this document - http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... NSTALL.htm - also offers information about editing GRUB2 configuration to force it to show the Kernel selection list every time it boots

I hope the above information helps.

Kind Regards
Pedro.

[smg offline]

That did the trick! You're a freakin' genius!!!
Thanks for your help.

Rgds,
Sven

[Franxoois offline]

Hi. Thanks to your help, I could install ubuntu on my ebox 3350. Full working version with Firfox, Tbird, Gimp ... Sadly I just need a minimal install without desktop and with just openssh-server.

I tried many times to run in-line installation wizard but it seems to refuse working without network access. Do you know if there is a way to install ubuntu 10.04 with the minimum number of package ? I could remove packages but it seems to be unefficient pain.

I tried last archlinux but it doesn't support the processor. Last debian is allright with the network but don't see the sd-card

[PedroR]

Hi Franxoois

To get network access you really need to start the install using the DMP kernel.

I don't really know if there is a way to modify the installation files so that you can boot the install process with the DMP kernel but maybe Google will be your friend here

With regards to installing other distributions, we strongly encourage customers to go with Ubuntu as it's the distribution that works best out of the box.

There is an alternative source of tutorials that explain how to install stock Linux distributions using a Virtual machine (for which they will typically have all drivers) and then install the DMP kernel and port the final image from the Virtual machine to the SD card to run on eBox.

Maybe if you try going this path - installing to the Virtual machine and then porting to eBox - you might be able to get Linux installed the way you requested.

These tutorials are available for Roboard but work on eBox as well (it's a similar SoC (a previous generation but the procedure should be the same)).
The tutorials can be found here http://www.roboard.com/Files/RB-100/Ins ... oBoard.zip and here http://www.roboard.com/Files/RB-100/Ins ... oBoard.zip

Just be very clear please understand that RoboSavvy's official position is to strongly encourage and support the use of Ubuntu installed from CD.
I (we) are happy to give you pointers for other approaches to get Linux installed but our ability to support them is limited.

Please let us know which approach you chose and how it works out.

Kind Regards
Pedro.

[Franxoois offline]

Allright, thanks to your help, I achieved to install a command-line debian on the ebox. I understand you chose to only support ubuntu but I rather use debian

I tried many many times. The trick of using the sd card as a virtual disk is great. Actually, I'd rather install the linux server as virtual machine, and use clonezilla at the end to copy the virtual machine on the sd card. It's faster.

With ubuntu, I had to downolad alternate iso, press F4 at the beginning to have the option to install without X. That was ok but my servers are mostly on debian.
With debian, I had to turn on the IDE compatibility mode in the BIOS like I saw somwhere in a tutorial. On the ebox, the install process has access to network, but we can't reboot with the kernel installed. I had to use virtualbox. After installing the vortex kernel, the sd booted on the ebox. I tought I had issue with network but I just had to change eth0 by eth1 in the /etc/network/interface ...

[PedroR]

Hi all

I've added two new members to the DMp family (both in stock now):

- eBox 3310MX-AP: it's a variant of the eBox 3310MX-H we alreayd stocked that included Auto power On and adds 3x RS232 ports for Mobile Robotis, Kiosk, POS and similar applications.

- KeyboardPC: this also makes use of the Vortex86MX+ processor like the 3310MX (the latest and greatest from DMP)

The KPC is an interesting product in that it's an All-in-one PC with TV Out, WiFi, 8Gb SATA DOM, RS232 and all the high end features of the 3310MX (Vortex86MX+, 1Gb RAM, etc).

Regards
Pedro.

[thecodeslinger offline]

Associates

My apologies for a possible message board protocol fault here. I am tagging onto this thread, as my question is relevant to the topics included.

I have an eBox 3350MX-AP and I have successfully installed the initial Ubuntu 10.04LTS. My problem comes when I try to upgrade the kernel with the 2.6.34.10 version of the OS. Per the instructions in the install documentation, during the dpkg command I get warnings about the symbolic links for the what I believe is the missing source libs. Instructions above direct to ignore these warnings. When I perform the update-initramfs command I get critical failures. I attempt to move on and perform the update-grub command and it works but when I inspect the grub.cfg file I see that the initrd command is not included in the menu entry for the new Grub 10.04.34.1 kernel. I continue on to reboot and sadly the system does not successfully boot.

Where am I going wrong here?

[PedroR]

Hi thecodeslinger

This procedure has been done by us and also tested by a great number of people successfully so I'm quite confident these instructions work.

What I would recommend that you do is to verify the following:

- Please read the "default" document for installation here http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... NSTALL.htm

As mentioned it is normal to see warnings about missing symbolic links when running dkpg.

- My best bet is that you are not issuing the update-initramfs command correctly. (ie most likely the [kernel suffix] parameter you're using is incorrect)

- Once the initramfs command fails, all else will fail.

Another possibility I would not discard is a poor quality SD card. What si the manufacturer, and class of card? Also is it full size Sd or micro Sd with an Adapter to full size sd?


If you could please post:

1) The link to the kernel file you're using
2) the exact sequence of commands you're issuing to install the kernel

we might be able to help from there.

With regards to failing to boot after installing the kernel, you should still be able to bring up the kernel selection menu at boot time to select the default Ubuntu kernel and successfully boot: press and hold SHIFT during boot to bring up the kernel selection menu (if Shift doesn't work, try holding ESC)

Regards
Pedro.

[thecodeslinger offline]

Hi Pedro,

I greatly appreciate your quick response to my post and I will try to respond to all your questions.

I am referencing the document found at the URL http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... 4_Install/ and utilizing the link "How to Install Kernel 2.6.34.1.doc"

SD Card specific follow:

Vendor: PNY
Model: Optima SD HC 4 GB Class 4

1) I am utilizing the zip file referenced at the top of this thread: http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... 2_i386.zip, as my kernel image.

2) I am following the install document mentioned above, verbatim. Even cutting and pasting the file names from the Ubuntu folder browser so I do not make a "fat-finger".

Now noting the Class of the SD Card I am using is out of recommended spec, I will go to my local big-box store and purchase a Class 6 - 10 SD Card. Per your recommendation in your thread posting, I will try to acquire a Sandisk Class 4.

Much thanks .....

[PedroR]

Hi thecodeslinger

The instructions on that particular Word document are outdated by now. I would recommend that you follow the instructions on the first post of this thread (not the ones on the Word document), as they will guide you through installing a more recent kernel: 2.6.34.10 compiled with more features.

What we've learned was that kernel 2.6.34.1 that you're trying to install does not include some important components such as UVC.

DMP kernel 2.6.34.10 is the version we're recommending for all users and it's being successfully deployed.
Files can be found here http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/DMP ... uxKernels/

Therefore please stick to the instructions on this thread STEP BY STEP and NOT the Word document. (that one was posted very early on and work and experience with eBox has led to writing this updated guide here on our forum)

Regards
Pedro.

[pierreB offline]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install Ubuntu Server 10.04LTS on my new 3350mx.
During the installation process, I receive this message:
"No Installable kernel was found in the defined APT source"
Nevertheless, i can go on through the setup.

After end of installation and reboot, I always come to the memtest86. (seems a grub default behaviour when no kernel available)

I tried the 10.04.2 and 10.04.4 without success.

Is this due to the fact that the vortex86mx is not recognized?

Anybody had the same issue?

Regards,
Pierre