"Eric W. Biederman" wrote:
> "Carr, Bill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>
> > (NOTE: I would like to put in code to detect which pal code is running so
> > that the code could automatically update the PC in the case of the latest
> > (defective) Digital SRM pal. Suggestions welcome!)
>
> alpha_uses_srm is the variable to test.
>
> Though I really think linux should always load the appropriate
> palcode and then this wouldn't be an issue.
>
This may be necessary; does SROM set up any PAL code, or is this the job
of the ARC/SRM console code in flash. If so, LinuxBIOS will need to include
its own PAL. I wonder if PAL code for Digital UNIX is really optimal for
Linux/Alpha? I know it's really rough stuff to work with (arch handbook
refers to subtle side-effects), but I think
all of this ultimately points to a kernel (or a linuxBIOS) with its own PAL code.
(Remember I'm only talking about these UDB/Multias I have here)
>
> > I was thinking of changing the code to burn flash 0, but I was way out of my
> > depth and in my past midnight delirium, I did not want to do irreparable
> > damage. I do know that I can restore the flash to the 038 SRM as long as I
> > have not fried (as opposed to burned) anything.
>
> Cool so you have a recover mechanism. Is this something implemented
> in your SROM?
yes is the recovery boot floppy code in SROM? This would make it a lot
safer to experiment.
> > Regarding Jeremy's comment about what to write INTO the chip, we have a copy
> > of the SRM image from which we could decode the "board specific header".
>
> It isn't board specific. The documentation is actually in
> flash/romhead.h from milo-2.2-17
>
> The format matches the comments in the SROM source for the ds10
> so we should be in good shape there.
I don't think this proves it; at least it doesn't address the fact that the UDB
flash chips can't be updated in blocks. (i27F020) All the others (or at least
the ones MILO knows about) can be reprogrammed in blocks. So the
question arises, does the UDB use the same 64k-block format as the others,
and just loose the flexibliity if reprogramming, or does it use a different
format
adapted to the limitations of the UDB's flash storage.
What would really be useful is the UDB's SROM listing and a board schematic.
Maybe I should call up my dentist and see it he's not using the X-ray this
afternoon. :)
