[Soekris] 6501 with OpenBSD as firewall

[Marc Balmer]

Hi

I uses many, many 4801 and 5501 as VDSL routers and firewalls running various 
releases of OpenBSD.  I never used a 6501 with OpenBSD as VDSL router/firewall.

What are "people's" experiences with the net 6501 and (recent) OpenBSDs, for 
firewalling and VPN purposes?

- thx

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Re: [Soekris] Net4801-60 Hangs When Booting OpenBSD

[Marc Balmer]

> 
> I'm tryng to upgrade a net4801-60 to the latest snapshot of OpenBSD 
> (11/30/2012). I have been able to successfully install it to an 8GB CF 
> card. However, upon my first boot after install, the boot process hangs. 
> A transcript of the boot can be found below.
> 
> Might anyone know why this machine will no longer boot? Perhaps a bad 
> snapshot?

did you switch the console to com0?

> 
> Many thanks in advance.
> 
> 
> ===
> POST: 012345689bcefghipsajklnopqr,,,tvwxy
> 
> comBIOS ver. 1.33  20080103  Copyright (C) 2000-2007 Soekris Engineering.
> 
> net4801
> 
> 0256 Mbyte Memory CPU Geode SC1100 267 Mhz
> 
> Pri Mas  TS8GCF133   LBA Xlt 974-255-63  7831 Mbyte
> Pri Sla  HTE721080G9AT00 LBA Xlt 1024-255-63  78 Gbyte
> 
> Slot   Vend Dev  ClassRev Cmd  Stat CL LT HT  Base1Base2   Int
> ---
> 0:00:0 1078 0001 0600 0107 0280 00 00 00  
> 0:06:0 100B 0020 0200 0107 0290 00 3F 00 E101 A000 10
> 0:07:0 100B 0020 0200 0107 0290 00 3F 00 E201 A0001000 10
> 0:08:0 100B 0020 0200 0107 0290 00 3F 00 E301 A0002000 10
> 0:18:2 100B 0502 01018001 0005 0280 00 00 00  
> 0:19:0 0E11 A0F8 0C031008 0117 0280 08 38 00 A0003000  11
> 
>Seconds to automatic boot.   Press Ctrl-P for entering Monitor. 5 4 
> 3 2 1
> Using drive 0, partition 3.
> Loading.
> probing: pc0 com0 com1 pci mem[639K 255M a20=on]
> disk: hd0+ hd1+
>>> OpenBSD/i386 BOOT 3.21
> boot>
> booting hd0a:/bsd:  8379428+1102148 [52+379056+365568 ]=0x9c0bc0
> entry point at 0x200120
> 
> ===
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Freundliche Grüsse,
micro systems

Marc Balmer

--
Marc Balmer
micro systems, Wiesendamm 2a, Postfach, 4019 Basel
fon +41 61 383 05 10, fax +41 61 383 05 12, http://www.msys.ch/

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Re: [Soekris] net6501 OpenBSD

[Marc Balmer]

Am 07.10.11 20:48, schrieb Karl Auerbach:
> 
>>> The reason OpenBSD works now with the stock BIOS is that I on purpose 
>>> have incorrect checksum in the mptable, openBSD check it and don't use 
>>> the mptable, FreeBSD ignore the checksum error and use the mptable
>>
>> What does NetBSD do?
> 
> Don't know about NetBsd, but Linux generates some warnings about the
> checksum and then proceeds to run with only a single processor/thread.

Actually I'd like to get a statement from Soren here.  He is crippling
the BIOS to satisfy one particular OS, while other OS'es that maybe do
the right.

> 
> (I'm not sure this is related, but my Linux kernel is not seeing the
> HPET timer that I thought was in the chipsets used on the net6501.)
> 
>   --karl--
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Re: [Soekris] net6501 OpenBSD

[Marc Balmer]

Am 07.10.11 17:09, schrieb Soren Kristensen:
> Hi Everybody,
> 
> I have a problem with OpenBSD 4.9 crashing into ddb when enabling the 
> mptable on the net6501, and can't get it to work, mostly because I don't 
> have a detailed why as the source code is complex
> 
> The reason OpenBSD works now with the stock BIOS is that I on purpose 
> have incorrect checksum in the mptable, openBSD check it and don't use 
> the mptable, FreeBSD ignore the checksum error and use the mptable

What does NetBSD do?

> So is there a OpenBSD kernel hacker, preferable with good knowledge of 
> the x86 interrupt system code, that are interested in helping getting it 
> fixed ? It' probably just something simple that need to be adjusted in 
> the BIOS, as FreeBSD is perfectly happy with the current mptable
> 
> We will of course arrange for a net6501 if needed.

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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 15.04.11 16:33, schrieb Peter J. Holzer:
> On 2011-04-14 21:12:35 +0200, Marc Balmer wrote:
>> Am 14.04.11 20:54, schrieb Ken Hornstein:
>>> Can we all respectfully agree to disagree on the issue of licenses?
>>> The *BSDs use a BSD-style license, Linux uses the GPL.  Both have
>>> their advantages and disadvantages, and your license preference depends
>>> on your worldview (indeed, what you consider an advantage versus a
>>> disadvantage depends on your worldview).
>>>
>>> Also, I would note that the soekris mailing list is not the appropriate
>>> place to hash out the merits of licenses; there are better places
>>> for that discussion.
>>
>> Keep in mind that the OP asked why some folks favor A over B.  And
>> license X vs. license Y is a perfectly valid response.
>>
>> There is no judgment in the licenses themselves, just *why* one is
>> prefererred *by someone* for a *specific application*.
> 
> I'm still wondering what the application may be where the license of the
> OS may actually make a difference.

if you build OS images then this can be an issue

> 
> I use soekris boxes as router/firewall thingies for our own organisation
> and customers. So far I've not run into a situation where the license
> would have made a difference. I have done a bit of custom programming,
> but just because the kernel is GPL doesn't mean that the applications
> running on it have to be GPL (as a lot of commercial software vendors
> writing software for Linux can testify) - and most of my programs were
> in Perl, so the customer got the source anyway.

We do kernel level programming, so the license matters

> 
> Sure, if I need to modify some GPL code, I have to give those
> modifications to the customer, but that doesn't seem very likely: Even
> if I was a hardware vendor who sold soekris boxes with custom PCI cards
> and proprietary drivers I could get by with providing binary-only
> drivers (if Nvidia and EMC can do it ...).
> 
> So, apart from philosophical reasons (which I can understand): What do
> you really do with your soekris boxes what the Linux license(s) would
> prevent you from doing?
> 
> I'm really just curious, not trying to escalate the flame war.

maybe just accept that some companies see the world in a different light
than others ;)  and then there is of course all this work that "we" (the
BSD community) are not allow to talk about.  you would be surprised if
knew where BSD is used

> 
> hp
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 14.04.11 21:24, schrieb Ken Hornstein:

>> Keep in mind that the OP asked why some folks favor A over B.  And
>> license X vs. license Y is a perfectly valid response.
> 
> No argument there.
> 
>> There is no judgment in the licenses themselves, just *why* one is
>> prefererred *by someone* for a *specific application*.
> 
>  except when the discussion devolves into "license X encourages freedom"
> versus "license X crams their socialist worldview down my throat".  Okay,
> it hasn't quite gotten to that point yet ... but it was heading there.

Funny enough, you will even find GPL licensed code by me, if you dare to
search enough ;)

Oh, any btw, one company told us they were using the GPL "as a weapon":
 To make it difficult to the competition to use their code.  Interesting
point of view.
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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 14.04.11 20:54, schrieb Ken Hornstein:
> Everyone,
> 
> Can we all respectfully agree to disagree on the issue of licenses?
> The *BSDs use a BSD-style license, Linux uses the GPL.  Both have
> their advantages and disadvantages, and your license preference depends
> on your worldview (indeed, what you consider an advantage versus a
> disadvantage depends on your worldview).
> 
> Also, I would note that the soekris mailing list is not the appropriate
> place to hash out the merits of licenses; there are better places
> for that discussion.

Keep in mind that the OP asked why some folks favor A over B.  And
license X vs. license Y is a perfectly valid response.

There is no judgment in the licenses themselves, just *why* one is
prefererred *by someone* for a *specific application*.

I think this discussion is valid and allowed for this mailing-list,
where like-minded people are subscribed.
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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 14.04.11 18:30, schrieb Steve Clark:
> On 04/14/2011 12:12 PM, David Alexander wrote:
>> On Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:05:47 -0400, Steve Clark
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 04/14/2011 10:04 AM, Marc Balmer wrote:
>>>> Am 13.04.11 04:08, schrieb Ryan Whelan:
>>>>>
>>>>> I really want to know the reasons for the decision, not start a flame
>>>>> war- I promise
>>>>
>>>> Here is why _we_ use *BSD:  Because the license matters for us.
>>>
>>> I guess that attitude is ok if you always want to be a taker and never a 
>>> giver.
>>
>>
>> This thread was moving along nicely.  There were interesting and
>> varied responses without any devolving into the religious debate the
>> OP asked to avoid.  Until Steve Clark came along.  The rest of this
>> topic will likely be useless now.
>>
> Til I came along I only responded to someone who complained about the GPL 
> vs BSD license.
> I didn't bring it up

I did not complain about the GPL.  I statet why we prefer the BSD.  And
this is what the OP asked for.

Now please stop trolling, you fool.

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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 14.04.11 17:05, schrieb Steve Clark:
> On 04/14/2011 10:04 AM, Marc Balmer wrote:
>> Am 13.04.11 04:08, schrieb Ryan Whelan:
>>> Watching the mailing list, it -seems- like BSDs are more prevalent on
>>> the soekris platforms then Linux.  I've only ever used Linux ( a custom
>>> Buildroot build and hand-rolled kernel ).  I am NOT trying to troll, and
>>> I know this is a technical mailing list, but I'm really curious why
>>> those that chose BSDs chose them?  Without being a BSD user, I'm hoping
>>> to get some insight into what I don't know.
>>>
>>> I really want to know the reasons for the decision, not start a flame
>>> war- I promise
>>
>> Here is why _we_ use *BSD:  Because the license matters for us.  The GPL
>> mandates to make changes public again, publish source code and such.
>> The BSD license has no such requirments.  It usually just says keep the
>> copright intact.  That is very liberal and useful for when we do
>> embedded stuff.
>>
>> So for a start, compare the GPL and the BSD/ISC/MIT licenses, and you
>> will spot differences.
> 
> I guess that attitude is ok if you always want to be a taker and never a
> giver.

troll.
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Re: [Soekris] *BSD vs Linux

[Marc Balmer]

Am 13.04.11 04:08, schrieb Ryan Whelan:
> Watching the mailing list, it -seems- like BSDs are more prevalent on
> the soekris platforms then Linux.  I've only ever used Linux ( a custom
> Buildroot build and hand-rolled kernel ).  I am NOT trying to troll, and
> I know this is a technical mailing list, but I'm really curious why
> those that chose BSDs chose them?  Without being a BSD user, I'm hoping
> to get some insight into what I don't know.
> 
> I really want to know the reasons for the decision, not start a flame
> war- I promise

Here is why _we_ use *BSD:  Because the license matters for us.  The GPL
mandates to make changes public again, publish source code and such.
The BSD license has no such requirments.  It usually just says keep the
copright intact.  That is very liberal and useful for when we do
embedded stuff.

So for a start, compare the GPL and the BSD/ISC/MIT licenses, and you
will spot differences.
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Re: [Soekris] Current best practice for OpenBSD installs?

[Marc Balmer]

Am 25.05.10 18:14, schrieb Jason Galarneau:
> I have a net4801 that I'm building into a firewall for home use.
> 
> With large flash cards being so easily affordable, what's the current
> best practice for OpenBSD installs?
> 
> I've tried flashdist, but don't see a compelling reason to slim things
> down when I have a 4GB CF card.
> 
> I like the idea of having a read-only root file system and not needing
> to fsck the system if I pull the plug accidentally.
> 
> Suggestions?

Just install plain OpenBSD the usual way on it.  If you enable softdeps
your filesystem will always be consistent (almost ;)

We run hundreds of them this way.

> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Soekris] net5501, can't install pfsense, both serial ports not working

[Marc Balmer]

Am 25.08.2009 um 20:36 schrieb Bryan Irvine:

>> now I think I am missing something.  Is putty a program that can
>> operate serial ports on windows?
>
> Yes.  In addition to being a good ssh client.  ;-)

nice.  I did not know that.
>
> -Bryan

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Re: [Soekris] net5501, can't install pfsense, both serial ports not working

[Marc Balmer]

Am 25.08.2009 um 19:34 schrieb Joel Jaeggli:

>
>
> William Estrada wrote:
> Now I have another problem, it seems my serial ports (both) on  
> the soekris
> are not working.
>
> I plugged in the null cable to my MB (ASUS P5Q Deluxe) and into  
> the 5501,
> powered on the soekris, but nothing is showing up in Putty.
>
>> Are you sure you want to use putty?? I use HyperTerminal for serial
>> connections on
>> Winders. I might be mistaken but I though Putty was for EtherNet
>> connection??
>
> putty is just fine as serial consoles on windows, I would:
>
>   turn flow control off.
>
>   the default terminal speed for the the soekris is 19.2 and putty
>   defaults to 9600, unless you cranked the soekris down to 9600
>   set putty to 19.2.
>
>   verify that you console cable setup is working with a known good
>   device

now I think I am missing something.  Is putty a program that can  
operate serial ports on windows?

>
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Re: [Soekris] GPIO on Net5501 / 4801

[Marc Balmer]

Am 17.08.2009 um 23:11 schrieb Lars Nooden:

> I see in the specs six GPIO pins on JP5 (User I/O) for 3.3 V and  
> another
> six for 5 V.  Is there a reliable way to get a full set of eight of  
> one
> or the other?

You should probably check the official Soekris net5501 technical  
manual.  I am sure it has this information.

>
> Regards,
> -Lars
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Re: [Soekris] Replace an ADSL modem-router

[Marc Balmer]

Am 10.08.2009 um 13:31 schrieb David Coppa:

> On Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 1:21 PM, Marc Balmer wrote:
>>
>> Am 10.08.2009 um 13:13 schrieb David Coppa:
>>
>>> http://michele.pupazzo.org/diary/?p=329
>>>
>>> It works well with OpenBSD too, since the Viking exposes itself to  
>>> the
>>> system as a standard RTL8139C+ PCI interface
>>
>> did you actually try this?  if so, is there a supplier in europe  
>> for these
>> cards?
>>
>
> Yes, card configuration is done via telnet or http on the ip address
> 192.168.1.1.
>
> Have a look here, too: http://traverse.kd85.com/

sweet!

thanks, Marc

>
> cheers,
> David

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Re: [Soekris] Replace an ADSL modem-router

[Marc Balmer]

Am 10.08.2009 um 13:13 schrieb David Coppa:

> http://michele.pupazzo.org/diary/?p=329
>
> It works well with OpenBSD too, since the Viking exposes itself to the
> system as a standard RTL8139C+ PCI interface

did you actually try this?  if so, is there a supplier in europe for  
these cards?

>
> Ciao,
> David
>
> 2009/8/9 Alexandre Westfahl :
>> Hello,
>>
>> I like OpenBSD and I want to replace my ISP modem-router by a  
>> soekris.
>> Concerning LAN part, no problem. But, for ADSL/ADSL2+ part, it's more
>> difficult.
>> I was looking for a mini-pci card but it seems it doesn't exist! If  
>> I want
>> to take a PCI modem card, I must take net5501 which is the only one  
>> with PCI
>> slot.
>> I found this out of some mailing lists, it seems soekris and  
>> openbsd support
>> it but I want to be sure before buying :)
>> http://www.traverse.com.au/productview.php?product_id=115
>>
>> Has anyone created an ADSL modem router? Does it work fine?
>> Btw, do you have any experience with viking cards? Is the lifetime  
>> good?
>>
>>
>> Thanks a lot
>> --
>> Alexandre Westfahl,
>> Free Software consultant
>>
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Re: [Soekris] Replace an ADSL modem-router

[Marc Balmer]

> I like OpenBSD and I want to replace my ISP modem-router by a soekris.
> Concerning LAN part, no problem. But, for ADSL/ADSL2+ part, it's  
> more difficult.
> I was looking for a mini-pci card but it seems it doesn't exist! If  
> I want to take a PCI modem card, I must take net5501 which is the  
> only one with PCI slot.
> I found this out of some mailing lists, it seems soekris and openbsd  
> support it but I want to be sure before buying :)
> http://www.traverse.com.au/productview.php?product_id=115
>
> Has anyone created an ADSL modem router? Does it work fine?
> Btw, do you have any experience with viking cards? Is the lifetime  
> good?

A good solution with OpenBSD is to use a regular ADSL Modem/Router in  
bridge mode and terminate the PPPOE session on your OpenBSD firewall  
using the pppoe(4) kernel driver.  That works very reliable.

- Marc Balmer

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Re: [Soekris] Soekris 4801 and USB

[Marc Balmer]

Am 29.05.2009 um 09:05 schrieb Patrick Rittiner:

> hello,
>
> i new with the soekris boards and have some questions. I have a  
> soekris 4801 and now I wondering if it is possible to use the usb  
> interface as a usb host controller, so that I can connect a for  
> example a GPRS modem over usb to it.
> Or is the usb interface just a slave interface?

It is a host interface.

>
> The second question is about eCos RTOS on soekris. can somebody tell  
> me which package i do need to add for the DP83816? So that I can use  
> the Ethernet connection on the soekris.
>
> thanks for your help
>
> patrick
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Re: [Soekris] net5501 fast GPIO access

[Marc Balmer]

Am 24.03.2009 um 23:16 schrieb Sergey Manucharian:

> On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:32:22 -0700
> Matthew Kaufman  wrote:
>
>> I have a 5501 and have installed Linux on it. I've managed to get the
>> cs5535_gpio module going, but I'm concerned about the speed of GPIO
>> access that way, as to read the value I need to re-open and re-read a
>> character device, and I need to poll a GPIO pin about once every 20
>> msec without using too much CPU.
>>
>> Are there any better drivers and/or user-space code examples that
>> would be more appropriate for repeated accesses like this?
>>
>> Matthew Kaufman
>
> Well, I'm interested in such a fast IO access either, but couldn't  
> find
> anything so far... I carried out some experiments and found that the
> "regular" approach with opening/writing char dev is indeed very slow,
> but I don't understand why. Reniceing didn't help too. Maybe direct
> writing into mem/kmem device may work? I haven't try though yet.

you guys probably want interrupt driven gpio.  iirc correctly, the
Geode gpio subsystem can do that. Someone correct me please
if I am wrong, though.

>
> Cheers,
> Sergey
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Re: [Soekris] Net4801/5501 GPIO on JP5 with OpenBSD

[Marc Balmer]

* Marc Balmer wrote:
> * RB wrote:
> > On Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 11:35, Lars D. Noodén <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > I would like to be able to turn on or off the Net4801/5501's GPIO 0 - GPIO
> > > 12 found on JP5, prefereably with something that could be called easily 
> > > from
> > > a shell- or perl-script on OpenBSD 4.4.
> > 
> > man 4 gpio
> > man 8 gpioctl
> 
> Beware that the GPIO subsystem has seen substantial changes recently.
> In -current, and thus upcoming releases, GPIO pins can only be configured
> at runlevel 0.

Err, securelevel 0, not runlevel 0 ;)

> 
> > 
> > The latter should be all you need for scripting.
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> -- 
> Marc Balmer, Micro Systems, Wiesendamm 2a, Postfach, CH-4019 Basel, 
> Switzerland
> http://www.msys.ch/ http://www.vnode.ch/   "In God we trust, in C we 
> code."
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Re: [Soekris] Net4801/5501 GPIO on JP5 with OpenBSD

[Marc Balmer]

* RB wrote:
> On Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 11:35, Lars D. Noodén <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > I would like to be able to turn on or off the Net4801/5501's GPIO 0 - GPIO
> > 12 found on JP5, prefereably with something that could be called easily from
> > a shell- or perl-script on OpenBSD 4.4.
> 
> man 4 gpio
> man 8 gpioctl

Beware that the GPIO subsystem has seen substantial changes recently.
In -current, and thus upcoming releases, GPIO pins can only be configured
at runlevel 0.

> 
> The latter should be all you need for scripting.
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Re: [Soekris] lmsensors

[Marc Balmer]

* Bad Dog wrote:
> After a fair amount of investigation, trial and error, I seem to have a
> working lmsensors config file for the 5501.  Many thanks to the list and
> to Henrik for creating this file in the first place and Poul for
> creating the env4801 program.  I needed only make minor tweaks to get
> this working on the 5501.

wow.  stuff can certainly be made really complicated...  a config
file just to read sensors?

take a look at OpenBSD, where sensors are just part of the operating
system and can be read out using a simple sysctl.  They are there
and just work.  No clumsy config needed... ;)

(SCNR)

> 
> I may be having trouble with the CPU temperature, however.  
> 
> We are using a 5501 in a field situation.  Other devices in the same
> enclosure report the ambient temp at 34 deg (all readings in this msg
> are Celsius.)  There is a disk mounted in the 5501 case that reads
> between 38-40 deg.  The CPU, however, often reads 60 deg!
> 
> Given the low power requirement of the system, I would think that the
> CPU would stay pretty cool, so I suspect that the reading might be
> wrong.  I can't get to the box to perform a proper measurement in situ.
> 
> The code that reads that temp is fairly simple, so I suspect that I am
> reading the correct temperature.  The standard Soekris case is mounted
> vertically, which I would think would help increase airflow.
> 
> Anyone know if the CPU temperature requires munging in a different
> fashion than the 4801?  Anyone have experience running a box near 50 deg
> for long periods of time?  Anyone have an lmsensors file that they are
> certain is correct?
> 
> Box is running kubuntu 7.10 with all the latest updates.  Hard disk is
> ruggedized automotive drive.
> 
> my sensors.conf is
> 
> chip "pc87366-*"
> 
> # Soekris net4801 configuration
> 
> # Written by Henrik Brix Andersen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> # Latest version can be found at http://www.brixandersen.dk/
> 
> # The configuration is partly based on the PC87366 datasheet and
> # partly borrowed from the env4801 utility by Poul-Henning
> # Kamp <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> 
> # Datasheet: http://www.winbond.com/PDF/APCsheet/PC87366.pdf
> # env4801:   http://phk.freebsd.dk/soekris/env4801/
> 
> 
> # Voltage inputs
>   ignore vid
> 
>   # Unknown
>   # label in0 "avi0"
>   ignore in0
> 
> 
>   # Core Voltage, +2.0V
>   label in1 "VCORE"
>   set in1_min   1.16
>   set in1_max   1.29
> 
> 
>   # VCC, +5.0V
>   label in2 "VCC"
>   compute in2   @*2, @/2
> 
> 
>   # Power Supply Input, +6.0V - +28.0V
>   label in3 "VPWR"
>   compute in3   @*20.1, @/20.1
>   set in3_min6.0
>   set in3_max   28.0
> 
> 
>   # +12V
>   label in4 "+12V"
>   compute in4   @*4.83, @/4.83
>   set in4_min   11
>   set in4_max   13
> 
> 
>   # -12V
>   label in5 "-12V"
>   # If in10 on your net4801 doesn't have the 3.3V reference, use this
>   # compute line instead:
>   # compute in5   (@-3.3)*19.2+3.3, (@-3.3)/19.2+3.3
>   compute in5   (@-in10)*19.2+in10, (@-in10)/19.2+in10
>   set in5_min   -13
>   set in5_max   -11
> 
> 
>   # GND, 0V
>   #label in6 "GND"
>   #set in6_min   0
>   #set in6_max   0
> 
>   # AVI6, +2.5V
>   label in6 "AVI6"
>   set in6_min   2
>   set in6_max   3
> 
>   # Standby Voltage, +3.3V
>   # Internally divided by 2
>   label in7 "Vsb"
>   compute in7   @*2, @/2
>   set in7_min3.0
>   set in7_max3.6
> 
> 
>   # Supply Voltage, +3.3V
>   # Internally divided by 2
>   label in8 "Vdd"
>   compute in8   @*2, @/2
>   set in8_min3.0
>   set in8_max3.6
> 
> 
>   # Battery Backup Supply Voltage, +3.0V
>   label in9 "Vbat"
>   set in9_min2.4
>   set in9_max3.6
> 
> 
>   # Analog Supply Voltage, +3.3V
>   # Internally divided by 2
>   label in10"AVdd"
>   compute in10  @*2, @/2
>   set in10_min   3.0
>   set in10_max   3.6
> 
> 
> # Temperature inputs
>   ignore temp1
>   ignore temp2
> 
>   # PC87366 Internal Temperature
>   # PC87366 Recommended Operating Conditions: 0 - 70C
>   # SC1100  Recommended Operating Conditions: 0 - 85C
>   label temp3   "Temp"
>   label temp3_crit  "Critical"
>   set temp3_min  0
>   set temp3_max 60
>   set temp3_crit70
> 
> 
>   ignore temp4
>   ignore temp5
>   ignore temp6
> 
> 
> # Fan inputs
>   ignore fan1
>   ignore fan2
>   ignore fan3
> 
> --
> 
> Thanks,
> bd
> 
> 
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Re: [Soekris] Two PCI peripherals on one unit?

[Marc Balmer]

* Lars Noodén wrote:
> Marc Balmer wrote:
> > * Chris Babcock wrote:
> >> Keyspan has a quad-port USB serial adapter.
> >>
> >> http://www.keyspan.com/products/usa49wg/
> > 
> > keyspan adapters require firmware to be loaded.  check if your OS
> > supports them.
> 
> These will be running OpenBSD.
> I'll keep the Keyspan adapters in mind, but they do have 3 physical
> parts.  Firmware is a fourth part...

OpenBSD has no firmware for keyspan adapers that need firmware.

> 
> Right now of the 1-piece units, I see this one:
>  http://www.serialgear.com/4-Port-Serial-USB-USBG-4X232.html
> 
> It uses the "prolific" chipset, for what that's worth.  If that does not
> need any firmware, etc. then it becomes a good candidate.

try it ;)

> 
> -Lars
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Re: [Soekris] Two PCI peripherals on one unit?

[Marc Balmer]

* Chris Babcock wrote:
> Lars Noodén wrote:
> > Maurice Janssen wrote:
> >> On Friday, August 22, 2008 at 10:55:37 +0300, Lars Noodén wrote:
> >>> I'm looking into a project that appears to require two PCI cards
> >>> operating at the same time: one 4 port serial PCI card and one PCI Dual
> >>> ethernet board.
> >> Why not use serial ports over USB?
> > 
> > That might be an option.  Which hardware gives 4 serial ports from 1 USB?
> > 
> Keyspan has a quad-port USB serial adapter.
> 
> http://www.keyspan.com/products/usa49wg/

keyspan adapters require firmware to be loaded.  check if your OS
supports them.

> 
> 
> > Regards,
> > -Lars
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Re: [Soekris] +5V power on Net4501

[Marc Balmer]

* Chris Babcock wrote:
> Can those LVC units be used for as a GPS reference time source for NTP?

Yes.  They output NMEA sentences, are fully (and easily) configurable
and provide a PPS signal (which has to be turned on by sending the
unit some commands).


> 
> Timothy Holtzen wrote:
> > Thanks Ralph!  That's exactly what I needed.  Pin 10 works like a charm 
> > and no magic smoke release.
> > 
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> >> I drive a GPS 18 LVC using pin 10 of JP3, the COM2 connector.  This is no
> >> substitute for proper specifications, but it has worked well for me, and I
> >> haven't let out any of the magic smoke.  The 5V on pin 10 is not in the
> >> manual but is confirmed by Soren here:
> >> .
> >>
> >> Ralph
> >>
> >>   
> >>> On a Net4501 does anyone know how much +5V power can be provided by
> >>> either pin 2 on the JP3 connector or by pin 4 on the JP9 connector?  I
> >>> have a Garmin GPS 18 LVC that I would like to interface with the unit
> >>> that is rated at 60mA @ 5V.  The manual doesn't seem to indicate how
> >>> much power they are capable of and I just don't want to burn anything
> >>> up.  If it matters I'm currently powering the unit with a PoE splitter
> >>> splitter rated for 12V @ .86A and I'm not using either of the PCI sockets.
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Timothy A. Holtzen
> >>> Campus Network Administrator
> >>> Nebraska Wesleyan University
> >>>
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> >>>
> >>> 
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Re: [Soekris] +5V power on Net4501

[Marc Balmer]

* Timothy Holtzen wrote:
> Thanks Ralph!  That's exactly what I needed.  Pin 10 works like a charm 
> and no magic smoke release.
> 
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> > I drive a GPS 18 LVC using pin 10 of JP3, the COM2 connector.  This is no
> > substitute for proper specifications, but it has worked well for me, and I
> > haven't let out any of the magic smoke.  The 5V on pin 10 is not in the
> > manual but is confirmed by Soren here:
> > .
> >
> > Ralph

I use the same setup on 4801 and 5501 as well.  I suggest you put a
a fuse in the line, as described in the Garmin GPS 18 LVC manual.

I further wired the PPS pin to the CTS signal of the serial port
to use that for a bit more precision.

> >
> >   
> >> On a Net4501 does anyone know how much +5V power can be provided by
> >> either pin 2 on the JP3 connector or by pin 4 on the JP9 connector?  I
> >> have a Garmin GPS 18 LVC that I would like to interface with the unit
> >> that is rated at 60mA @ 5V.  The manual doesn't seem to indicate how
> >> much power they are capable of and I just don't want to burn anything
> >> up.  If it matters I'm currently powering the unit with a PoE splitter
> >> splitter rated for 12V @ .86A and I'm not using either of the PCI sockets.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Timothy A. Holtzen
> >> Campus Network Administrator
> >> Nebraska Wesleyan University
> >>
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> >>
> >> 
> >
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> >   
> 
> -- 
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> Campus Network Administrator
> Nebraska Wesleyan University
> 
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[Soekris] Max. current to draw from 5501 GPIO pins?

[Marc Balmer]

Does anybody here know what the maximum current is that I can
draw from the Soekris 5501 (and/or 4801) GPIO pins?

Thanks,
Marc Balmer
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Re: [Soekris] Soekris 5501 and pfSense with VPN

[Marc Balmer]

* Kenneth Fribert wrote:
> Hi All
>  
> Being brand new to the world of soekris, I'm sort of stumbling around in the 
> dark, and I hope somebody can enlighten me :-)
>  
> I'm considering 5501-70 board for use here in Lynge at our mainsite.
> We in the IT department would probably like to have a VPN connection to the 
> site.
> So the question is, will the 5501-70 be tough enough to handle a few VPN 
> connections, or do we need to add the vpn1411, and will the vpn1411 even work 
> with VPN in pfSense (IPsec ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPsec ), OpenVPN ( 
> http://openvpn.net/ ))?

With an AMD Geode LX and OpenBSD we measured an IPsec throughput of
roughly 20 MBit/s.  Note that the chip has an AES-128 accelerator onboard
already.

- Marc

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Re: [Soekris] Want to build a router

[Marc Balmer]

* Stephen Brown Jr wrote:
> Wow some awesome responses!!! Thanks guys!
> 
> Seems like the consensus says that the 4801 is an obvious choice for me, I
> may focus my sights on that. Still not sure what firewall solution I am
> going to use yet, I'll admit I'm a little Debian biased, but playing with
> BSD may be advantageous as well seeing as how both my desktop and laptop are
> Mac's :)

If you go with Debian, don't use the latest version, the latest versions
of any software are usually not so stable.  I suggest take a Debian from
like mid-2007 or early-2008.

oh, and use ssh and certificates to secure your communications...
ssh-keygen on your Debian will happily create your "security" certs.

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Re: [Soekris] Anyone know what JP3 does on net5501?

[Marc Balmer]

Bob Camp wrote:
> Hi
> 
> There is a "dark side" to this. The better you document the product,  
> the easier it is to duplicate. Simply buying parts and tossing them on  
> a pc board is pretty easy these days. Documenting without giving away  
> to much is a fairly difficult art.

there is another dark side to this.  without proper documentation,
people will stop buying your products.

like we did.  we don't buy soekris products at the moment for the lack 
of proper documentation (and bad power supplies).

and from some private emails, I know we are not the only ones.

> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> On Feb 13, 2008, at 3:52 PM, Martin K. Petersen wrote:
> 
>>>>>>> "Johan" == Johan Linner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>> Johan> Which keeps me wondering...  How hard could it be for
>> Johan> Soren/Soekris to publish a proper documentation for this
>> Johan> product?? It has been out for quite some time now.
>>
>> When I was doing consulting in the embedded space I had several
>> customers back away from Soekris due to the (perceived) lack of
>> documentation and support.  This is simply a deal breaker in most
>> commercial applications.  Doesn't have to be fancy, but it absolutely
>> has to be there.
>>
>> I'm sure Søren knows this and that he is just incredibly busy.  But I
>> wish he would at least leverage the community he has successfully
>> built around his products.  All it takes is an email to the list and
>> I'm sure somebody would wikify the information.
>>
>> -- 
>> Martin K. Petersen  http://mkp.net/
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Re: [Soekris] Anyone know what JP3 does on net5501?

[Marc Balmer]

Martin K. Petersen wrote:
>>>>>> "Johan" == Johan Linner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> 
> Johan> Which keeps me wondering...  How hard could it be for
> Johan> Soren/Soekris to publish a proper documentation for this
> Johan> product?? It has been out for quite some time now.
> 
> When I was doing consulting in the embedded space I had several
> customers back away from Soekris due to the (perceived) lack of
> documentation and support.  This is simply a deal breaker in most
> commercial applications.  Doesn't have to be fancy, but it absolutely
> has to be there.
> 
> I'm sure Søren knows this and that he is just incredibly busy.  But I
> wish he would at least leverage the community he has successfully
> built around his products.  All it takes is an email to the list and
> I'm sure somebody would wikify the information.

Some while ago, not to long, he mentioned in this list that he his
working on manual.  So I would say there is hope ;)

In the meantime, check the Soekris Wiki and enter any information
you find.

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[Soekris] Soekris net4801 and the SMP power supply, lot's of failure

[Marc Balmer]

we are using lots of net4801 with the small SMP switching AC/DC
power supply, Part No SBD212.

We have lot's of failures with these power supplies.  After a few
months, suddenly the Soekris won't boot anymore or the LEDs just
keep flickering.  Replacing the PS with a different type solves
the issue.

All in all we had to replace about 20 units so far.  I think there
is a problem with this type of PS, do other users have this
problem as well?

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Re: [Soekris] net5501 USB port speed?

[Marc Balmer]

Andreas Schweigstill wrote:
> Hello!
> 
> Malcolm Herbert schrieb:
>> NetBSD-4.0 and what I thought was a USB2.0 external caddy ...
> 
> USB 2.0 doesn't neccessarily mean that a device is high-speed mode
> capable. There also have been made some minor changes in the USB
> specification for low- speed and full-speed mode, so there are lots
> of manufacturers who advertise their product as USB 2.0 devices when
> they just meet those minor specification changes.
> 
> This was done especially during a short time after the introduction
> of USB 2.0, but also done nowadays.

The AMD Geode CS5536 companion chip supports four USB 2.0 compliant
ports that support low speed, full speed, and high speed connections.

Port 4 can be configure as USB 2.0 high speed or full speed device.

I do not know how the ports are wired on the 5501, though.

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Re: [Soekris] net5501 and 24VDC ?

[Marc Balmer]

René Luckow wrote:

> I don't want to get involved in this discussion but let me just
> correct you there:
> 
> I do NOT work for Soekris Engineering, I work for Cortex Systems :)

Ah, yes my fault.  But Cortex Systems is the company of Soerens
brother, so I think you are still near enough to the source of
the problem to relay the request for a manual to them...

> As for the information on the wiki there, well, that is simply not
> true and I will edit it when I get to work tomorrow, but that's the
> thing about wiki's anyone can add any information, right or wrong.

Yes, that is by far the better approach than to try help users to
get proper documentation, hr hr...

Maybe we soon see more mailing of people that fry'ed their Soekrisses.

Imo, you are trying to solve the problem by denying ther is a problem
at all.  Well, there is a serious problem.  Lack of documentation.

Some sort of "diff" agains the 4801 manual would be the minimum, I
think

> I've tried to at least keep that at a minimum by having to pre-approve
> all users and not allowing anonymous edits. Btw, if anyone is
> interested in becoming superadmins on the wiki, just mail me :)
> 
> On Jan 19, 2008 9:14 PM, Marc Balmer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> Bill Maas wrote:
>>
>>> On Sat, 2008-01-19 at 01:10 +0200, Jussi Peltola wrote:
>>>
>>>> Still, I agree the manual should be released. But I doubt it is being
>>>> intentionally delayed or anything...
>> I am not so sure.  Rene Luckow, a Soekris employee runs an (unofficial)
>> Soekris Wiki which has an interesting bit on it:
>>
>> http://wiki.soekris.info/What_documents_should_I_have_received_with_my_Soekris_box
>>
>> I fully agree with the statement that we should at least receive a
>> technical manual...  (but I did not get one).
>>
>> Maybe Rene can put the docs on the Wiki?
>>
>>> The introduction statement on http://www.soekris.com/index.htm suggsts
>>> you may be right:
>>>
>>> "Welcome to Soekris Engineering's website.
>>>
>>> We're now introducing the new net4801"
>> yes, that's pretty hilarious as well.  I think that Soeren has
>> not very much respect for his customers, no docs and a webpage that is
>> out of date.  maybe he just sells to many units that can expose
>> such a behaviour?  at least thats the part we, the users, can change.
>>
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> 
> 


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Re: [Soekris] net5501 and 24VDC ?

[Marc Balmer]

Bill Maas wrote:

> On Sat, 2008-01-19 at 01:10 +0200, Jussi Peltola wrote:
> 
>> Still, I agree the manual should be released. But I doubt it is being
>> intentionally delayed or anything...

I am not so sure.  Rene Luckow, a Soekris employee runs an (unofficial)
Soekris Wiki which has an interesting bit on it:

http://wiki.soekris.info/What_documents_should_I_have_received_with_my_Soekris_box

I fully agree with the statement that we should at least receive a
technical manual...  (but I did not get one).

Maybe Rene can put the docs on the Wiki?

> The introduction statement on http://www.soekris.com/index.htm suggsts
> you may be right:
> 
> "Welcome to Soekris Engineering's website.
> 
> We're now introducing the new net4801"

yes, that's pretty hilarious as well.  I think that Soeren has
not very much respect for his customers, no docs and a webpage that is
out of date.  maybe he just sells to many units that can expose
such a behaviour?  at least thats the part we, the users, can change.

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Re: [Soekris] net5501 and 24VDC ?

[Marc Balmer]

Jussi Peltola wrote:
> On Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 12:00:40AM +0100, Marc Balmer wrote:
>> hmm, and how should Joe Average know about these facts given that
>> there is no manual for the 5501?
> Since when has Soekris been a device that should be given to your
> grandmother? AFAIK most of the buyers do understand enough about
> electronics to be able to use it just fine. Others can buy a power
> supply and a case with the board...

my grandmother is dead and so are some boards apparently of people
that did not get proper documentation.

> Very few PC motherboards contain any pinouts in the manuals, by the way,
> and those are more likely to end up in Joe Average's hands.

I disagree.  The most shitty boards I get have a manual.
Soekris has none.

> Still, I agree the manual should be released. But I doubt it is being
> intentionally delayed or anything...

I he wanted a manual, he would have done it.  He just relies on
the smartness of his users.

I would very much welcome a technical manual like he did for the 4801.
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Re: [Soekris] net5501 and 24VDC ?

[Marc Balmer]

Poul-Henning Kamp wrote:
> In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Niels Ole 
> Staub Kirkeby" writes:
> 
>> Cortex Systems in Denmark (distributer for northen Europe) says it should
>> be protected against reverse voltage so why the heck did it became toast ?
> 
> I belive the reverse protection is a shorting diode (FET ?).
> 
> If you supplied power throught he DC connector on the front, you may
> just have blow the fuse (one of the minute gadgets close by the DC
> connector).
> 
> If you fed it through the white 6-pin connector on the board, you may
> be behind the input protection circuit and you will be out of luck.

hmm, and how should Joe Average know about these facts given that
there is no manual for the 5501?
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Re: [Soekris] Net5501 Second USB Port

[Marc Balmer]

Steven Finnegan wrote:
> Does anybody know for sure which internal header is used for the  
> second USB port on the 5501?
> 
> Previous threads have indicated that JP7 (between the console and  
> power connections) is the port, but voltage measurements there don't  
> make sense.
> Assuming that pin 1 is nearest the JP7 designator, the voltages are  
> 3.23v, 0v, 3.23v, 3.23v respectively. I am presuming the wiring would be
> according to the USB pinout with pin 1-VCC, 2-Data-, 3-Data+, 4-GND.
> 
> However, JP8 (with a labeled pin 1) has much more reasonable  
> measurements, 1-4.9v, 2-0v, 3-0v, 4-0v
> 
> Can someone verify?

It's just hilarious (and arrogant) that
Soekris does not provide a system manual.

> 
> Thanks,
> sjf
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Soekris] Debian/Etch on net4501 device, hints and links?

[Marc Balmer]

Holger Rodriguez wrote:
> Hi all,
> currently I'm running two net4501 devices with OpenBSD 4.0 as an choke
> and access router, and its running fine.
> Unfortunately the only machine providing an OpenBSD 4.0 environment,
> where the CF cards can be generated, is dying, and the only reason for
> this machine was the net4501's.

Im an not really answering your questions, but why don't you just get
1-2 GB CF cards and install an OpenBSD snapshot on them?  You don't
need your own build machines for that and you get the latest features.

2 GB CF cards cost around CHF 40 nowadays.

(I really would not want to go back from OpenBSD for Linux, especially
not on a firewall/router)

> 
> The rest of the network are Debian/Etch machines (AMD-64 and Intel).
> Therefore I want the OS of the net4501 to change to Debian/Etch.
> 
> I searched through the mailing list archive, but what I found was not
> (at least not for me) enough.
> I know, that using a Debian/Etch AMD-64 environment to create the
> net4501 installation
> needs at least
> - debootstrap
> - cross compile for the target
> I'm not afraid setting this up, but currently I feel very lost..
> 
> Therefore I dare to ask the question:
> Is there anybody out there, using a Debian/Etch installation (cross
> compile not necessary) to create the images for the net4501 devices?
> 
> Any hints, like:
> - this is what you need
> - this is the CONFIG (for compiling the kernel) spec you want
> - these are the points to be aware of
> - are the devices supported in the standard kernel
> - etc.
> would be highly appreciated.
> 
> (Next year I want to buy a n5501 with a lan1641, any problems I should
> know of in advance?)
> 
> Thanks a lot in advance,
> Holger
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Re: [Soekris] net5501-70 startup freeze

[Marc Balmer]

Soren Kristensen wrote:
> Hi Everybody,
> 
> Gaëtan Minet wrote:
>> Hi
>>
>> I just received a new net5501-70 with the "official" case and power  
>> supply, and I experience what looks like time-related startup problems.
>>
>> Indeed, each time I plug the power in _after the unit has been powered  
>> off for more than 10 seconds_ , the power and error leds stay on  
>> forever and the system seems completely freezed (+ the third ide led  
>> if a CF is plugged in). Nothing appears on the serial port, I don't  
>> even see the POST messages, memory count, pci list, ...
>> If I then unplug and plug again the psu "quickly" (in less than ~10  
>> seconds), it usually starts correctly.
>>
>> Any Idea what could cause this problem ?
>>
>> The board is completely 'empty' (no CF/IDE/SATA/USB/MINIPCI/Network  
>> cable is plugged), it is just as received.
>> I had the same problem with another 5501-70 that has just been  
>> exchanged by this one for this reason. Additionally, the first one had  
>> the RTC issue but this one doesn't.
>> Would this board be faulty (too) ?
> 
> Assuming the usual checks (power supply ok, battery fully charged), then 
> the net5501 should startup correctly every time, otherwise there is some 
> defect somewhere
> 
> If so, follow standard procedure:
> 
> email [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a detailed description of the problem and 
> I'll take it from there.

I just want to chime in that we had the same problem with some 5501.
It was kind of transient, though, the systems seem to well behave now
(I hope)

- Marc Balmer

> 
> 
> Best Regards,
> 
> 
> Soren Kristensen
> 
> CEO & Chief Engineer
> Soekris Engineering, Inc.
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Re: [Soekris] net5501 GPIO Pins

[Marc Balmer]

Marc Balmer wrote:
> How are the GPIO Pins on the net5501 wired, especially which one
> controls the Error LED?

I can reply myself, found some source code snippets in the list archives.
  sry for the line noise...
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[Soekris] net5501 GPIO Pins

[Marc Balmer]

How are the GPIO Pins on the net5501 wired, especially which one
controls the Error LED?

Thanks, Marc
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[Soekris] do net5501 serial ports have control lines?

[Marc Balmer]

A simple question... do the net5501 serial ports provide modem
control lines that can be used to get at PPS signal from a GPS
receiver?

- Marc Balmer
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Re: [Soekris] net5501 and CF + ATA + SATA

[Marc Balmer]

Poul-Henning Kamp wrote:
> In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Richa
> rd Storm" writes:
>> Hello!
>>
>> I am trying to get SATA and ATA and CF working together on net5501.
> 
> You can't.
> 
> SATA and PATA are exclusive, if you have an SATA disk connected PATA
> is disabled.
> 

does this also mean that a CF-card and a SATA disk can not be used
simultaneously?
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Re: [Soekris] (no subject)

[Marc Balmer]

Bill Maas wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> this one's FAR off-topic, but I'm going to post it anyway. It's about
> making payments rather than about technology. However, I came across it
> while ordering a net5501, so it does have _something_ to do with
> Soekris.
> 
> The problem is that I don't like having my credit card nos. all over the
> place, so I asked Wim Vandeputte from soekris.kd85.com if I could pay
> through an escrow like Paypal, but Soekris Engineering doesn't do Paypal
> (which is probably a horribly expensive service anyway).

that sound unneccessarily complicated to me ;)  every company will treat
your credit card data confidentially, if they store it all.  On our
webshop, https://www.msys.ch/shop/ we do not store any such data, it is
all handled by Telekurs Multipay, a credit card processing company.
> 
> 
> I don't really like Paypal because they pay the seller immediately, and
> if I don't like the product, I'll have to contact and try to come to
> terms with seller directly. A company named Escrow.com (www.escrow.com)
> have a better formula, as their "How it works" explains:
> 
> "
> How does it work?
> 
>1. Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms
>2. Buyer Pays Escrow.com
>3. Seller Ships Merchandise
>4. Buyer Accepts the Merchandise
>5. Escrow.com Pays the Seller
> 
> What are the benefits?
> Escrow.com, an accredited escrow company, acts as a secure third party
> to protect the Buyer and Seller.
> 
> How Buyers are protected:
> - Escrow.com tracks the shipped merchandise and verifies it was
> delivered.
> - The Seller isn't paid until the Buyer accepts the merchandise, or
>   the inspection period expires. 
> 
> How Sellers are protected:
> - Escrow.com confirms when the Buyer receives merchandise.
> - The Seller is authorized to ship only after Escrow.com verifies
>   good funds.
> "
> 
> 
> I don't intend to advertise for this or any particular company here. It
> just occurred to me that this way of making payments should be fairly
> easy to implement in a collective, Open Source environment. The key
> issue is trust, the financial side should be much less of a problem
> (basically all that is required is a computer and a bank account).
> 
> Anyway, I hope I'll be forgiven for raising this issue on the
> soekris-tech list. It's intended as a hint for the Open source
> community, ans since The Open Source Community doesn't have an email
> adress, why not start here:)
> 
> And I still feel that any host any of my my CC-nos. sits on is one too
> many (they're not even on any of my computers).
> 
> Bill
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Soekris] Net5501 1.32d issue?

[Marc Balmer]

solar wrote:
> Net5501 / OpenBSD 4.1. 
> Disk ( comBIOS [OpenBSD] ):
> Pri Mas  HTE721010G9AT00 LBA Xlt 1024-255-63  97 Gbyte
> [wd0: 16-sector PIO, LBA48, 95396MB, 195371568 sectors ]
> Pri Sla  CF CARD 4GB LBA Xlt 983-128-63  3964 Mbyte
> [wd1: 1-sector PIO, LBA, 3871MB, 7928928 sectors ]
> 
> I have a slightly odd issue with the latest comBIOS and wonder if anyone
> else has experienced it?
> 
> I've been running comBIOS 1.32 with no problems, except for the missing disk
> reboot issue previously documented.
> 
> Just to try it out (!), I upgraded to 1.32d.
>  
> As with 1.32, after executing OpenBSD reboot command the Error light remains
> lit for about a minute. Then comBIOS continues and having failed to find any
> discs goes for pxe boot.

it is a known bug.  the bios is fucked.  soekris is working on it (but to slow 
;)

> With 1.32, if I then performed a physical reboot (press button at back or
> power off) all disks are then detected and OpenBSD boots normally. 
> 
> However, with 1.32d, now after a physical reboot the comBIOS states the
> disks are detected again (although the error light does comes on for a few
> seconds) but then goes for pxe boot? As can be seen:
> 
> comBIOS ver. 1.32d 20070919  Copyright (C) 2000-2007 Soekris Engineering.
> net5501
> 0512 Mbyte MemoryCPU Geode LX 500 Mhz 
> Pri Mas  HTE721010G9AT00 LBA Xlt 1024-255-63  97 Gbyte
> Pri Sla  CF CARD 4GB LBA Xlt 983-128-63  3964 Mbyte
> ...[removed]...
>  1 Seconds to automatic boot.   Press Ctrl-P for entering Monitor.
> Intel UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)
> Copyright (C) 1997,1998,1999  Intel Corporation
> VIA Rhine III Management Adapter v2.43 (2005/12/15)
> CLIENT MAC ADDR: xx xx xx xx xx xx [edit]  
> PXE-E51: No DHCP or proxyDHCP offers were received.   
> 
> If I then perform another physical reboot, the comBIOS finds the disks
> immediately and boots OpenBSD normally. 
> 
> In summary, following upgrade to 1.32d if I perform an OpenBSD reboot, I am
> then required to perform two consecutive physical reboots (button at back or
> power off) before comBIOS finds discs and I can boot os again!

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[Soekris] 5501 on-board serial port header

[Marc Balmer]

hi

is the 5501 on-board serial header (secondary com port) wired the same 
way as on the 4801?  and does it also carry the 5V power supply?

will there be a stub-manual describing just the connectors?

(I need that to drive GPS units on the second serial console).

- marc balmer
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Re: [Soekris] soekris net5501 + reboot problem

[Marc Balmer]

* Peter van Oord van der Vlies wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have recently bought a new net5501, it works fine except when i give 
> the device a reboot then he doesn't boots anymore from the hdd.
> 
> I have seen that many people have the same problem. Is there anyone that 
> have a workaround or solutions for this problem ?

same problem here, too ;)  I guess it's a bios problem and I heard
rumours that it is being worked on.

 - mb

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