Re: [Gumstix-users] basic questions about assembly and serial connection

[Dave H. <dhy...@gm...>]

Hi volker,

> i'm sitting infront of a verdex XL6P with expansions netCF-vx and
> audiostix 2.
> and i'm getting the impression that i'm missing some parts in order
> to make a connection with a host computer.
>
> am i right that i HAVE to make a serial connection first, before i
> can use the ethernet module?

You may need to customize some settings, which would require the use
of the console. But once things are setup properly, you shouldn't
require the use of the console.

My experience is that the gumstix will normally acquire an IP address
from your local DHCP server, and you should be able to ssh into the
gumstix using

ssh root@IP-address

> am i also right, that i can't establish a serial connection through
> the usb connector on the audiostix,

You can setup a serial connection through USB, but not the way the
gumstix ships. It requires customizations to several of the boot
files.

> but have to use a 'tweener', a serial null-modem cable and probably a
> serial-usb adapter?

You can use a tweener, or you can connect up a logic-level serial to
RS-232 adapter to the FFUART pins on the audiostix2.

> what is 'console' good for (can't seem to find one for use with
> verdex anyway)?

The console is where all of the boot messages go. This tells you if
everything is running fine. It also allows customizations and
recovery. Once things are setup just the way you want, it's possible
that you may never need to use the console again, but typically you
require console access to get things setup.

> i plan to use a power mac running linux (debian) to program the gumstix.
> anything else i should consider or be aware of?

Make sure you disable hardware flow control when trying to connect to
the console.

-- 
Dave Hylands
Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.DaveHylands.com/