Coming to life

Mar 05, 2009 GMT

There are several options for running a Linux system on the BeagleBoard. The most common is the Angstrom distribution, alternatives include an Android port by the Embinux company, a custom Ubuntu, and maybe more I don't even know of. I'll go with Angstrom for now, others distributions will have to wait.The BeagleBoard has a card reader slot that can read SD and SDHC cards, so I am getting an 8GB SDHC card to store the Linux system. Conveniently, you can just prepare the flash card with your Linux PC – provided you have a working card reader.Installing Angstrom is not a big deal; the only challenge is to partition the SD card appropriately. I just followed the tutorial on...

A tale of a serial cable

Feb 17, 2009 GMT

Finally the BeagleBoard has arrived. Unfortunately custom offices are charging me additional US$ 30. Ripping the package open I am shocked: It's so tiny! On first sight I can't find the OMAP processor. Almost by chance I find the explanation reading through some web site. Following the PoP construction principle (Package on a Package) the memory chip is mounted on the CPU.   A yellow LED shows that the power supply via the USB port is working. For connecting the BeagleBoard with a PC you need an AT/Everex serial cable, which plugs into the pin header of the board and has a RS-232 serial port on the other end. You might have a hard time...

Not a board but a book

Feb 09, 2009 GMT

Still waiting for the BeagleBoard package. However, I did get mail today: A package from the "Literature Response Center" (sounds pretty posh, eh :) of Texas Instruments containing the tiny book OMAP and DaVinci Software for Dummies.   I wonder if I am supposed to pay for it but as far as I recall I didn't provide any details on payment when I ordered, and the package includes no bill either. The book even has "Compliments of Texas Instruments" printed on the cover, it's ok. If you have the guts you may try the same on the web site (it says "Available only while supplies last"). But beware: I won't cover your...

Order placed

Jan 28, 2009 GMT

Finally ordered the BeagleBoard on the Internet today. The whole package is about US$190, shipping not included. I hope there won't be any additional problems with the customs office. In addition to the DSP and the ARM core on the OMAP CPU, the BeagleBoard features an OpenVR graphics chip (as seen in the good old Sega Dreamcast console) that accelerates many functions of OpenGL ES – the "Embedded" version of the 3D graphics standard OpenGL. Allegedly the small board can even play HD video (720p with up to 30 frames per second) thanks to the DSP. With Linux you can take advantage of the DSP function through the standard GStreamer interface. By the way, even Google's Android...