Bush Internet TV STB
The Happy Hippy
Can anyone recommend the best place to discuss matters of the Bush Internet
Set-Top Box nature ?
Having got the STB working with my unmetered ISP through a PC, I'd like to
know if anyone has looked at altering / programming the EPROM / NVRAM to
dial a different ISP with a different username / password.
I'm happy to use what I've got, but it seems silly to have an STB using 6W
with a 200W PC bridge to the ISP; mod'ing the STB would seem to be The
Sensible Thing To Do (TM).
I'm also interested in hearing what others think of the IBX hardware and
software. I've seen many worrying things occur ( even when connected to
bushinternet.com ); inability to load new pages until graphics have been
rendered, jams and can't hang-up modem if ISP stops responding, grinds to a
complete halt and hangs when on a slow connection - Nearly all require a
power-off-on cycle to hang-up the modem, or make the STB respond to the
keyboard.
I can't say that my first experiences with RO ( NC 5.13 ) have left me
impressed. Having seen many claims that RO is 'rock solid' compared to
anything from M$, I'm intrigued as to why the Bush STB falls over quite so
much. Is RO, "All hype and no trousers", is this just an 'iffy'
implementation, or is the problem elsewhere in the software suite ?
TIA, for any comments you may have.
Jess Hampshire
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Can anyone recommend the best place to discuss matters of the Bush Internet
> Set-Top Box nature ?
Here or possibly csa.hardware
> Having got the STB working with my unmetered ISP through a PC, I'd like to
How did you do that?
> know if anyone has looked at altering / programming the EPROM / NVRAM to
> dial a different ISP with a different username / password.
> I'm happy to use what I've got, but it seems silly to have an STB using 6W
> with a 200W PC bridge to the ISP; mod'ing the STB would seem to be The
> Sensible Thing To Do (TM).
Definately.
> I'm also interested in hearing what others think of the IBX hardware and
> software. I've seen many worrying things occur ( even when connected to
> bushinternet.com ); inability to load new pages until graphics have been
> rendered, jams and can't hang-up modem if ISP stops responding, grinds to a
> complete halt and hangs when on a slow connection - Nearly all require a
> power-off-on cycle to hang-up the modem, or make the STB respond to the
> keyboard.
I've not used mine extensively, but I haven't had problems at all with
it.
> I can't say that my first experiences with RO ( NC 5.13 ) have left me
> impressed. Having seen many claims that RO is 'rock solid' compared to
> anything from M$, I'm intrigued as to why the Bush STB falls over quite so
> much. Is RO, "All hype and no trousers", is this just an 'iffy'
> implementation, or is the problem elsewhere in the software suite ?
You might have a faulty STB, have you compared it to others?
> TIA, for any comments you may have.
One other thing, it has been reported (on here) that the RISC OS
internet stack can lock up when subjected to some types of port scan,
I don't know if that would apply to the version in the STB.
--
Jess
icq 91353267 http://www.kentwebnet.com Using RISC OS 4
Alan Wrigley
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> I can't say that my first experiences with RO ( NC 5.13 ) have left me
> impressed. Having seen many claims that RO is 'rock solid' compared to
> anything from M$, I'm intrigued as to why the Bush STB falls over quite so
> much.
Unfortunately, while RISC OS may be very stable and 'rock solid' on its
own, it's not difficult for badly written software to make it fall over.
It's interesting to hear that things haven't changed a lot since the
days of the RCA network computer 4 years ago.
Alan
Ben Brook
welcome on the main Bush STB discussion board:
http://discussion.virgin.net/cgi-bin/WebTV.fcgi?1...@66.LELgaubsmF0^1@.ee735d5
--
benb...@blueyonder.co.uk
AcornUser webmaster http://www.acornuser.com/
Web Sites and Computer Graphics http://www.ben-brook.co.uk/
RISC OS user in London? http://www.jellybaby.net/rougol/
The Happy Hippy
news:434a97b...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk...
> In message <tGUm7.7756$fA.12...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > Having got the STB working with my unmetered ISP through a PC, I'd like
to
>
> How did you do that?
At the moment its STB to PABX to dial-in modem on the PC, then dial-out from
PC to ISP, with some routing in the way. I just pull off the PAP packet,
change the username and password and voila. I have a circuit for a very
simple, dirt cheap, line simulator which will avoid the use of the PABX.
I'm now thinking about using a Microchip PIC ( or something ), as a simpler
bridge than a PC, but it would still tie up two modems.
Also, any Linux router ( Freesco, LRP ) should do the job, and more, but I'm
not familiar with Linux and am having problems getting PPPD up and running.
Would be the ideal solution for STB to cable modem.
> I've not used mine extensively, but I haven't had problems at all with
> it.
> You might have a faulty STB, have you compared it to others?
A friend has one, and also reports problems with hang-up through
bushinternet. I will admit that I've been abusing the pass-through at times
( slowing it down etc, using a 1200 baud modem ! ).
> One other thing, it has been reported (on here) that the RISC OS
> internet stack can lock up when subjected to some types of port scan,
> I don't know if that would apply to the version in the STB.
It's an IBX-100. Because the data rate has been slowed down, there does seem
to be a lot of packet 'handshaking' going on, so could be the root cause.
Many thanks for your comments.
The Happy Hippy
news:4ab7e2213...@blueyonder.co.uk...
> I'm sure that your presence and your ideas on this would be extremely
> welcome on the main Bush STB discussion board:
>
http://discussion.virgin.net/cgi-bin/WebTV.fcgi?1...@66.LELgaubsmF0^1@.ee735d5
Thank's Ben ... Not sure how Bush / Virgin would take to me discussing what
they may see as "hacking" on their official board though ;-)
I'll have a read of the T&C's of the Bush STB / bushinternet.com / Virgin
site.
Jess Hampshire
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> "Jess Hampshire" <je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:434a97b...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk...
> > In message <tGUm7.7756$fA.12...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> > "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> > > Having got the STB working with my unmetered ISP through a PC, I'd like
> to
> >
> > How did you do that?
>
> At the moment its STB to PABX to dial-in modem on the PC, then dial-out from
> PC to ISP, with some routing in the way. I just pull off the PAP packet,
> change the username and password and voila. I have a circuit for a very
> simple, dirt cheap, line simulator which will avoid the use of the PABX.
>
> I'm now thinking about using a Microchip PIC ( or something ), as a simpler
> bridge than a PC, but it would still tie up two modems.
>
> Also, any Linux router ( Freesco, LRP ) should do the job, and more, but I'm
> not familiar with Linux and am having problems getting PPPD up and running.
> Would be the ideal solution for STB to cable modem.
I can see why you'd want to reprogram it to cut that lot out. (parallel
port networking maybe?)
Actually I'm surprised no-one has come up with some sort of boot loader
rom to let the thing boot (say with Arm Linux) from a Parallel zip drive
> > I've not used mine extensively, but I haven't had problems at all with
> > it.
> > You might have a faulty STB, have you compared it to others?
>
> A friend has one, and also reports problems with hang-up through
> bushinternet. I will admit that I've been abusing the pass-through at times
> ( slowing it down etc, using a 1200 baud modem ! ).
>
> > One other thing, it has been reported (on here) that the RISC OS
> > internet stack can lock up when subjected to some types of port scan,
> > I don't know if that would apply to the version in the STB.
>
> It's an IBX-100. Because the data rate has been slowed down, there does seem
> to be a lot of packet 'handshaking' going on, so could be the root cause.
>
> Many thanks for your comments.
>
>
--
The Happy Hippy
> I can see why you'd want to reprogram it to cut that lot out. (parallel
> port networking maybe?)
Hadn't thought of that !
> Actually I'm surprised no-one has come up with some sort of boot loader
> rom to let the thing boot (say with Arm Linux) from a Parallel zip drive
Or a Compact Flash card through the parallel port ? In fact, if one can do
it off a CF, IDE and HDD shouldn't be that much more difficult ?
I may have to learn more about RO !
Cheers, Jess.
John Cartmell
techie types who would like to swap info.
--
John Cartmell
MAUG - New Venue in Sale - now at Metrovick Rugby Club, FinnyBank Road, Sale
Meeting >>Next Week<< 19th September === http://www.acorn.manchester.ac.uk
- RISC OS 4+ presentation by Paul Middleton
- MyRISCOS update by Jeremy Coates
Michael Gilbert
very least. Not entirely sure how you get to the command line on a Bush
STB, but Shift-Power On might work. It also might have the option to set
a fixed IP address, which Acorn NC's had, although this might have been
removed from the ROM. Both Control and both Alt keys, from memory.
If you do get it to boot to the CLI, commands like 'Status',
'ROMModules' and 'Help <modulename>' might prove instructive.
Cheers
Mike
--
Michael Gilbert
in his own write
Acorn relics at http://www.eclipse.co.uk/gilberts/archiology
Andy Marks Net
Michael Gilbert <mgil...@eclipse.co.uk> wrote:
> AFAIR, it should have hooks for parallel port booting from Zip, at the
> very least. Not entirely sure how you get to the command line on a Bush
> STB, but Shift-Power On might work.
I tried it, and it does work! Also, somewhere in there is the module
IZipFS, which is the same as the Argo Zip Driver one. I did manage to load
some modules from RO3.7 once, but I know nothing about the OS to get it to
do anything else.
I only wanted to "borrow" a new version of Fresco!
Andy
--
Andy Marks
an...@andy-marks.net
The Happy Hippy
"John Cartmell" <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:4ab7f37...@cartmell.demon.co.uk...
> In article <vR7n7.9083$iD.14...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>,
> The Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > I may have to learn more about RO !
> Where in the world do you live? Most of the RISC OS user groups include
> techie types who would like to swap info.
In the UK, and not that far from Cambridge :-)
Until I got the Bush STB, I'd never given RO a second glance; then again
I've never looked at MacOS, BeOS, NeXT etc. Loved Acorn's BBC Computers
though.
John Cartmell
The Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> "John Cartmell" <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:4ab7f37...@cartmell.demon.co.uk...
> > In article <vR7n7.9083$iD.14...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>,
> > The Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > > I may have to learn more about RO !
> > Where in the world do you live? Most of the RISC OS user groups include
> > techie types who would like to swap info.
> In the UK, and not that far from Cambridge :-)
> Until I got the Bush STB, I'd never given RO a second glance; then again
> I've never looked at MacOS, BeOS, NeXT etc. Loved Acorn's BBC Computers
> though.
OK so it's a touch far to come to a user group meeting in Manchester (3½
hours each way - I did it in the other direction a couple of weeks ago) but
I know there are user groups much nearer. If no-one buts in with an
appropriate suggestion I'll see if I can find an appropriate link.
dgs
The Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > > I may have to learn more about RO !
> >
> > Where in the world do you live? Most of the RISC OS user groups include
> > techie types who would like to swap info.
>
> In the UK, and not that far from Cambridge :-)
Bottisham is your nearest group then... and their next meeting is
ummm...... tomorrow (Tuesday) evening :-)
There is location info somewhere near http://come.to/baug
Hopefully see you there!
--
d...@argonet.co.uk * RISC OS in London ? http://rougol.jellybaby.net/
(speaking personally) * or Manchester ? http://www.acorn.manchester.ac.uk/
dgs
John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> OK so it's a touch far to come to a user group meeting in Manchester (3½
> hours each way - I did it in the other direction a couple of weeks ago)
Someone drove four and a half hours to a ROUGOL meeting a month or so ago,
but they didn't intend it to take quite that long (and I imagine it was a
lot quicker on the way back).
> but I know there are user groups much nearer. If no-one buts in with an
> appropriate suggestion I'll see if I can find an appropriate link.
Done :)
The Happy Hippy
"dgs" <d...@argonet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:4ab808...@argonet.co.uk...
> In article <Xpbn7.10419$iD.17...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>,
> The Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Bottisham is your nearest group then... and their next meeting is
> ummm...... tomorrow (Tuesday) evening :-)
> Hopefully see you there!
Probably not tomorrow; cinema night I'm afraid. I think I'll gen up on RO a
bit first ( or just wear the Newbie badge :-] ).
Thanks to everyone who has responded; there's been some good tips and
comments made, which have inspired me onwards. One day, I may get to meet
some of you in the flesh.
The Happy Hippy
"Andy Marks Net" <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote ...
> > but Shift-Power On might work.
>
> I tried it, and it does work!
Got it too ! Many thanks. Unfortunately, all the text is about two pixel
high on my TV, which is just a tadge unreadable.
I know I'm getting into RTFM land, but -
1) Can I make the font bigger so I can at least read it, whilst playing
about ?
2) Where's the best place to go and RTFM ? I don't want to waste people's
time with more idiot questions, a web search turned up loads of RO stuff to
plough through, but I'm sure there's some recommended sites ?
TIA.
Jess Hampshire
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
I don't think you would be wasting people's time, if the Bush boxes can
be convinced to do more, then I think *lots* of us would be interested.
Andy Marks Net
> >
> > I tried it, and it does work!
> Got it too ! Many thanks. Unfortunately, all the text is about two pixel
> high on my TV, which is just a tadge unreadable.
> I know I'm getting into RTFM land, but -
> 1) Can I make the font bigger so I can at least read it, whilst playing
> about ?
If I remember (and you may too, from your BBC days), just type *Basic
<return> and then MODE 7 <return>. This should give you bigger text. Then
do a *quit <return> to get back to supervisor mode! Then you can play
about and actually see!!!
If mode 7 doesn't work, try a different (low) number, (I remember 2 or 5
being large text) and don't forget the capitals in MODE!
--
--------------------------------------------
Andy Marks - and...@argonet.co.uk
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Very near the World-Famous(?) Creswell Crags
I know, I've been there!
--------------------------------------------
Stuart Halliday
Jess Hampshire <je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> I don't think you would be wasting people's time, if the Bush boxes can
> be convinced to do more, then I think *lots* of us would be interested.
Be quick then. Buy them whilst you still can.....
Hint.
--
Stuart Halliday
The Acorn Cybervillage
http://acorn.cybervillage.co.uk/
Remove 'takeoutthisbit' to reply to my mail.
Richard Walker
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Got it too ! Many thanks. Unfortunately, all the text is about two pixel
> high on my TV, which is just a tadge unreadable.
Hmm... been there, done that! :-)
> I know I'm getting into RTFM land, but -
Not at all. This info. isn't in the Bush manual! :-)
> 1) Can I make the font bigger so I can at least read it, whilst playing
> about ?
Type 'BASIC'. This drops you into BBC BASIC.
Type 'MODE 12' (upper-case is critical!) and you should have a larger font.
Failing mode 12, you could try 0, 6, or 7.
> 2) Where's the best place to go and RTFM ? I don't want to waste people's
> time with more idiot questions, a web search turned up loads of RO stuff
> to plough through, but I'm sure there's some recommended sites ?
Just ask in these groups - misc or hardware. The stuff you are trying to do
isn't really documented. Background knowledge on RISC OS would help, but
the only way to get that is to buy a RISC OS machine and use it (and/or read
the RISC OS manuals). You could try http://www.red-squirrel.org for a bit.
--
Richard.
"Have you seen the bigger piggies In their starched white shirts."
Alan P Dawes
Andy Marks Net <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote:
> In article <ant10211...@riscpc.local>,
> Michael Gilbert <mgil...@eclipse.co.uk> wrote:
> > AFAIR, it should have hooks for parallel port booting from Zip, at the
> > very least. Not entirely sure how you get to the command line on a Bush
> > STB, but Shift-Power On might work.
> I tried it, and it does work! Also, somewhere in there is the module
> IZipFS, which is the same as the Argo Zip Driver one.
I'm pretty sure that the Argo Zip Driver will only work with the old 100MB
zip drives not the newer 250MB ones.
Alan
--
--. --. --. --. : : --- --- ----------------------------
|_| |_| | _ | | | | |_ | alan....@argonet.co.uk
| | |\ | | | | |\| | |
| | | \ |_| |_| | | |__ | Using an Acorn RiscPC
Michael Gilbert
>
> > > but Shift-Power On might work.
> >
> > I tried it, and it does work!
>
> Got it too ! Many thanks. Unfortunately, all the text is about two pixel
> high on my TV, which is just a tadge unreadable.
>
> I know I'm getting into RTFM land, but -
>
> 1) Can I make the font bigger so I can at least read it, whilst playing
> about ?
Try typing 'Mode 7', which is Teletext, though I doubt it will change
anything.
>
> 2) Where's the best place to go and RTFM ? I don't want to waste people's
> time with more idiot questions, a web search turned up loads of RO stuff to
> plough through, but I'm sure there's some recommended sites ?
A standard RISC OS 3 Users Guide has a full set of star commands, and
there's a 59KB file on a lot of machine hard drives, in the Tutorials
directory, called 'StarComms', whichis a full list of all the Star
Commands. You haven't got this, but it could be emailed, or might be
downloadable. There's no copyright notice on it at all, unless anyone
knows different.
Dave Cooper
<je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I don't think you would be wasting people's time, if the Bush boxes can
> be convinced to do more, then I think *lots* of us would be interested.
>
A assume this is because a newer box is on the way.
Regards, Dave C.
--
__ __ __ __ __ ___ _____________________________________________
|__||__)/ __/ \|\ ||_ | /StrongArm RiscPc (RISCOS4) PcCard ZFC & MAUG
| || \\__/\__/| \||__ |/RINGS:- RISC OS, SF Review & Classical Music
280+ Backdrops & Photos http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/dac/index.html
Stuart Halliday
Dave Cooper <d...@argonet.co.uk> wrote:
> I assume this is because a newer box is on the way.
That's not what I've heard.
The Happy Hippy
to be selling off for around 30 UKPs now.
Toys R Us are doing a special deal on the IBX-100; 19.99 GBP with a 10 GBP T
R U voucher back :-)
http://www.toysrus.co.uk/SN_engine.cfm?shopid=1&function=showproduct&SKN=870
102
Think the voucher is only available when bought in-store.
The Happy Hippy
> Type 'BASIC'. This drops you into BBC BASIC.
That worked, and I feel it's getting better all the time, thanks. And to
think I nearly threw away my old BBC Basic manuals away, thinking I'd never
use them again. I'm glad sentimentality got the better of me.
The last time I used anything Acornesque was a Model B with Watford DFS -
this really is bringing back memories - which had someone's phonetic speech
program running on it ! And was it Pengo pushing those ice blocks around ?
I presume Basic is the best way to start peeking around memory / NVRAM to
see what I can find; so time to start learning again.
Q : Can programs be loaded / saved to a Zip Drive on the printer port
without having to do anything clever ?
> Type 'MODE 12' (upper-case is critical!) and you should have a larger
font.
"mode 7" worked fine from the command line, but thanks.
John Cartmell
> Q : Can programs be loaded / saved to a Zip Drive on the printer port
> without having to do anything clever ?
I think you're on your own here! I'm sure one or two of the user groups
would like to see what you've managed to do.
Alan Wrigley
John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <zqxn7.14517$iD.23...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>, The
> Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> > Q : Can programs be loaded / saved to a Zip Drive on the printer port
> > without having to do anything clever ?
>
> I think you're on your own here! I'm sure one or two of the user groups
> would like to see what you've managed to do.
I would have thought that Basic's file handling commands would work fine
if the filename is prefixed with IZipFS::
Alan
John Duffell
Andy Marks Net <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote:
[snip]
>
> If mode 7 doesn't work, try a different (low) number, (I remember 2 or 5
> being large text) and don't forget the capitals in MODE!
Easier still, just type
*echo <22><7>
or swap 7 for whatever else.
HTH,
--
John
http://duffell.cjb.net/ http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~jwd104/
#riscos IRC pages - http://www.riscos.cjb.net/
Adam Richardson
> NVRAM to see what I can find; so time to start learning again.
I thought I'd write a few starters down, in case you really are lost -
apologies if I state the obvious...
The CLI (Command Line Interpreter) is what you get when you turn on,
has a star prompt and does operating style stuff with commands like
copy, configure, unplug etc. The OS is modular and typing "modules"
[1] will list these, you can then do "help <name>" for more info. The
command "help" should also be useful.
When you type "Basic" (Type "QUIT" to get back again) you reach
interpreted BBC Basic 5 (a surprisingly good language - much better
than that in BBC Bs etc) so to execute star commands from there you
have to prefix them with a star.
To get into more depth from Basic you need to know about SYS commands
- I seem to remember a free database listing them all - it must be on
the web somewhere - I could dig it out if you want.
Hope it helps,
Adam
[1] In order to stop it all scrolling past too fast: hold down Ctrl
and Shift before you press return, then release Shift.
--
Adam Richardson Phone: 07884 496728
Carpe Diem Email: ad...@argonet.co.uk
Send a short (<140 chars - about 2 lines) message
to my mobile via email: adam...@cheerful.com
We're going back to planet P, to get that Brain.
Michael Gilbert
>
> > Type 'BASIC'. This drops you into BBC BASIC.
>
> That worked, and I feel it's getting better all the time, thanks. And to
> think I nearly threw away my old BBC Basic manuals away, thinking I'd never
> use them again. I'm glad sentimentality got the better of me.
>
> The last time I used anything Acornesque was a Model B with Watford DFS -
> this really is bringing back memories - which had someone's phonetic speech
> program running on it ! And was it Pengo pushing those ice blocks around ?
>
> I presume Basic is the best way to start peeking around memory / NVRAM to
> see what I can find; so time to start learning again.
>
> Q : Can programs be loaded / saved to a Zip Drive on the printer port
> without having to do anything clever ?
If you're in BASIC, command line instructions can be entered preceded by
a '*' as normal. Do a '*help zip.', which should come up with stuff
related to ZipFS, if it's there.
Navaho, linked from the Castle website, has an NC boot capability,
although designed for LAN rather than parallel.
Daniel Ellis
<URL:mailto:john.d...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> In message <4ab8343...@andy-marks.net>
> Andy Marks Net <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote:
>
> [snip]
> >
> > If mode 7 doesn't work, try a different (low) number, (I remember 2 or 5
> > being large text) and don't forget the capitals in MODE!
>
> Easier still, just type
>
> *echo <22><7>
>
> or swap 7 for whatever else.
Or ctrl-V, ctrl-G if you want to be really minimalist.
--
Dan Ellis
mailto:d...@pod51.demon.co.uk
jones.family22
"Michael Gilbert" <mgil...@eclipse.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ant10211...@riscpc.local...
> In article <vR7n7.9083$iD.14...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>,
> The Happy Hippy <URL:mailto:the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > "Jess Hampshire" <je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote ...
> >
loader
> > > rom to let the thing boot (say with Arm Linux) from a Parallel zip
drive
> >
> > Or a Compact Flash card through the parallel port ? In fact, if one can
do
> > it off a CF, IDE and HDD shouldn't be that much more difficult ?
> >
it's called-sorry APDL)?
Also, I read somewhere that someone pt RO3.6 roms in it, and it booted to
the desktop.
If that is/was possible, many people would be interested, as it has a modem
etc.
Thanks,
Danny Jones
=========
Robert Richards
"jones.family22" <jones.f...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> "Michael Gilbert" <mgil...@eclipse.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:ant10211...@riscpc.local...
> > In article <vR7n7.9083$iD.14...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>, The
> > Happy Hippy <URL:mailto:the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > > "Jess Hampshire" <je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote ...
> > >
> > > > Actually I'm surprised no-one has come up with some sort of boot
> loader
> > > > rom to let the thing boot (say with Arm Linux) from a Parallel zip
> drive
> > >
> > > Or a Compact Flash card through the parallel port ? In fact, if one
> > > can
> do
> > > it off a CF, IDE and HDD shouldn't be that much more difficult ?
> > >
> Couldn't you put a parallel HD on it, like that one by APDL(I forget
> what it's called-sorry APDL)?
Datasafe. Yes you could hook it up, but it's going to be mighty difficult
getting the driving software into the box :-)
> Also, I read somewhere that someone pt RO3.6 roms in it, and it booted
> to the desktop. If that is/was possible, many people would be
> interested, as it has a modem etc.
But you still don't have a hard disc (or any web apps if you've riped out
the original ROMs I presume).
If you wanna computer, you gotta buy a computer!
--
Robert Richards at home
www.richards44.freeserve.co.uk
Sent from a StrongARM RiscPC running RISC OS 4 - www.riscos.com
jones.family22
"Robert Richards" <robe...@richards44.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:383398b94...@richards44.freeserve.co.uk...
> In message <vv9o7.4213$mj6.4...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> "jones.family22" <jones.f...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> If you wanna computer, you gotta buy a computer!
>
>
and the Psion Revo)! ;-)
I was just thinking it would be ok to mess around with, like an A3000 on
steroids-can't do much, but nice for novelty value maybe?
Is there an FDD adapter inside it does anyone know?
Thanks,
Danny Jones
=========
druck
Has anyone managed to order one from the website? Using both Oregano and
Freso I can add it to the shopping basket, but any of the routes to go to
checkout (directly or via view basket) always results in it sitting there
for a logn time before timing out.
---druck
--
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
|_)|(_ / ` / \(_ ' ) / \ / \ /| The Prestige RISC OS Show, 20-21 October
| \| _)\_, \_/ _) /_ \_/ \_/ _|_ Blue Mountain, taste the difference
John Cartmell
<ne...@druck.freeuk.com> wrote:
> On 11 Sep 2001 "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > "Dave Cooper" <d...@argonet.co.uk> wrote in message > Especially as
> > they seem to be selling off for around 30 UKPs now.
> >
> > Toys R Us are doing a special deal on the IBX-100; 19.99 GBP with a 10
> > GBP T R U voucher back :-)
> >
> >
> > http://www.toysrus.co.uk/SN_engine.cfm?shopid=1&function=showproduct&S
> >
> > Think the voucher is only available when bought in-store.
> Has anyone managed to order one from the website? Using both Oregano and
> Freso I can add it to the shopping basket, but any of the routes to go
> to checkout (directly or via view basket) always results in it sitting
> there for a logn time before timing out.
The voucher offer includes sending off a claim form with receipt and
waiting 28 days - and it's only available to the end of October and whilst
stocks last.
My own site looks OK as does the My RISC OS site (yes I've been playing!)
but it seems to be using a date of 2 January 1970 (can it be changed?). I'm
going to play with it for a while before taking it to pieces and
experimenting... ;-)
Andrew C. Poole
It was from John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>, and it was coded <4aba749...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>,
John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <54986dba...@druck.freeuk.net>, druck
> <ne...@druck.freeuk.com> wrote:
> > On 11 Sep 2001 "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > > "Dave Cooper" <d...@argonet.co.uk> wrote in message > Especially as
> > > they seem to be selling off for around 30 UKPs now.
> > >
> > > Toys R Us are doing a special deal on the IBX-100; 19.99 GBP with a 10
> > > GBP T R U voucher back :-)
> > >
> > >
> > > http://www.toysrus.co.uk/SN_engine.cfm?shopid=1&function=showproduct&S
> > > 102
> > >
> > > Think the voucher is only available when bought in-store.
>
> > Has anyone managed to order one from the website? Using both Oregano and
> > Freso I can add it to the shopping basket, but any of the routes to go
> > to checkout (directly or via view basket) always results in it sitting
> > there for a logn time before timing out.
>
> The voucher offer includes sending off a claim form with receipt and
> waiting 28 days - and it's only available to the end of October and whilst
> stocks last.
>
> My own site looks OK as does the My RISC OS site (yes I've been playing!)
> but it seems to be using a date of 2 January 1970 (can it be changed?). I'm
> going to play with it for a while before taking it to pieces and
> experimenting... ;-)
>
mines in 1970 too! cool! - my stb is 14 years older than me!
Regards,
Andy
--
Sent from an Acorn RiscPC running RISC OS 3.60 using Messenger
/\ ._ _| and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/--\| |(_|\/ http://www.malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/ http://www.midcheshirebells.org.uk
... A lie that can be passed off as truth becomes truth.
Richard Walker
Andrew C. Poole <and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> On the date of 15 Sep, there was a newsgroup posting
> It was from John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>, and it was coded <4aba749...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>,
> John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > My own site looks OK as does the My RISC OS site (yes I've been
> > playing!) but it seems to be using a date of 2 January 1970 (can it be
> > changed?). I'm going to play with it for a while before taking it to
> > pieces and experimenting... ;-)
>
> mines in 1970 too! cool! - my stb is 14 years older than me!
The old Acorn NC machines defaulted their clock to 1/1/1970, and when you
connected to your dial-up ISP (or booted up over a network), the time was
retrieved via NTP (I think!).
Part of the ISP configuration for the Bush box probably contains a 'Time
server' field, where you could stick something like your local news server,
or an external time server (there are zillions about).
--
Richard.
"Ain't got nothin'but love babe, Eight days a week."
Paul Stewart
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> "Andy Marks Net" <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote ...
>
> > > but Shift-Power On might work.
> >
> > I tried it, and it does work!
>
> Got it too ! Many thanks. Unfortunately, all the text is about two pixel
> high on my TV, which is just a tadge unreadable.
>
> I know I'm getting into RTFM land, but -
>
> 1) Can I make the font bigger so I can at least read it, whilst playing
> about ?
Press the Caps Lock key on the keypad
TYPE BASIC to enter BASIC
TYPE MODE 12 change screen mode to something more readable
TYPE QUIT to return to the RO command line
>
> 2) Where's the best place to go and RTFM ? I don't want to waste people's
> time with more idiot questions, a web search turned up loads of RO stuff to
> plough through, but I'm sure there's some recommended sites ?
>
> TIA.
>
>
------------
Paul Stewart
John Cartmell
Have you seen the size of the manual?
I'm afraid we're entirely on our own here!
The Happy Hippy
> Have you seen the size of the manual?
> I'm afraid we're entirely on our own here!
For those of us who have lived an MS-DOS-based life, it's very difficult, as
RO is pretty alien initially, but I'm ploughing on. I've been going through
the directories and looking at files;
Resources -> NVRAM -> Tags seems to have a list of addresses where
particular values are stored in NVRAM, ie "ISPCAccessPassword",
"NCMAHiddenPhoneNumber", "NCMAStartHiddenDialPassword" etc. Looks promising.
As do some of the files in !Boot -> HTML -> Dialling / ISPCapture / Setup.
Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ? I can't stop
files flowing of the screen, even having tried the Shift/Ctrl stuff
suggested elsewhere ) when hitting Return. Is there an editor in the STB ?
If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy everything
to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking around and searching
in files. Anyone tried this ?
Alan Wrigley
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ? I can't stop
> files flowing of the screen, even having tried the Shift/Ctrl stuff
> suggested elsewhere ) when hitting Return.
Hit Ctrl-N to set paging mode, then *type <filename> and use Shift to
scroll down.
> If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy everything
> to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking around and searching
> in files. Anyone tried this ?
I've done this in the past with an Acorn NC so I'm sure it's possible
with the Bush STB.
Alan
Stuart Halliday
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ? I can't
stop
> files flowing of the screen, even having tried the Shift/Ctrl stuff
> suggested elsewhere ) when hitting Return.
There used to be a load of Ctrl ? (VDU codes) commands in the Beeb for
doing this sort of thing.
So it *may* be still supported in your box.
Try Ctrl N to turn paging on and Ctrl O to turn it off.
I tried
<Ctrl N>TYPE longfile
and this works in RISC OS.
<Ctrl N> means whilst holding down the Ctrl key, jab at the N key.
>Is there an editor in the STB ?
NCwriter is in the Acorn NC.
John Cartmell
> > Have you seen the size of the manual? I'm afraid we're entirely on our
> > own here!
> For those of us who have lived an MS-DOS-based life, it's very
> difficult, as RO is pretty alien initially, but I'm ploughing on. I've
> been going through the directories and looking at files;
> Resources -> NVRAM -> Tags seems to have a list of addresses where
> particular values are stored in NVRAM, ie "ISPCAccessPassword",
> "NCMAHiddenPhoneNumber", "NCMAStartHiddenDialPassword" etc. Looks
> promising. As do some of the files in !Boot -> HTML -> Dialling /
> ISPCapture / Setup.
> Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ? I can't
> stop files flowing of the screen, even having tried the Shift/Ctrl stuff
> suggested elsewhere ) when hitting Return. Is there an editor in the
> STB ?
Ctrl to slow down text
Ctrl Shift to hold it
CtrlN before a command to put it in page mode and Shift to see another page
CtrlO to exit paged mode
The desktop machine includes Edit which is excellent but most people add on
Zap or StrongEd which are more excellent.
> If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy
> everything to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking
> around and searching in files. Anyone tried this ?
It looks like I'm going to have to buy me another STB to get at its innards
- my daughter's pinched the first one!
Of course we have access to all the files on a desktop machine and some
very excellent editors.
Darren Salt
[snip]
> Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ? I can't stop
> files flowing of the screen, even having tried the Shift/Ctrl stuff
> suggested elsewhere ) when hitting Return. Is there an editor in the STB ?
^N; Shift to scroll.
--
| Darren Salt | Acorn | nr. Ashington, | d youmustbejoking,demon,co,uk
| RPC, Spec+3, A3010 | Club | Northumberland | s zap,tartarus,org
| BBC M128, Linux PC | NE | Toon Army | @
| Z80Em and 6502Em Support Packs. AY sound support.
To do two things at once is to do neither.
Paul Stewart
Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
No it's not. My Bush STB from Toys R Us doesn't have the ZIPFS module
------------
Paul Stewart
The Happy Hippy
"The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote ...
> Is there an equivalent for "TYPE file.ext | MORE" in Risc OS ?
Thanks to everyone who suggested Ctrl-N. I'm now back exploring again.
Alan Wrigley
Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <db1958bb4a...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk>
> Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > In message <CFbp7.25115$Pm5.5...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> > "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> >
> > > If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy everything
> > > to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking around and searching
> > > in files. Anyone tried this ?
> >
> > I've done this in the past with an Acorn NC so I'm sure it's possible
> > with the Bush STB.
> >
> No it's not. My Bush STB from Toys R Us doesn't have the ZIPFS module
Where have you looked for it? I'm not familiar with the Bush STB, but on
the RCA NC the IZipFS module was not loaded unless the printer code was
set to 999. So it would not have appeared on a *Modules list. Maybe the
Bush is similar?
Alan
Paul Stewart
Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <767783bb4a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > In message <db1958bb4a...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk>
> > Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > > In message <CFbp7.25115$Pm5.5...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> > > "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > > If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy everything
> > > > to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking around and searching
> > > > in files. Anyone tried this ?
> > >
> > > I've done this in the past with an Acorn NC so I'm sure it's possible
> > > with the Bush STB.
> > >
> > No it's not. My Bush STB from Toys R Us doesn't have the ZIPFS module
>
> Where have you looked for it? I'm not familiar with the Bush STB, but on
> the RCA NC the IZipFS module was not loaded unless the printer code was
> set to 999. So it would not have appeared on a *Modules list. Maybe the
> Bush is similar?
>
> Alan
Where do I change the Printer Code?
------------
Paul Stewart
Paul Stewart
Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <767783bb4a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > In message <db1958bb4a...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk>
> > Alan Wrigley <spam...@keepyourfilthyspamtoyourself.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > > In message <CFbp7.25115$Pm5.5...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>
> > > "The Happy Hippy" <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > > If I can get my hands on a Zip Drive, it may be possible to copy everything
> > > > to a desktop machine, which has better tools for poking around and searching
> > > > in files. Anyone tried this ?
> > >
> > > I've done this in the past with an Acorn NC so I'm sure it's possible
> > > with the Bush STB.
> > >
> > No it's not. My Bush STB from Toys R Us doesn't have the ZIPFS module
>
> Where have you looked for it? I'm not familiar with the Bush STB, but on
> the RCA NC the IZipFS module was not loaded unless the printer code was
> set to 999. So it would not have appeared on a *Modules list. Maybe the
> Bush is similar?
>
> Alan
Okay, I have now manually loaded the relevant modules. STB now sees my
Zip drive, but will not recognise any media, simply says "disk not
understood, has it been formatted". Anyone any ideas, an yes it has
been formatted with the Powertec ZIPFS Manager.
------------
Paul Stewart
Stuart Halliday
Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> Okay, I have now manually loaded the relevant modules. STB now sees my
> Zip drive, but will not recognise any media, simply says "disk not
> understood, has it been formatted". Anyone any ideas, an yes it has
> been formatted with the Powertec ZIPFS Manager.
Is that compatible with the IZipFS system?
Chris Evans
Is IZipFS listed on *ROMMODULES ?
Chris Evans
--
CJE Micro's / NCS / Fourth Dimension 'RISC OS Specialists'
Telephone: (01903) 523222 Fax: (01903) 523679
ch...@cjemicros.co.uk http://www.cjemicros.co.uk/
78 Brighton Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2EN, UK.
Alan P Dawes
Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> Okay, I have now manually loaded the relevant modules. STB now sees my
> Zip drive, but will not recognise any media, simply says "disk not
> understood, has it been formatted". Anyone any ideas, an yes it has
> been formatted with the Powertec ZIPFS Manager.
Assuming that the IZipFS is the Argo module, it only works with the old
100MB zip drives and standard 100MB zip discs which come already formatted
(PC) thus allowing easy transfer of files between PCs and Acorns. It is
quite possible that the Powertec ZIPPS Manager has formatted the disc as
an Acorn format disc so will not work with the Argo module.
Alan
--
--. --. --. --. : : --- --- ----------------------------
|_| |_| | _ | | | | |_ | alan....@argonet.co.uk
| | |\ | | | | |\| | |
| | | \ |_| |_| | | |__ | Using an Acorn RiscPC
Andrew Flegg
Correct. Mine arrived today and after a quick play I can report the
following:
* On boot, !Boot.!Run runs the !Boot.Utils.CheckZip BASIC program.
This checks to see if the PrinterCode is set to 999 and, if so,
loads PPA and IZipFS from !Boot.Modules.
* Further on in !Boot, IZipFS::0.$.Auto is checked for and, if
found, is run.
After that it's fairly bog standard.... Anyone know where the full
IR keyboards can be picked up cheaply?
Oh, the printer code can be set by running !Boot.Utils.EnableZip.
This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
Lemmings or something similar.
Cheers,
Andrew
PS. BASIC reports 6MB of memory...
--
Andrew Flegg -- mailto:and...@bleb.org | http://www.bleb.org/
Andrew C. Poole
It was from Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org>, and it was coded <3BA8E99B...@bleb.org>,
Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org> wrote:
[snip]
>
> This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> Lemmings or something similar.
>
*Desktop gives you a pointer, nothing more, nothing less.
Lemmings sounds good, how do you propose to get it there :-?
Regards,
Andy
--
Sent from an Acorn RiscPC running RISC OS 3.60 using Messenger
/\ ._ _| and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/--\| |(_|\/ http://www.malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/ http://www.midcheshirebells.org.uk
... Syntax is another name for conscience money.
Jess Hampshire
Andrew C. Poole <and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> On the date of 19 Sep, there was a newsgroup posting
> It was from Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org>, and it was coded <3BA8E99B...@bleb.org>,
> Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org> wrote:
>
> [snip]
>
> >
> > This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> > Lemmings or something similar.
> >
>
> *Desktop gives you a pointer, nothing more, nothing less.
>
> Lemmings sounds good, how do you propose to get it there :-?
>
> Regards,
>
> Andy
can it have a ram disk?
the one I looked in had a standard looking SIMM, which presumably could
be upgraded
--
Jess
icq 91353267 http://www.kentwebnet.com Using RISC OS 4
Dave Lawton
<URL:mailto:and...@bleb.org> wrote:
> Alan Wrigley wrote:
> >
> > In message <767783bb4a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> > Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > > No it's not. My Bush STB from Toys R Us doesn't have the ZIPFS
> > > module
> >
> > Where have you looked for it? I'm not familiar with the Bush STB,
> > but on the RCA NC the IZipFS module was not loaded unless the
> > printer code was set to 999. So it would not have appeared on a
> > *Modules list. Maybe the Bush is similar?
>
> Correct. Mine arrived today and after a quick play I can report the
> following:
>
> * On boot, !Boot.!Run runs the !Boot.Utils.CheckZip BASIC program.
> This checks to see if the PrinterCode is set to 999 and, if so,
> loads PPA and IZipFS from !Boot.Modules.
> * Further on in !Boot, IZipFS::0.$.Auto is checked for and, if
> found, is run.
>
> After that it's fairly bog standard.... Anyone know where the full
> IR keyboards can be picked up cheaply?
Do believe I saw some in the Doncaster Argos
>
> Oh, the printer code can be set by running !Boot.Utils.EnableZip.
>
> This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> Lemmings or something similar.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andrew
>
> PS. BASIC reports 6MB of memory...
>
--
Do I want a sig ? Na :)
Paul Stewart
Alan P Dawes <alan....@argonet.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <ec18a6bb4a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>,
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > Okay, I have now manually loaded the relevant modules. STB now sees my
> > Zip drive, but will not recognise any media, simply says "disk not
> > understood, has it been formatted". Anyone any ideas, an yes it has
> > been formatted with the Powertec ZIPFS Manager.
>
> Assuming that the IZipFS is the Argo module, it only works with the old
> 100MB zip drives and standard 100MB zip discs which come already formatted
> (PC) thus allowing easy transfer of files between PCs and Acorns. It is
> quite possible that the Powertec ZIPPS Manager has formatted the disc as
> an Acorn format disc so will not work with the Argo module.
>
> Alan
>
Mine is the old 100Mb Zip Drive, it's about 2 years old. Assuming the
disk format is not compatable, what can I do. Will it recognise DOS
formatted disks? I think I'll try that.
------------
Paul Stewart
David Llewellyn-Jones
Jess Hampshire <je...@itworkshop.demon.co.uk> wrote:
[snip - previous posts]
>
> can it have a ram disk?
>
> the one I looked in had a standard looking SIMM, which presumably could be
> upgraded
>
I'm not sure about a ram disc, but it has CacheFS which can be used in a
similar way. From !Boot it looks like this is where it saves !Scrap files.
Regards,
David
--
The Flying Pig!
Website: http://www.mat.bham.ac.uk/llewelld
ICQ: 99650943
Andrew Flegg
> Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org> wrote:
[snip]
> > This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> > Lemmings or something similar.
>
> *Desktop gives you a pointer, nothing more, nothing less.
Indeed... :-(
> Lemmings sounds good, how do you propose to get it there :-?
Zip disk. The lack of Sound* modules is an initial problem, some other
stuff gave other, more cryptic, messages.
I did, however, manage to get several BASIC programs working perfectly.
More playing tonight :-)
Cheers,
Andrew
Richard Walker
Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org> wrote:
> Mine arrived today and after a quick play I can report the following:
>
> * On boot, !Boot.!Run runs the !Boot.Utils.CheckZip BASIC program.
> This checks to see if the PrinterCode is set to 999 and, if so,
> loads PPA and IZipFS from !Boot.Modules.
> * Further on in !Boot, IZipFS::0.$.Auto is checked for and, if
> found, is run.
Sounds sensible. The earlier (NC OS 1.06) machines, badged as Acorn,
NetChannel or Xemplar etc. used a more complex system for Zip-booting.
> After that it's fairly bog standard.... Anyone know where the full
> IR keyboards can be picked up cheaply?
>
> Oh, the printer code can be set by running !Boot.Utils.EnableZip.
>
> This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> Lemmings or something similar.
Lemmings should be simple, provided it works on a 7500FE. My copy didn't
(it's happy on an A5000 though) so you might be better off with something
more modern, like Super Foul Egg!
For NC OS 1.06, I would recommend the following modules:
TaskManager 0.95
DragASprite 0.11
DragAnObject 0.02
FileCore 2.92
RAMFS ?.??
Filer 1.85
FilerSWIs 0.03
Free 0.30
DisplayManager 0.33
Pinboard 0.66
RAMFSFiler ?.??
ResourceFiler 0.14
ShellCLI 0.28
TaskWindow 0.53
WindowManager 3.98
WindowUtils 2.50 \
SpriteUtils 1.10 --> probably not required
IRQUtils 2.52 /
which you can nick from a RISC OS 3.6 machine. As the Bush box uses a
slightly later NC OS, you might be better to use those modules from RISC OS
3.7, but I wouldn't try using the 4.0 ones.
If you only run a *small* subset of the above modules, you'll get most games
(even semi-desktop opes) running nicely from a simple HTML page in the
browser.
Now, which RISC OS developer fancies doing a games Zip disc, which they can
sell to Bush box users for, say, 10-20ukp?! :-)
--
Richard.
"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends."
Andrew C. Poole
It was from John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>, and it was coded <4abb5af...@cartmell.demon.co.uk>,
John Cartmell <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> In article <CFbp7.25115$Pm5.5...@news2-win.server.ntlworld.com>, The
> Happy Hippy <the.hap...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > "John Cartmell" <jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk> ...
>
> > > Have you seen the size of the manual? I'm afraid we're entirely on our
> > > own here!
>
the manual is pathetic :-)
>
> > Resources -> NVRAM -> Tags seems to have a list of addresses where
> > particular values are stored in NVRAM, ie "ISPCAccessPassword",
> > "NCMAHiddenPhoneNumber", "NCMAStartHiddenDialPassword" etc. Looks
> > promising. As do some of the files in !Boot -> HTML -> Dialling /
> > ISPCapture / Setup.
ISPCapture is the thing that changes the dialup number
(browse to file:/<boot$dir>/html/ispcapture/ispc1 through to ispc4
NOTE: YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THIS because the buttons don't work!
the only way out is to reboot it :-/
there must be another way in...
> It looks like I'm going to have to buy me another STB to get at its innards
> - my daughter's pinched the first one!
oops! I nicked ours and use it on an arc's monitor - you know, the one that was on the
adverts pictures of the arcs... it seems to work ok!
and it keeps the TV spare to watch it!
Regards,
Andy
--
Sent from an Acorn RiscPC running RISC OS 3.60 using Messenger
/\ ._ _| and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/--\| |(_|\/ http://www.malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk
/ http://www.midcheshirebells.org.uk
... Error closing BLOUSE.ZIP, insert floppies and retry.
John Duffell
and...@bleb.org (Andrew Flegg) wrote:
> Andrew C. Poole <and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message news:<554d95bc4a%and...@malpasroad.freeserve.co.uk>...
> > Andrew Flegg <and...@bleb.org> wrote:
> [snip]
> > > This evening I'm going to try and get a Desktop or, failing that,
> > > Lemmings or something similar.
> >
> > *Desktop gives you a pointer, nothing more, nothing less.
>
> Indeed... :-(
This means that the wimp has started, etc., but the icon bar doesn't appear
if there is nothing on it. Once you load TaskManager, and the other desktop
furniture you will see something more familiar. Does ResourceFS seem ot have
the usual stuff in?
[snip]
BFN,
--
John
http://duffell.cjb.net/ http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~jwd104/
#riscos IRC pages - http://www.riscos.cjb.net/
jones.family22
our
> > > > own here!
> >
>
> the manual is pathetic :-)
>
> > It looks like I'm going to have to buy me another STB to get at its
innards
It has a pace logo, so obviously they designed it.
There is a sticker accross the processor, but it has the logo, and the
beggining of the word Cirrus(as in the visa company).
Anyone know the spec of the boxes?
Can I put RO3.6 in it?
>
> oops! I nicked ours and use it on an arc's monitor - you know, the one
that was on the
> adverts pictures of the arcs... it seems to work ok!
I did that with my box with a Philips CM8833-II monitor.
It's a better picture than my telly :-/
> and it keeps the TV spare to watch it!
Which is useful.
> Regards,
>
> Andy
> --
Thanks,
Danny Jones
=========
Andrew Flegg
>
[snip - pointer]
>
> This means that the wimp has started, etc., but the icon bar doesn't
> appear if there is nothing on it. Once you load TaskManager, and
> the other desktop furniture you will see something more familiar.
> Does ResourceFS seem ot have the usual stuff in?
Apps contains only !NCFresco, !NCKeybd and !Watchdog - the latter of
which is usually used to start the desktop (*Desktop_Watchdog).
TaskManager (and the appropriate Templates) is in Resources so it
should be possible to use that, though the WindowManager templates and
sprites are totally different...
Once Corrie's finished I can get hold of the TV for a while ;-)
Andrew Flegg
>
[snip]
> ISPCapture is the thing that changes the dialup number
>
> (browse to file:/<boot$dir>/html/ispcapture/ispc1 through to ispc4
>
> there must be another way in...
Dunno if it'll work yet (will try in a bit) but browsing through
Resources:$.Resources.PassFilter.Config gives some leads as how to
change the ISP settings
(alternatively perhaps SYS "XNVRAM_Write","...." will work).
Chris Sawer
I picked up one of the Bush IBX 100 STBs at Toys 'r' Us Liverpool yesterday
for £20, got it home, plugged it into the TV, turned it on, and it worked...
sort of.
The innards were functioning fine, but the display was't right. On the
initial screen (choice between WWW and Options) I seemed to be getting black,
white and red displayed OK, but the green and blue bits were displaying as
/very/ light grey, only just distinguishable from white. When trying to
connect to the internet, the (supposedly) blue screen was dark grey, and
completely unreadable.
Dodgy Scart cable, I thought so tried several others. No change. OK, it's
broken. Took it back this morning, and got a replacement. The behaviour is
exactly the same.
But here's the weird thing (I only noticed it on the replacement, but the old
one probably would have done the same). If I have the STB running and
displaying on the TV, putting the TV onto standby using the remote control
results in about half a second of the correct display, with all colours,
before the TV switches off. So maybe it's a problem with the TV, not the STB.
However, the TV is a brand new Sanyo (?), and works fine with
Video/DVD/Playstation plugged into the Scart socket. Any ideas anyone?
Failing that, is there anyone in Liverpool (or maybe Manchester at a push)
that will let me come over and try it in their Scart TV or monitor sometime
this weekend?
Thanks in advance,
Chris Sawer
Dave Lawton
<URL:mailto:ch...@sawer.uklinux.net> wrote:
> [snip interesting stuff re: Bush STB]
>
> I picked up one of the Bush IBX 100 STBs at Toys 'r' Us Liverpool yesterday
> for £20, got it home, plugged it into the TV, turned it on, and it worked...
> sort of.
>
> However, the TV is a brand new Sanyo (?), and works fine with
> Video/DVD/Playstation plugged into the Scart socket. Any ideas anyone?
Think this is the important clue, the above items, certainly
the video, will use the composite video pins on the scart,
the bush box uses the rgb pins.
This might be a fault with the tv, or it might be designed to
only accept composite, some are like that.
> Failing that, is there anyone in Liverpool (or maybe Manchester at a push)
> that will let me come over and try it in their Scart TV or monitor sometime
> this weekend?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Chris Sawer
>
HTH
Gary Partis (Laptop)
TV, without opening the case, or invalidating any warranty.
This code could be a bootstap loader for a Zip drive (allowing further OSs
to be loaded), or allow the patching of modules to change the default
telephone number/username/password of the ISP you wish to connect to.
Like I say, it is very easy - just think about it! ;-)
--
Gary Partis (Laptop)
www.partis.org
Paul Stewart
Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine, the IZIP
modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am unable to get it to
recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers on my RPC
------------
Paul Stewart
Member of Hemel Hempstead RISC OS User Group
http://www.hhrug.org.uk
Martin Dann
Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <PRTS199...@partis.org>
> "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
>
> > There is an _extremely_ simple way to get code into a Bush STB or internet
> > TV, without opening the case, or invalidating any warranty.
> >
> > This code could be a bootstap loader for a Zip drive (allowing further OSs
> > to be loaded), or allow the patching of modules to change the default
> > telephone number/username/password of the ISP you wish to connect to.
> >
> > Like I say, it is very easy - just think about it! ;-)
> Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine, the IZIP
> modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am unable to get it to
> recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers on my RPC
AIUI the stb zip driver is based upon the argonet drivers. therefore any
riscos format disc must be formatted to the argonet specification.
If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
Martin.
Chris Sawer
Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <3bf72ec34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > In message <PRTS199...@partis.org>
> > "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> >
> > > There is an _extremely_ simple way to get code into a Bush STB or
> > > internet TV, without opening the case, or invalidating any warranty.
> > >
> > > This code could be a bootstap loader for a Zip drive (allowing further
> > > OSs to be loaded), or allow the patching of modules to change the
> > > default telephone number/username/password of the ISP you wish to
> > > connect to.
> > >
> > > Like I say, it is very easy - just think about it! ;-)
I've thought, but haven't come up with any bright ideas. Getting code into
the box isn't so hard (parallel port cable + simple basic transfer program or
something), but keeping it there is - whenever the box is unplugged, it loses
everything. Would you care to enlighten us?
> > Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine, the IZIP
> > modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am unable to get it to
> > recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers on my RPC
>
> AIUI the stb zip driver is based upon the argonet drivers. therefore any
> riscos format disc must be formatted to the argonet specification.
>
> If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
The problem is that the STBs don't have DosFS. Or ADFS come to that. So does
anyone have any ideas how it would be possible to format a zip disc so that
it can be read on the STB?
I've not got either the Argonet or Powertec drivers for my RiscPC, but am
willing to purchase one of them if someone can confirm that they'll be able
to format a zip disc so that it can work with the Bush box.
Chris
Gary Partis (Laptop)
OS, but on how to put _any_ software modules (which essentially means any
file system, or applications into ResourceFS).
It has two methods of being fed data; the modem and the keyboard.......
Think simple, think simple uP.........
It is so damn obvious! ;-)
--
Gary Partis (Laptop)
www.partis.org
"Paul Stewart" <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3bf72ec34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk...
Paul Stewart
In message <PRTS200...@partis.org>
Andy Marks Net
Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> If it's so obvious, why don't you enlighten us all!!!
> In message <PRTS200...@partis.org>
> "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> > I am not refering to any potential software that pre-exists within the NC
> > OS, but on how to put _any_ software modules (which essentially means any
> > file system, or applications into ResourceFS).
> >
> > It has two methods of being fed data; the modem and the keyboard.......
> >
> > Think simple, think simple uP.........
> >
> > It is so damn obvious! ;-)
Yeah, just tell us and we'll all have a go! I've got an old Zip100 drive
knocking around here somewhere!!!
--
--------------------------------------------
Andy Marks - and...@argonet.co.uk
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Very near the World-Famous(?) Creswell Crags
I know, I've been there!
--------------------------------------------
Douglas McKenzie
news:4ac35d0...@andy-marks.net:
> In article <3d9a5bc34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>,
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>> If it's so obvious, why don't you enlighten us all!!!
>
>
>> In message <PRTS200...@partis.org>
>> "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
>
>> > I am not refering to any potential software that pre-exists within
>> > the NC OS, but on how to put _any_ software modules (which
>> > essentially means any file system, or applications into ResourceFS).
>> >
>> > It has two methods of being fed data; the modem and the
>> > keyboard.......
>> >
>> > Think simple, think simple uP.........
>> >
>> > It is so damn obvious! ;-)
>
>
> Yeah, just tell us and we'll all have a go! I've got an old Zip100
> drive knocking around here somewhere!!!
>
Hmm. How about...
1. Plug 2 modems together
2. Set NC to receive and Computer to send
Doug
druck
> In message <3bf72ec34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>> Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine [Bush STB],
>> the IZIP modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am unable to get it
>> to recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers on my RPC
>
> AIUI the stb zip driver is based upon the argonet drivers. therefore any
> riscos format disc must be formatted to the argonet specification.
That will probably mean you need an old 100MB as the argo drivers dont work
with the 250MB. I think that is even with 100MB discs.
> If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
Chicken, egg?
---druck
--
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
|_)|(_ / ` / \(_ ' ) / \ / \ /| The Prestige RISC OS Show, 20-21 October
| \| _)\_, \_/ _) /_ \_/ \_/ _|_ Blue Mountain, taste the difference
Jess Hampshire
Andy Marks Net <an...@andy-marks.net> wrote:
> In article <3d9a5bc34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>,
> Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > If it's so obvious, why don't you enlighten us all!!!
>
>
> > In message <PRTS200...@partis.org>
> > "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
>
> > > I am not refering to any potential software that pre-exists within the NC
> > > OS, but on how to put _any_ software modules (which essentially means any
> > > file system, or applications into ResourceFS).
> > >
> > > It has two methods of being fed data; the modem and the keyboard.......
> > >
> > > Think simple, think simple uP.........
> > >
> > > It is so damn obvious! ;-)
>
>
> Yeah, just tell us and we'll all have a go! I've got an old Zip100 drive
> knocking around here somewhere!!!
>
From a web page?
Martin Dann
druck <ne...@druck.freeuk.com> wrote:
> On 2 Oct 2001 Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > In message <3bf72ec34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> > Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >> Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine [Bush STB],
> >> the IZIP modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am unable to get it
> >> to recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers on my RPC
IZIP is the argo drivers.
> > AIUI the stb zip driver is based upon the argonet drivers. therefore any
> > riscos format disc must be formatted to the argonet specification.
>
> That will probably mean you need an old 100MB as the argo drivers dont work
> with the 250MB. I think that is even with 100MB discs.
Thinking about this even further, the argo drivers don't work with newer zip
drives, even some of the later 100MB zip drives. This is due to a firmware
change.
I have just loaded the argo drivers on my RPC, and this creates an extra
instantation with filecore. i.e. it does not use ADFS as per the other post
saying that ADFS does not exist on the STB
> > If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
>
> Chicken, egg?
What about a nice chicken tikka with egg fried rice.
Martin.
Martin Dann
why not get a parrallel cable with its handshake lines swaped around
(maybe a zerilink cable if this is what it does). Then write a programme
that emmulates a zip drive and displays the computer's hard drive, or
subdirectory to the stb
Now we just need an idiot to write the driver.
Martin.
Paul Stewart
Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
Correction, if someone is able to write driver, that someone can't be
an idiot. That someone would be responding to demand.
Gary Partis (Laptop)
"Douglas McKenzie" <d...@c-i-m-b-r-a-e.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Xns912F80C35767dg...@195.8.69.162...
> Hmm. How about...
>
> 1. Plug 2 modems together
> 2. Set NC to receive and Computer to send
>
> Doug
As I can not see a large commercial market for this, I may as well state my
idea...
Firstly, I dont have the STB version, but have the internet TV - and as I
dont really want a shock of 25KV from the EHT circuit within the TV, the
non-intrusive method is safer! ;-)
In the early 80s, kids (and adults) used to type in program listings from
magazines. This idea is very similar.
Using a simple micro (PIC or 8051 etc), and a sizable EPROM to store the
code in which you wish to place into the STB, and a IR LED; you can build a
box for under 15UKP which will squirt software into the STB.
It works by the box sending key codes via IR to the STB.
The box sends a 'power-on' IR sequence to the STB, followed by holding down
the shift key. This allows the NC OS to boot into the CLI.
It then waits a short while to allow NC OS to finish it's checks, and
releases the shift key, and presses the 'internet' key.
It then types 'BASIC<cr>' and then types a simple BASIC program as a
bootstrap loader to take strings of hex values complete with validation code
(CRC, SHA1 or what ever).
Strings of hex are then sent, being placed into memory in it's correct
binary form (checks being made for data curruption).
For each module is loaded in, an OS_MODULE call is made to register each
module.
On completion of all downloads, either desktop or some other app could be
started.
It is envisaged that this process would be quite slow, so only simple
modules would be uploaded, allowing for the bootstraping of the Zip drive
(the zip disc would contain the main zipfs file system - the code uploaded
would simply do a raw fetch of sectors from the disc which contain the true
file system).
Extremely simple.
Many uses.
My use would be to allow the uploading of a parallel network adapter driver
to allow my internet TV to connect to my network - which is far more use!
;-)
I said it was simple!
Chris Sawer
Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <9b1154c3...@druck.freeuk.net>
> druck <ne...@druck.freeuk.com> wrote:
>
> > On 2 Oct 2001 Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > > In message <3bf72ec34a%pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk>
> > > Paul Stewart <pa...@pstewart.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > > > Easier said than done. I have connected a ZIP Drive to mine [Bush
> > > > STB], the IZIP modules from the STB find the ZIP drive but I am
> > > > unable to get it to recognize any media. I use the powertec drivers
> > > > on my RPC
> IZIP is the argo drivers.
>
> > > AIUI the stb zip driver is based upon the argonet drivers. therefore
> > > any riscos format disc must be formatted to the argonet specification.
> >
> > That will probably mean you need an old 100MB as the argo drivers dont
> > work with the 250MB. I think that is even with 100MB discs.
>
> Thinking about this even further, the argo drivers don't work with newer
> zip drives, even some of the later 100MB zip drives. This is due to a
> firmware change.
>
> I have just loaded the argo drivers on my RPC, and this creates an extra
> instantation with filecore. i.e. it does not use ADFS as per the other post
> saying that ADFS does not exist on the STB
You're correct. I've borrowed a copy of the Argo drivers (and have also
e-mailed Argo to see if they're still available), and I can confirm that
discs formatted using the Argo driver on my RiscPC can be read using the
Bush STB.
Chris
Danny Jones
>
> I said it was simple!
>
> --
It would be good if you could connect it up to a network.
Would that mean I could transfer the proper RISC OS (3.6?) onto it??
Thanks,
Danny Jones
=========
Simon Willcocks
"Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> I am not refering to any potential software that pre-exists within the NC
> OS, but on how to put _any_ software modules (which essentially means any
> file system, or applications into ResourceFS).
>
> It has two methods of being fed data; the modem and the keyboard.......
>
> Think simple, think simple uP.........
>
> It is so damn obvious! ;-)
Put an executable on a web site?
Simon
druck
> Thinking about this even further, the argo drivers don't work with newer zip
> drives, even some of the later 100MB zip drives. This is due to a firmware
> change.
That is correct.
> I have just loaded the argo drivers on my RPC, and this creates an extra
> instantation with filecore. i.e. it does not use ADFS as per the other post
> saying that ADFS does not exist on the STB
All Zip filing systems (that I know of work) are implemented as FileCore
clients, which causes a new FileCore instance to be created. ADFS only
interfaces with the Risc PC combo controller for the floppy disc and IDE
interfaces, and is not used by any other filing systems.
>>> If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
>>
>> Chicken, egg?
>
> What about a nice chicken tikka with egg fried rice.
Nice, but point missed I fear :-)
Paul Stewart
druck <ne...@druck.freeuk.com> wrote:
> On 3 Oct 2001 Martin Dann <Mar...@f451.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > Thinking about this even further, the argo drivers don't work with newer zip
> > drives, even some of the later 100MB zip drives. This is due to a firmware
> > change.
>
> That is correct.
>
> > I have just loaded the argo drivers on my RPC, and this creates an extra
> > instantation with filecore. i.e. it does not use ADFS as per the other post
> > saying that ADFS does not exist on the STB
>
> All Zip filing systems (that I know of work) are implemented as FileCore
> clients, which causes a new FileCore instance to be created. ADFS only
> interfaces with the Risc PC combo controller for the floppy disc and IDE
> interfaces, and is not used by any other filing systems.
>
> >>> If you use a dos format disc, you must make sure dosfs is loaded.
> >>
> >> Chicken, egg?
> >
> > What about a nice chicken tikka with egg fried rice.
>
> Nice, but point missed I fear :-)
>
> ---druck
>
The chicken tika with egg fried rice was in reponse to the earlier
chicken and egg (situtation)
Hans Heinsbroek
<URL:mailto:lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> Hi,
<snip explanation about STB-update>
> I said it was simple!
>
> --
> Gary Partis (Laptop)
>
> www.partis.org
>
Wow he's alive!
Even more simple than answering any emails?
I'm still waiting...
--
jhein...@tip.nl (Acorn @ Heart)
Andrew Flegg
>
[snip]
> It would be good if you could connect it up to a network.
Agreed - however, are there any Ethernet-via-parallel adapters with
RISC OS drivers?
> Would that mean I could transfer the proper RISC OS (3.6?) onto it??
The Bush Internet Surf Set runs what basically amounts to a cut
down - or scaled up[1] - RISC OS 3.7.
You don't even need to load many modules to get it to a desktop[2]
(see forthcoming article in RISC World, hopefully) - but do need a
100MB Zip disk created by the Argo drivers.
Cheers,
Andrew
[1] In fact, it's probably both cut down and scaled up simultaneously.
[2] You don't need a Zip drive to reconfigure the ISP though... ;-)
IBX100_user
"Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> As I can not see a large commercial market for this, I may as well
> state my idea...
> Using a simple micro (PIC or 8051 etc), and a sizable EPROM to store the
> code in which you wish to place into the STB, and a IR LED; you can build a
> box for under 15UKP which will squirt software into the STB.
Need one do any soldering?...
I don't know the first thing about RiscOS, but AFAICS, it should be possible
to use the Linux IrDA-utils to send another filesystem driver to the Bush STB
from a Linux box which has an IR port.
http://mobilix.org/Infrared-HOWTO/Infrared-HOWTO.html
Then those peeps with a ZIP drive but no access to this Argo/iZIPFS driver
thing can start playing (i.e. trying to get Linux running on the STB...)
I note from the ARM/Linux website that their Linux kernel does have
(module?) support for the Iomega PPA3 (Parallel Port Zip)....
http://www.arm.uk.linux.org/armlinux/acorn/stage-1/drivers.gif
http://www.arm.linux.org.uk/docs/faqs/devices.shtml#devq003
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/mini/ZIP-Drive.html
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/mini/ZIP-Install.html
> It works by the box sending key codes via IR to the STB.
> The box sends a 'power-on' IR sequence to the STB, followed by holding down
> the shift key. This allows the NC OS to boot into the CLI.
> It then waits a short while to allow NC OS to finish it's checks, and
> releases the shift key, and presses the 'internet' key.
> It then types 'BASIC<cr>' and then types a simple BASIC program as a
> bootstrap loader to take strings of hex values complete with validation
> code (CRC, SHA1 or what ever).
> Strings of hex are then sent, being placed into memory in it's correct
> binary form (checks being made for data curruption).
> For each module is loaded in, an OS_MODULE call is made to register each
> module.
> On completion of all downloads, either desktop or some other app could be
> started.
> It is envisaged that this process would be quite slow, so only simple
> modules would be uploaded, allowing for the bootstraping of the Zip drive
> (the zip disc would contain the main zipfs file system - the code uploaded
> would simply do a raw fetch of sectors from the disc which contain the true
> file system).
> Extremely simple.
> Many uses.
Neat idea!
IBX100_user
> "Gary Partis \(Laptop\)" <lap...@partis.org> wrote:
> > Using a simple micro (PIC or 8051 etc), and a sizable EPROM to store the
> > code in which you wish to place into the STB, and a IR LED; you can build a
> > box for under 15UKP which will squirt software into the STB.
>
> Need one do any soldering?...
>
> I don't know the first thing about RiscOS, but AFAICS, it should be possible
> to use the Linux IrDA-utils to send another filesystem driver to the Bush STB
> from a Linux box which has an IR port.
>
> http://mobilix.org/Infrared-HOWTO/Infrared-HOWTO.html
>
> Then those peeps with a ZIP drive but no access to this Argo/iZIPFS driver
> thing can start playing (i.e. trying to get Linux running on the STB...)
I eventually got round to compiling a Linux 2.4 kernel for an ancient
Compaq laptop with an IR port. I then tried using the IR tools at
http://www.lirc.org to capture the IR keycodes from the standard IBX
remote control and the 'deluxe' KB200 keyboard model.
Unfortunately, the project was only half successful. I can get the
laptop to receive and decode all the keys presses from the IBX
keyboard but I can't get the laptop to then replay the codes back
to the STB, which was the whole point in attempting this :((
For anyone who hasn't yet fallen asleep, a possible explanation of
why it's failing is posted on the lirc mailing list by Christoph
Bartelmus, the lirc project developer. Christoph writes:
"The keyboard probably uses a protocol different from
usual remote controls. Only looking at the signals
with an oscilloscope will probably help here."
See:
http://www.geocrawler.com/archives/3/3680/2001/12/0/7372566/
http://www.geocrawler.com/archives/3/3680/2001/12/0/7348967/
I have got access to a scope but wouldn't know what I should be
looking for :(
May be someone else can take it up from here?
Happy Crimble and all that :)