RC4 Snapshot available for testing on the DNS-323-rev-A1, DNS-323-rev-C1 and DNS-321

[João Cardoso]

Hi,

In order to support the DNS-325 (and probably the DNS-320), a more recent linux kernel (3.10.11) is needed, and that can cause some issues that need to be solved before a release. The Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin is a snapshot of the current Alt-F development status and is intended for testing the DNS-321 and the DNS-323 with hardware rev-A1 and C1 boards. There is no need to test it on rev-B1 boards, as I have one myself. Although packaged for the DNS-323, the firmware file should be accepted by DNS-321 boxes running Alt-F. In order to test it, go to System->Firmware, select the more recent Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin file, hit the Upload button, and in the next page hit the TryIt button, *NOT* the FlashIt button. NEVER FLASH SNAPSHOTS!

After rebooting the status page should display "Alt-F 0.1RC4 Status Page". If the reboot fails and the Status pages does not appears, you can try to perform the front-button test, keeping the button pressed until the right amber led starts flashing, and then releasing the button, which should reboot the box and bring it back to the flashed firmware. It the front-button test fails and the led does not starts flashing, you have to unplug the power plug. Please report back the test results, either positive or negative, stating in which box and hardware board was it performed. Please test all hardware items, namely disks, usb pens, system temperature, fan, leds and front and back (recessed reset) buttons.

Please attach the "System Configuration" log file, accessible through System->Utilities->View Logs, System Configuration, and download it using the Download button at the page bottom. If your setup needs any kernel module supplied through the kernel-modules Alt-F package, they will not work. This is expected and has no negative consequences.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/alt-f/files/Releases/Snapshot

[Dominion]

Hi! João!!!

I trying the RC4 release in my C1 board, and after the reboot I got the message bellow :

awk: /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/temp1_input: No such file or directory awk: cmd. line:1: Unexpected end of string cat: can't open '/sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input': No such file or directory sh: bad number sh: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number

I still testing if I got another error/bug I let you know.

Cheers buddy!!!

Júlio César Leal

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 13/09/13 15:37:

Hi,

In order to support the DNS-325 (and probably the DNS-320), a more recent linux kernel (3.10.11) is needed, and that can cause some issues that need to be solved before a release. The Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-13.bin is a snapshoot of the current Alt-F development status and is intended for testing the DNS-321 and the DNS-323 with harware rev-A1 and C1 boards. There is no need to test it on rev-B1 boards, as I have one myself. Although packageg for the DNS-323, the firmware file should be accepted by DNS-321 boxes running Alt-F. In order to test it, go to System->Firmware, select the more recent Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin file, hit the Upload button, and in the next page hit the TryIt button, *NOT* the FlashIt button. After rebooting the status page should display "Alt-F 0.1RC4 Status Page". If the reboot fails and the Status pages does not appears, you can try to perform the front-button test, keeping the button pressed until the right amber led starts flashing, and then releasing the button, which should reboot the box and bring it back to the flashed firmware. It the front-button test fails and the led does not starts flashing, you have to unplug the power plug. Please report back the test results, either positive or negative, stating in which box and hardware board was it performed. Please test all hardware itens, namely disks, usb pens, system temperature, fan, leds and front and back (recessed reset) buttons. If your setup needs any kernel module supplied through the kernel-modules Alt-F package, they will not work. This is expected and has no negative consequences.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/alt-f/files/Releases/Snapshot

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[João Cardoso]

On Friday, September 13, 2013 8:21:03 PM UTC+1, Julio Leal wrote:

Hi! João!!!

I trying the RC4 release in my C1 board, and after the reboot I got the message bellow :

awk: /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/temp1_input: No such file or directory awk: cmd. line:1: Unexpected end of string cat: can't open '/sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input': No such file or directory sh: bad number sh: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number sh: °C/°F: bad number

Can you please post the output of the following commands:

ls -l /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/

ls -l /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/

And also attach the kernel and system log (System->utilities->View Logs->Kernel/System Log, Download (at the bottom)

Please be aware that the fan might not be working, keep an eye on it it and on disks temperature.

Thanks Júlio

[Dominion]

Hi! João,

Here goes :

# ls -l /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/
total 0
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root             0 Sep 13 18:44 driver -> ../../../bus/platform/drivers/dns323c-fan
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 fan1_input
drwxr-xr-x    3 root     root             0 Sep 13 16:18 hwmon
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 modalias
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 name
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 pwm1
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 pwm1_enable
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root             0 Sep 13 18:44 subsystem -> ../../../bus/platform
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 uevent
# ls -l /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/
total 0
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root             0 Sep 13 18:44 driver -> ../../../../../bus/i2c/drivers/lm75
drwxr-xr-x    3 root     root             0 Sep 13 16:18 hwmon
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 modalias
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 name
lrwxrwxrwx    1 root     root             0 Sep 13 18:44 subsystem -> ../../../../../bus/i2c
-r--r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 temp1_input
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 temp1_max
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 temp1_max_hyst
-rw-r--r--    1 root     root          4096 Sep 13 18:44 uevent


The fan is working for me, but the netatalk stop to work, my Mac can't connect to DNS even after restart the service.


Br,

Júlio César Leal

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 13/09/13 17:52:

[João Cardoso]

Thanks Júlio

I think that I have it fixed now, can you please try with Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-14.bin?

Please attach the "System Configuration" log file, accessible through

System->Utilities->View Logs, System Configuration, and download it

using the Download button at the page bottom. It already contains the kernel and system logs.

The fan is working for me, but the netatalk stop to work, my Mac can't connect to DNS even after restart the service.

I think that it is not related, probably some kernel module is missing.

Packages that require the kernel-modules package will not work, as the kernel has changed and kernel modules are build for a specific kernel version.

Thanks

[Dominion]

Hi! João!!

The error message gone after try new snapshoot. Attached the system configuration log.

Br,

Júlio

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 14/09/13 12:52:

Thanks Júlio

I think that I have it fixed now, can you please try with Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-14.bin?

Please attach the "System Configuration" log file, accessible through

System->Utilities->View Logs, System Configuration, and download it

using the Download button at the page bottom. It already contains the kernel and system logs.

The fan is working for me, but the netatalk stop to work, my Mac can't connect to DNS even after restart the service.

I think that it is not related, probably some kernel module is missing.

Packages that require the kernel-modules package will not work, as the kernel has changed and kernel modules are build for a specific kernel version.

Thanks

 

[João Cardoso]

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 5:10:58 PM UTC+1, Julio Leal wrote:

Hi! João!!

The error message gone after try new snapshoot. Attached the system configuration log.

Thanks.

But there is still another related issue:

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/temp1_input: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/pwm1: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input: No such file or directory

Your fan is not being controlled, although it might be turning.

I will fix this and make a new snapshot available soon.

Is your network 100Mbps?

Not to worry, but keep an eye on your sda disk:

Sep 14 13:06:08 nas daemon.crit smartd[752]: Device: /dev/sda [SAT], 65514 Currently unreadable (pending) sectors

Sep 14 13:06:08 nas daemon.crit smartd[752]: Device: /dev/sda [SAT], 928 Offline uncorrectable sectors

I still need rev-A1 and DNS-321 testers!

Br,

Júlio

[Dominion]

Hi! João!!

Actually until yesterday my system was working just with one disk (/dev/sdb), I don't know why this happens. But manually in command line I use the command :

mdadm --manage --add /dev/sda2 /dev/md0

And the system start the resync, now already finished. But I'm studding to buy new 2 or 3 TB disk to change the current ones, they already has almost 5 years working constantly.

The DNS is connected directly in a Linksys WRT120N Wi-fi router, and it port are 100 Mbps.

Thanks for your effort in this project. 

Júlio

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 14/09/13 15:30:

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 5:10:58 PM UTC+1, Julio Leal wrote:

Hi! João!!

The error message gone after try new snapshoot. Attached the system configuration log.

Thanks.

But there is still another related issue:

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon0/device/temp1_input: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/pwm1: No such file or directory

Sep 14 13:06:05 nas daemon.crit sysctrl: open /sys/class/hwmon/hwmon1/device/fan1_input: No such file or directory

Your fan is not being controlled, although it might be turning.

I will fix this and make a new snapshot available soon.

Is your network 100Mbps?

Not to worry, but keep an eye on your sda disk:

Sep 14 13:06:08 nas daemon.crit smartd[752]: Device: /dev/sda [SAT], 65514 Currently unreadable (pending) sectors

Sep 14 13:06:08 nas daemon.crit smartd[752]: Device: /dev/sda [SAT], 928 Offline uncorrectable sectors

I still need rev-A1 and DNS-321 testers!

[João Cardoso]

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 7:59:36 PM UTC+1, Julio Leal wrote:

Hi! João!!

Olá,

A new snapshot is ready for testing. As usual, please attach the "System Configuration" log

DNS-323 rev-A1 and DNS-321 testers still needed. Speak now or shut up for ever ;-)

 

Actually until yesterday my system was working just with one disk (/dev/sdb), I don't know why this happens.

Might be because your sda2/sdb2 partitions are not marked as RAID partitions.

You can't use the Disk Partitioner to change that, as you still has the vendor's fw partition scheme, but 'sfdisk -c /dev/sda 2 da' should do it (also for /dev/sdb)

 

But manually in command line I use the command :

mdadm --manage --add /dev/sda2 /dev/md0

If the partitions were of type RAID you could do the same using Disk->RAID, then under "Component Operations", select 'sda2' from "Component", then 'add' from "Operations"

And the system start the resync, now already finished. But I'm studding to buy new 2 or 3 TB disk to change the current ones, they already has almost 5 years working constantly.

The unreadable/uncorrectable sectors in the SMART test are of concern only if the figures start/continue growing. 5 years 24/7 is a lot. The old 80BG disks I use for testing Alt-G have 7 years (42783 power-on hours)

Thanks

[Dominion]

Olá! João!!

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 15/09/13 14:37:

A new snapshot is ready for testing. As usual, please attach the "System Configuration" log

Attached the System Conf log.

 

Actually until yesterday my system was working just with one disk (/dev/sdb), I don't know why this happens.

Might be because your sda2/sdb2 partitions are not marked as RAID partitions.

You can't use the Disk Partitioner to change that, as you still has the vendor's fw partition scheme, but 'sfdisk -c /dev/sda 2 da' should do it (also for /dev/sdb)

 

Yes, you right the partition scheme is the vendor's default scheme.

Cheers,

Júlio

[João Cardoso]

On Sunday, September 15, 2013 8:59:29 PM UTC+1, Julio Leal wrote:

Olá! João!!

João Cardoso escreveu o seguinte no dia 15/09/13 14:37:

A new snapshot is ready for testing. As usual, please attach the "System Configuration" log

Attached the System Conf log.

Thanks Júlio

From the log, the system temperature reading and fan control should now be working.

If you found no other hardware related issue, (buttons and leds) then the rev-C1 board will be working for the next release.

The same can't be said for the rev-A1 boards or the DNS-321, as nobody has reported success or failure.

[A K]

I have a DNS-321 REV A1 (if the Alt-F status page is accurate...I never looked at the board.)

I can do some testing this evening after work if it will be of use.

ApK

[A K]

Quick update:  I applied the latest snapshot on my DNS-321 via TryIt and all seems well so far.

The RC4 status page appears correctly, my data is still accessible.

I did notice that when I applied the firmware, it said:

"The firmware file is for a DNS-323 and you have a rev-D1 board."

And I cannot recall whether the A1 that the status page reports or the D1 that this reports is supposed to be accurate.

I know I read about that here somewhere, but I forgot.

Let me know if there are any particular tests you'd like me to do this evening.

ApK

[João Cardoso]

On Monday, September 16, 2013 6:50:16 PM UTC+1, A K wrote:

Quick update:  I applied the latest snapshot on my DNS-321 via TryIt and all seems well so far.

Thanks.

Some software might not work OK (I just got two freezes when using Alt-F packages); this snapshot is mainly for checking hardware issues.

Last time I released a more recent kernel (2.6.36.?? on B06/7?), the rev-A1 boxes stopped working (the disks).

 

The RC4 status page appears correctly, my data is still accessible.

I did notice that when I applied the firmware, it said:

"The firmware file is for a DNS-323 and you have a rev-D1 board."

The DNS-321 is internally called a rev-D1 board by Alt-F, as it is identical to the DNS-323 rev-C1 except that it has a bigger flash and a slower CPU (for marketing reasons?).

 

And I cannot recall whether the A1 that the status page reports or the D1 that this reports is supposed to be accurate.

The 321 label on the box bottom probably says A2, but the inner circuit board seems to say A1.

The info in the status page should say 321-A1.

 

I know I read about that here somewhere, but I forgot.

Let me know if there are any particular tests you'd like me to do this evening.

Just test the front button and recessed back reset button, leds (read the about buttons and leds wiki), fan speed changing, system temperature readings, reboo(*)t, power-off(*)... the 321 has no USB port, right?)

(*)- probably will not work if you have any packages installed.

Ah, and please attach the "System Configuration" log

Thanks

ApK

On Monday, September 16, 2013 1:22:32 PM UTC-4, A K wrote:

[A K]

On Monday, September 16, 2013 3:23:02 PM UTC-4, João Cardoso wrote:

Ah, and please attach the "System Configuration" log

Attached 

[A K]

On Monday, September 16, 2013 3:23:02 PM UTC-4, João Cardoso wrote:

Just test the front button and recessed back reset button, leds (read the about buttons and leds wiki), fan speed changing, system temperature readings, reboo(*)t, power-off(*)... the 321 has no USB port, right?)

Put the box under some load and watched the cpu and load indicators increase, temperature indicator climb from 38 to 39.5 (always green...not sure when it should turn yellow), and the fan indicator change from off to low.

Load reduced, temperature reduced,  so that all seems to work, though I was not physically near the box to see if the fan really did what it was saying.  I'll have to try the physical stuff tomorrow.

Correct, no USB port.

ApK

[João Cardoso]

for the DNS-323 rev-C1 and DNS-321 rev-A1 boards, the displayed fan values are the set values, not the read values, as there is no hardware support for reading it.

But if the temperature drops when the fan starts rotating, that is an indication that the fan is actually working.

Now only the DNS-323 rev-A1 board needs testing.

Thanks

[adi]

Hi João,

I just tested Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-15.bin on 323 rev A1 in TryIt mode.

Please find the log file attached. If there is something unusual inside the log please let me know.

Results:

- Indicators on the status page are working well

- Front buttons works OK (first right amber then left and shutdown at the end)

- rear button OK - telnet to 26 after 10s

- USB flash memory mounted OK. Correctly recognized that Volume was not properly unmounted:

Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.notice hot_aux: Start fscking sdc1
Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.notice hot_aux: Finish fscking sdc1: fsck 1.41.14 (22-Dec-2010) dosfsck 3.0.12, 29 Oct 2011, FAT32, LFN /FSCK0000.\000\000\000   Bad short file name (FSCK0000.\000\000\000).   Auto-renaming it.   Renamed to FSCK0000.000 Performing changes. /d
Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.warn kernel: FAT-fs (sdc1): Volume was not properly unmounted. Some data may be corrupt. Please run fsck.

- menu looks differently then RC3 and left menu disappears from time to time

- one hang - I was copying big file from XP and in the same time started RAID verify operation after few minutes no web and ssh access, just ping worked. Front button didn't shutdown the box. I needed to disconnect the power cord

- During copy from XP I noticed that transfer is jumping from 15MB/s down to 4MB/s. After leaving the status page where I monitored indicators to RAID maintenance page transfer stayed on 15-16MB/s (writing to NAS)

- No main LED during regular work. Is it by intention or it's only on my box?

- Power OFF and Reboot from GUI is working OK 

In addition I don’t know how to add comments to the tickets so I’m putting few indications below - sorry for that

- Regarding one of the feature requests – “#12 Enable Support of WD Red NAS Drives”. I have such drives and looks that they are working OK. NASWare is internal drive technology to reduce vibration, temperature, lifetime etc. I was surprised that there are a lot less vibrations then I had with regular Seagate 1TB drive. I think it’s nothing you can add in this area to the your firmware as far as I understand.

- Another request was for Dropbox – “8 Private Dropbox folder” . It would be really nice to have possibility to sync a folder J. I think it’s possible to compile a client from the source code https://www.dropbox.com/help/247/en

 

And in general  thank you for creating and supporting this piece of software

Best regards,

adi

[João Cardoso]

On Thursday, September 19, 2013 12:04:05 AM UTC+1, adi wrote:

Hi João,

I just tested Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-15.bin on 323 rev A1 in TryIt mode.

Please find the log file attached. If there is something unusual inside the log please let me know.

Everything looks fine. Different from the other boards logs regarding the disk interface, but OK.

 

Results:

- Indicators on the status page are working well

- Front buttons works OK (first right amber then left and shutdown at the end)

- rear button OK - telnet to 26 after 10s

- USB flash memory mounted OK. Correctly recognized that Volume was not properly unmounted:

Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.notice hot_aux: Start fscking sdc1
Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.notice hot_aux: Finish fscking sdc1: fsck 1.41.14 (22-Dec-2010) dosfsck 3.0.12, 29 Oct 2011, FAT32, LFN /FSCK0000.\000\000\000   Bad short file name (FSCK0000.\000\000\000).   Auto-renaming it.   Renamed to FSCK0000.000 Performing changes. /d
Sep 19 00:27:14 storage user.warn kernel: FAT-fs (sdc1): Volume was not properly unmounted. Some data may be corrupt. Please run fsck.

- menu looks differently then RC3 and left menu disappears from time to time

- one hang - I was copying big file from XP and in the same time started RAID verify operation after few minutes no web and ssh access, just ping worked. Front button didn't shutdown the box. I needed to disconnect the power cord

hope that it was a transitory situation... 

 

- During copy from XP I noticed that transfer is jumping from 15MB/s down to 4MB/s. After leaving the status page where I monitored indicators to RAID maintenance page transfer stayed on 15-16MB/s (writing to NAS)

- No main LED during regular work. Is it by intention or it's only on my box?

There are some issues with the power led across the several boxes, see issue 139.

 

- Power OFF and Reboot from GUI is working OK 

Thanks adi.

So according to several testers, all supported hardware boards, the DNS-321 rev-A1/B1/C1 and DNS-321 rev-A1, works under the new kernel, and the DNS-325 will be the next supported box.

However I'm having some difficulties with packages under the new kernel (aufs issues), and my experiments on the DNS-325 was only conceptual till now, don't expect a new release next week :-)

In addition I don’t know how to add comments to the tickets so I’m putting few indications below - sorry for that

- Regarding one of the feature requests – “#12 Enable Support of WD Red NAS Drives”. I have such drives and looks that they are working OK. NASWare is internal drive technology to reduce vibration, temperature, lifetime etc. I was surprised that there are a lot less vibrations then I had with regular Seagate 1TB drive. I think it’s nothing you can add in this area to the your firmware as far as I understand.

Thanks, I already imagined that.

 

- Another request was for Dropbox – “8 Private Dropbox folder” . It would be really nice to have possibility to sync a folder J. I think it’s possible to compile a client from the source code https://www.dropbox.com/help/247/en

When I checked that, some years ago, the supplied source code was only for the Gnome/Nautilus client-side.

The dropboxd daemon continues to be closed source and has to be running on the box.

 

And in general  thank you for creating and supporting this piece of software

Best regards,

adi

Thanks to all testers,

Joao 

[adi]

Hi João,

- During copy from XP I noticed that transfer is jumping from 15MB/s down to 4MB/s. After leaving the status page where I monitored indicators to RAID maintenance page transfer stayed on 15-16MB/s (writing to NAS)

I noticed that transfer rates on the new firmware RC4 are better and more stable in my case. I'm getting 15-16MB/s. With RC3 it's around 13MB/s with spikes down to 8MB/s. But to be sure it have to be tested longer and with dedicated software.

Is this something you are aware of?

cheers,

adi

[João Cardoso]

No, for now I'm just making it work :-)

I think that you can continue using RC4 (*don't* flash it!), as you seem to not have Alt-F package installed, and (initial) package installation is currently an issue; also, kernel-modules is not available for RC4.

Thanks

 

cheers,

adi

[A K]

Just an update, I confirmed that my 321's fan was running when Alt-F said it was, and I checked that the front button cycled through the right and left amber LEDs, then properly went back to "do nothing" mode.

 I didn't want to actually make it reboot or shutdown since you said it might have issues because of the package installs, but I have faith that when you provide an official flashable RC4 or v1.0, it will work fine.  :-)

[Viktor Jenovai]

Hi João,

I have 323 rev A1 board too, the RC4 works very well in TryIt mode. I answering this post, because on my hardware the software run the same way, and i never learned english, sorry for my bad grammar.. I hope you understand. Im a newbie on linux, so i'm just learning it how to properly configure the firmware, but i very very like it, i'm happy with the Alt-F, it's so good.

Thank You for the developing.

Best regards!

[Rob Ericsson]

Hello,

I loaded the updated RC4 firmware into my DNS-321 and found no problems while doing some routine tasks and through a configuration change to my email password (which I realize I wasn't supposed to do but they persisted back fine on reboot to RC3). I've attached the log as requested. 

Thanks for the great work on this.

Rob

[scaramanga]

Is it possible to try it on a DNS-323 HW Rev C1 which is currently using the reloaded method?
Should I follow the same procedure?

On Friday, September 13, 2013 9:37:12 PM UTC+3, João Cardoso wrote:

Hi,

In order to support the DNS-325 (and probably the DNS-320), a more recent linux kernel (3.10.11) is needed, and that can cause some issues that need to be solved before a release. The Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin is a snapshot of the current Alt-F development status and is intended for testing the DNS-321 and the DNS-323 with hardware rev-A1 and C1 boards. There is no need to test it on rev-B1 boards, as I have one myself. Although packaged for the DNS-323, the firmware file should be accepted by DNS-321 boxes running Alt-F. In order to test it, go to System->Firmware, select the more recent Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin file, hit the Upload button, and in the next page hit the TryIt button, *NOT* the FlashIt button. NEVER FLASH SNAPSHOTS!

After rebooting the status page should display "Alt-F 0.1RC4 Status Page". If the reboot fails and the Status pages does not appears, you can try to perform the front-button test, keeping the button pressed until the right amber led starts flashing, and then releasing the button, which should reboot the box and bring it back to the flashed firmware. It the front-button test fails and the led does not starts flashing, you have to unplug the power plug. Please report back the test results, either positive or negative, stating in which box and hardware board was it performed. Please test all hardware items, namely disks, usb pens, system temperature, fan, leds and front and back (recessed reset) buttons.

Please attach the "System Configuration" log file, accessible through System->Utilities->View Logs, System Configuration, and download it using the Download button at the page bottom. If your setup needs any kernel module supplied through the kernel-modules Alt-F package, they will not work. This is expected and has no negative consequences.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/alt-f/files/Releases/Snapshot

[João Cardoso]

On Friday, October 18, 2013 12:10:51 PM UTC+1, scaramanga wrote:

Is it possible to try it on a DNS-323 HW Rev C1 which is currently using the reloaded method?

Yes.

I'm considering to drop the "reloaded" method for the next release, as it only works on the DNS-323, not the DNS-321 nor the DNS-325 (I wasn't able to do it, doesn't means that it can't be done)

Are there any strong compelling reasons for me to continue support "reloaded", now that the 323 is being discontinued and warranty does not apply anymore?

 

Should I follow the same procedure?

Yes.

 

[scaramanga]

On Friday, October 18, 2013 4:26:42 PM UTC+3, João Cardoso wrote:

I'm considering to drop the "reloaded" method for the next release, as it only works on the DNS-323, not the DNS-321 nor the DNS-325 (I wasn't able to do it, doesn't means that it can't be done)

Are there any strong compelling reasons for me to continue support "reloaded", now that the 323 is being discontinued and warranty does not apply anymore?

 

I switched to Alt-F from ffp. Using the reloaded method means that I can always easily go back. There's no chance for flashing problems when you don't flash.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't see the benefit of flashing over the reloaded method, aside from the faster boot time. From a user perspective, there's no compelling reason to flash while the reloaded method works.

Still, the matter is entirely up to you, Joao. If it's too much trouble, complicating the system or taking to much time - you should discontinue it.

[Pete Muir]

The news about the DNS-32X is fantastic, I am going through the pain of trying to work out how to change the kernel version now, and being a basic linux user I am slowly getting to grips with the software side (the serial port is ready to go).

 

I have a DNS-320, and will be more than happy to help test any further development that can lead to unlocking the box.

[João Cardoso]

On Monday, October 28, 2013 6:16:02 AM UTC, Pete Muir wrote:

The news about the DNS-32X is fantastic, I am going through the pain of trying to work out how to change the kernel version now, and being a basic linux user I am slowly getting to grips with the software side (the serial port is ready to go).

 

I have a DNS-320, and will be more than happy to help test any further development that can lead to unlocking the box.

Thanks.

That work is now done, see http://jamie.lentin.co.uk/devices/dlink-dns325

I have now mostly complete the porting of Alt-F to the DNS-325, but 'kexec' is still not working.

Contrary to Jamie Lentin work, Alt-F will reuse the existing box flash and firmware file structures, so the user will not need to setup a serial connection and will be possible to revert to the vendor's firmware.

However I'm mostly a distance runner, not a 100 meter runner, so don't expect news soon :-(

[Kerry Neighbour]

I have a DNS-323 C1 with 2 hard drives in it (JBOD).

I installed RC3 first up, but that had so many problems I gave up and installed RC4. This seems like it could be a bit better. At least the Samba server is working (whereas it was not in RC3). I use the NAS in a Windows network, so the Samba stuff is the first priority!

I have installed MediaTomb, and that seems to be working just fine. Since this is the second main use for the NAS (as a uPnP server), so far so good.

I tried to install Sabnzdb and Sickbeard. These both install ok, but when I try to run either service, I get the following exact same error

Starting Sabnzbd:/usr/bin/python:Can't resolve symbol '__aeabi_d2iz'

Python 2.7.2 seems to be installed ok.

I get the same error with Sickbeard.

I have uninstalled all the packages and reinstalled them all again. Any suggestions?

[João Cardoso]

Yes, use RC3.

As the snapshot README says:

(...) hit the TryIt button, *NOT* the FlashIt button.

NEVER FLASH SNAPSHOTS!

 

[Kerry Neighbour]

Ah - did not notice that sage advice! RC3 was by far the worse experience. At least this RC4 snapshot has a working Samba server and the Media Bomb server is working. RC3 had neither of those. I had actually wiped RC3 and gone back to the DLink firmware (and had it all working again) when I happened to notice the RC4 message/file.

One of the big problems in RC3 was that when you rebooted the NAS, the users seemed to get lost. So when you tried to run Sabnzdb, Media Tomb or Sickbeard, you would get a missing user error. ie something like 'user meda bomb not found' when trying to run Media Bomb, for example. And the same with Sickbeard or Sabnzdb.

One problem I just found with RC4 - you cannot shut the NAS down with the front panel switch. It starts the shutdown - the LEDs flash, etc. But then they stop flashing and it is online again. You can power off ok from the GUI.

 I will wait eagerly for your full RC4 release!!

 

[withaar]

Ola Joao,

I loaded RC4 on my DNS-323 rev-C1 and it seems to run without much trouble. The side menu disappeared when I clicked on it from the initial status page and didn't come back. I didn't try to turn it on via the options. I logged in via ssh and looked at the running processes, mounted filesystems, /proc/version - it all looks good.

Attached is the log. I very much appreciate being able to continue to use this box. Great work, thank you.

[Gabriele Desinano]

Hi, here are the logs for the my dns-323-A1 with RC3 and with RC4

thank you very very mutch for your work

[Clement Chong]

Hello,

I have a DNS-323 with A1 board. Attached is my log file. I also noticed the side menu bar disappearing but was able to bring it back from the menu setting.

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 2:37:12 AM UTC+8, João Cardoso wrote:

Hi,

In order to support the DNS-325 (and probably the DNS-320), a more recent linux kernel (3.10.11) is needed, and that can cause some issues that need to be solved before a release. The Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin is a snapshot of the current Alt-F development status and is intended for testing the DNS-321 and the DNS-323 with hardware rev-A1 and C1 boards. There is no need to test it on rev-B1 boards, as I have one myself. Although packaged for the DNS-323, the firmware file should be accepted by DNS-321 boxes running Alt-F. In order to test it, go to System->Firmware, select the more recent Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-YYYY-MM-DD.bin file, hit the Upload button, and in the next page hit the TryIt button, *NOT* the FlashIt button. NEVER FLASH SNAPSHOTS!

[Rolf Larsson]

I have a DNS-323 rev A1 with two 3TB Seagate disks. Currently running RC3, flashed.

Sadly, it is not a happy camper with Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-15.bin.

The first time, it came up, but wasn't reachable over IP. Powered off via the front button and powered on again.

The second time and third times, it restarted and dumped me back in RC3 all by itself. It seems to actually get as far as mounting the disks, since the 'Automatic FSCK' counter is reduced by 2 for every attempt+reboot.

/mnt/md0/alt-f.log seems to only contain the latest startup; It would be a good idea to keep at least the previous version when starting a new.

[Rolf Larsson]

I'll give it a spin on my other system (Rev B1, running RC2, same type of disks) as soon as it's done fscking... in a day or so |-/

[Rolf Larsson]

(...OK, so it was a bit faster than expected at 25 minutes...)

Tried it, amd the same downloaded .bin as above works fine on my rev. B1.

[João Cardoso]

On Wednesday, November 27, 2013 10:19:14 PM UTC, Rolf Larsson wrote:

I have a DNS-323 rev A1 with two 3TB Seagate disks. Currently running RC3, flashed.

Sadly, it is not a happy camper with Alt-F-0.1RC4-DNS-323-2013-09-15.bin.

The first time, it came up, but wasn't reachable over IP. Powered off via the front button and powered on again.

If the front-button reboot/poweroff worked, then Alt-F was working; the box should be using another IP.

There are several positive rev-A1 reports on this snapshot...

 

The second time and third times, it restarted and dumped me back in RC3 all by itself. It seems to actually get as far as mounting the disks, since the 'Automatic FSCK' counter is reduced by 2 for every attempt+reboot.

/mnt/md0/alt-f.log seems to only contain the latest startup;

The log is generated early during the boot, and is stored on all currently mounted filesystems; if a fsck is being performed on any, no log will be stored there.

To generate a new log at runtime use Services->User->user StartNow

It would be a good idea to keep at least the previous version when starting a new. 

Thanks 

[John F]

Brand new to forum.. Does anyone know if Alt-f will work on a DNS-321 HW rev A3? Can't find anything in the forums. Thanks

[João Cardoso]

On Monday, December 9, 2013 6:10:05 PM UTC, John F wrote:

Brand new to forum.. Does anyone know if Alt-f will work on a DNS-321 HW rev A3? Can't find anything in the forums. Thanks

Hi John,

No, there are no reports for the DNS-321 rev-A3, only for the rev-A2 (labeled rev-A2 on the box bottom label, but internal circuit board labeled rev-A1).

I think that there should be no major problems, as originally a DNS-323 firmware was flashed on a DNS-321. The reason is that both the 323 and 321 share a common SoC.

There was some issues, meanwhile solved, see the "So I flashed Alt-F on a DNS-321" thread.

I don't know what is the revision scheme used by D-Link, but from the pattern it looks like that increasing the revision number and not the revision letter might have to do with minor case or external hardware changes, while changing the revision letter has to do with the main circuit board.

This *is* speculation, based on the DNS-323 revision history (rev-A1, rev-B1 and rev-C1 have different circuit boards) and the fact that the reported DNS-321 has an exterior A2 label with an internal A1 circuit board.

If you want to be more certain, you can install 'ffp' on the box and obtain and attach a kernel and a system log, that should show if there are any major incompatibilities.

In any case, if you want to try, you should use the stable RC3 Release, not the Snapshots, and please report back.

Joao

[JB Pollard]

Did it work? I also have a A3 Revision and want to flash.

[mattg]

Your best bet is to open up the system and look at the board. If the board says something other than A1, then I think you are in uncharted territory. I honesty do not see why it would not work, but if you want to flash it, I would make sure you have a serial cable built (Not that hard to make and under $5). If you like ffp, then you will like this, and it is worth the risk.

[TJ]

Hi Joao,

Just reporting my experience with RC4:

I "try it" flashed RC4 on one of my boxes (Rev B1), restarted (as prompted) removed my discs, put in my two new WD RED 3TB drives, used the wizard and chose JBOD. Wizard used gpt automagically (abracadabra)! Swap partitions were setup without issue (about 828MB combined) and the drives were formated ext4 in about ten minutes. I then rebooted to revert back to RC3 without issue, drives are still recognized at full capacity. I have 5.4TB usable in md0 and I am now copying over my 2.87TB of media through my network via SAMBA.

Will report back in about 4 days when the transfer is complete. I will then remove drives and put them in my Rev C1 media dns-323.

Everything seems to be going smoothly, thank you for your continued development of these little boxes. I was going to convert my old desktop into a NAS, but my old motherboard won't support discs this big! The big developers have nothing on you!

T.J.

[Dmc]

As to the symbol issue - I noticed it too.  Not sure if this is any help in fixing it - http://gumstix.8.x6.nabble.com/can-t-resolve-symbol-aeabi-d2iz-td647904.html

[Elliot R]

Just an FYI since I couldn't find any other mention of DNS-321 HW rev A3 with ALT F installed.

Installed release RC4 on my DNS-321 unit labeled HW rev A3 and FW ver. 1.03

No problems yet and have installed mediatomb package and accessed files through LG networked blu ray player.

Thanks Joao for the awesome firmware! 

[João Cardoso]

On Monday, July 21, 2014 7:09:01 PM UTC+1, Elliot R wrote:

Just an FYI since I couldn't find any other mention of DNS-321 HW rev A3 with ALT F installed.

Installed release RC4 on my DNS-321 unit labeled HW rev A3 and FW ver. 1.03

No problems yet and have installed mediatomb package and accessed files through LG networked blu ray player.

Thanks Joao for the awesome firmware! 

Thanks for the report!
 

[Dodo Sisi]

I also have a DNS-321, and I'm thinking of flashing Alt-F now that I got a second hard-drive and would like to convert to a RAID-1 without copying. However, I have a number of FFP packages and scripts set up and running (NZBGet, lighttp, SSH, samba), will I have to set everything up from scratch once I update to Alt-F? I haven't worked on the box in 2 years, it would take me days again to get everything up an running... I'm not a linux power user :)

Tried searching these and the main DNS forums, but I couldn't find the answer....

[João Cardoso]

On Thursday, July 24, 2014 10:48:26 PM UTC+1, Dodo Sisi wrote:

I also have a DNS-321, and I'm thinking of flashing Alt-F now that I got a second hard-drive and would like to convert to a RAID-1 without copying. However, I have a number of FFP packages and scripts set up and running (NZBGet, lighttp, SSH, samba), will I have to set everything up from scratch once I update to Alt-F? I haven't worked on the box in 2 years, it would take me days again to get everything up an running... I'm not a linux power user :)

Yes/No.

-First, you have to rename your current ffp folder to something else before flashing Alt-F, or Alt-F will hang on its first boot.

-Second, most of the features you want, like NZBget, lighthhtp, SSH, samba, already exists in Alt-F and even have a webUI. You should not use ffp packages that Alt-F already has, because they will most probably conflict.

-Third, for the features that you are currently using and Alt-F does not has, you can install ffp *under* Alt-F, using the ffp package manager, installing only the missing packages, and copy those packages configuration files from your old ffp folder to the new one.
As a less save alternative, rename you original ffp folder again to ffp, having the care to first disable all ffp services from the ffp start folder, using 'chmod -x /ffp/start/*'; if you are using ffp-0.5, you also have to execute 'echo FFP_VERSION=0.5 > /ffp/etc/ffp-version', then reboot.

So some work is required.

But your should not make new posts under this topic, as it's now outdated, RC4 has been released.