March 10, 2012 10:30 AM. 36 attended.
Zipit Up! (Load Linux on inexpensive handheld)
After the usual Show and Tell, Mark has agreed to lead a workshop where we will turn Zipits into powerful Linux machines.
From Mark, our resident expert on the Zipit...
There is an opportunity to buy a very interesting "obsolete device" called a Zipit Z2 at the terrifically discounted price of ~$12 (with shipping). The Zipit specifications are as follows:
-312 MHz ARM9 SoC (Marvell PXA270) <-- can be overclocked up to 520 Mhz
-320 x 240 TFT LCD -
- 256K Colors
-Marvell 88W8686 Rev. B2 802.11 Wi-Fi “B/G” Solution
-LED Backlight
-Full backlit QWERTY design keyboard
-8MB internal flash
-32Mb SDRAM
-Wolfson WM8751 24-bit Stereo DAC
-SD/mini
-Li-Ion rechargable battery
-AC adapter
-headphone input/internal mono speaker
The ZipIt was orginally sold as an IM device for teens. It comes installed with obsolete firmware that is mostly useless. However, thanks to the ZipIt hacker community (and the ZipIt company), the Z2 can be completely re-flashed with the most up to date Linux kernel. In fact, the patches required to run Linux on the Zipit are part of the Mainline Linux repository. This means that configuring and building a custom Linux kernel *can be* about as easy as installing any other piece of software. Once Linux is installed, the Zipit becomes a mini computer. It will run webservers, gcc, IM, irc, email, stream mp3's, youtube, mplayer, VLC, Gameboy/NES emulators, etc. My favorite application is to use the Zipit to play mp3's, the sound is very, very good quality. Other applications that I have done in the past include:
-Mesh Networking (I have 10 Zipits)
-Serial Terminal for a headless machine
-streaming webcam server
The intention is to have a Meetup workshop that will provide the details/files for flashing a Linux distro onto the device. From this first basic step we can then branch into the other possibilities. The list of hardware for installing Linux onto the Zipit consists of only 2-3 items. 1) the Zipit (includes AC adapter and Li-Ion battery) 2) SD card <--- actually a miniSD card slot, so recommended to find 4GB microSD with a miniSD adapter. miniSD cards work, but they are hard to find, more expensive and limited to 2GB. 3) SD card reader (USB preferred) Something like this (although should be able to find one for less than $10)---> http://www.amazon.com... The Zipit Z2 has a rear docking port, so in a later workshop (or on your own) the next step would be to add USB (host and device modes) and I2C. The rear port has 36 pins that can be broken out using a Hirose connector. The connector can be purchased from Digikey for about $5. Soldering wires to this connector is not trivial. http://parts.digikey.... The Zipit really comes to life when USB is added. Imagine creating your own NAS file server or, hooking up a webcam and installing 'motion' to capture visitors at the front door. The Zipit will run an X server (provides a Windows GUI), but the performance is limited. The device is very zippy when using the command line interface, so if you do not know it yet, you will benefit from learning the basics of a Bash shell. A few pix --> https://picasaweb.goo... --Mark
We are doing a group buy of the Zipits, the mini SD cards for programming, and connectors. Please RSVP and pre-pay by Feb 27 to participate. You will be asked during RSVP how many of each you would like.
Example orders include...
Simple 1-person workshop participation: 1 ZipIt and 1 MiniSD = $12 + $14 = $26
2-person workshop participation: 2 ZipIts and 1 MiniSD = $24 + $14 = $38
I-know-I'm-gonna-use-a-zillion-of-these-for-all-kinds-of-projects: 15 Zipits, 3 MiniSD and 15 connectors = $180 + $52 + $75 = $307
Payment can be made in any of 3 ways. Choose one of the following 3 options.
Payment Option 1 - Through Dwolla (for this option, please tally as in the examples above, then enter the total payment. This would be our preferred option, since they have a simple 25 cent transaction fee, but you would have to set up a dwolla account first, which takes 5 minutes plus a few days.)
Dwolla: www.dwolla.com Use the email address [masked]
Payment Option 2 - Through StudentRND (note, you actually have to order each item separately if you use this option):
ZipIt: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3XME48ELYJLA2
MiniSD: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YLWL8JNQ2QE62
Connector: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6BH2LHZT72JU
Payment Option 3 - Through Paypal (for this option, please tally as in the examples above, then enter the total payment. This option charges the most overhead, but use it if you need to.)
Paypal: www.paypal.com Use the email address [masked]
Whew! Too complex eh? Guess we need a shopping cart. Feel free to email any of the organizers if you want help.
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Dan Tebbs
Case, thanks for the offer, but we actually need the MINI SD instead of the Micro SD. Now if you also happen to have adapters to the mini size...
Posted February 16 at 4:42 PM -
Dan Tebbs
@Neil, D'Oh! I thought I had thought of everything, but I didn't think of that. We're ironing it out, I'll get back to you.
Posted February 16 at 4:43 PM -
Case
@Dan Actually, I was trying to figure out if any of the microSD cards I have (I should have an adapter lying around somewhere) is large enough for the distro. Is a 2GB card big enough?
By "pile" I really only meant like 3 or 4 :-P
Posted February 16 at 4:47 PM -
Dan Tebbs
@Case Yes a 2GB card is definitely large enough. The flash memory on the ZipIt is only 8MB, and I think the mini-Linux kernel is only 3.5MB, so pretty much any MiniSD card will work.
Posted February 16 at 6:44 PM -
Dan Tebbs
@Neil OK, we have now come up with 3 payment options and added the information to the bottom of the meetup announcement.
Posted February 17 at 8:55 AM -
Neil B Breeden II
I just ordered 3 ZIPITs, 1 SD Card and 2 connectors, payment has been sent. I will have one guest attending as well. (I've updated my RSVP to reflect this.) -N
Posted February 17 at 1:45 PM -
Dan Tebbs
@Neil Thanks for the heads up, I'm not sure what's happening there, on my screen the emails are showing. Perhaps a profile setting? Here's the obfuscated email to use for both of them. ekpuz at yahoo dot com
Posted February 17 at 2:09 PM -
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Neil B Breeden II
Yep, after I logged in the email addreses showed up.
Posted February 17 at 4:15 PM -
Dan Tebbs
Ahh, in that case I'll go back to regular email addresses as that better protects Craig from spam.
Posted February 17 at 4:54 PM -
Kristi
So the miniSD card is just to flash the device? I mean, the system isn't running off the sd card, so if we order multiple zipits, we only need one card total, not one card per zipit.
Posted February 21 at 2:13 PM -
Dan Tebbs
Yes Kristi, that is correct. You can do the workshop and many (most?) ZipIt projects using a single MiniSD card. There is an ability to play MP3 music, so one reason to get an additional card is to put a music collection on an another card for playback.
Posted February 21 at 3:17 PM -
Craig Zupke
I'd view the SD card as your hard drive. If you want to load different apps in addition to the basic Linux distro, I think you might want/need the extra space.
Posted February 21 at 10:30 PM -
Mark Majeres
The latest distros for the ZipIt have an overlay file system that provide means for installing packages to USB drives or SD cards. There is also support for mounting a file system over the network (NFS), although I haven't used this option yet. Older distros require the SD card and as Craig mentions, utilize the SD card as a 'hard drive'. There is 8Mb of internal flash, the basic Linux firmare takes up about ~3.5 Mb. Note: you have to make the USB port first :)
Posted February 22 at 5:07 AM -
Mark Majeres
If you want a head start, these links will get you going.
http://mozzwald.com/node/148
<--- see the links at the bottom of the pageuse Flashstockv0.1.2_openwrt.zip to flash Linux onto your ZipIt (can be done from Windows)
If you're interested in building your own, follow the link to Projectgus' OpenWrt Source. This step requires Linux and at least 6GB free space. If you get stuck, bring your questions, I'll try to help
Posted February 26 at 6:58 AM -
Mark Majeres
These are good resources for getting up to speed on Linux.
http://free-electrons.com/doc/command_memento.pdf
http://free-electrons.com/doc/sysadmin-basics.pdf
http://free-electrons.com/doc/unix_linux_introduction.pdfPosted February 26 at 7:01 AM -
Thomas
Okay I got the micro to mini adapter. Can I use any 4gb microSDHC card? Can I use an 8GB? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820...
Posted February 27 at 9:18 AM -
Dan Tebbs
Dan,
I came across this project while looking for a scrolling lLED wifi marquee.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1523240F4C28F4EA
Can the Zippit also be used to control the message on a led bank of lights. This is one of the goals I would like to achieve with the group and thought that something like the wifi robot with zippit may be the way to go.
Myk
Yes Myk, it most certainly would work!
I love how you found a cross between our current and previous workshops! :)
Posted February 27 at 9:36 AM -
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Dan Tebbs
Yes Dan, I did indeed order just a couple (OK, actually I went hog wild) of extra ZipIts. Yes I can share. You will still need to bring a _MINI_SD memory chip (not reg SD, and not micro SD), and a way to read/write to it from your laptop. Using a microSD with a miniSD adapter works fine.
Posted March 5 at 1:39 PM -
Dan
Great, can you please reserve a ZipIt for me. How can I pay? Through Paypal above or in person on Sat?
Posted March 5 at 1:55 PM -
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Dan
Alright, I'll bring the money with me on Saturday. Thanks so much! I'm really looking forward to this one. (Huge Linux fan!)
Posted March 5 at 2:39 PM -
Craig Zupke
I ordered ~5 extra of everything to accommodate late comers. Right now I've got Brian Turner, Albert Perrien II, and Michael Le Cleche on my list. I've added Dan as well. Each of those individuals should be able to get a Zipit plus an SD card (with USB reader) and a connector (no obligation to get all three). If someone doesn't show up I generally feel free to sell unpaid for items. So there is a chance that some more extras may become available if there are no shows.
Posted March 5 at 3:10 PM -
Craig Zupke
Another comment: The Zipit workshop is not the only thing worth coming for. There is always an opportunity to share past/current/future projects, get help and advice, and see what other stuff people bring to show.
Posted March 5 at 3:12 PM -
peter barry
Will we get to mess with our new Zipits Saturday morning, or will they need to be charged up?
Posted March 6 at 4:48 PM -
Dan Tebbs
If I can make the time, I will get them charged for you. If I don't get to it, the back-up plan is to plug them all in before show-n-tell, and get 1 hour of charge on them. They can run off the charger, including re-flashing. It insures against accidentally "bricking" your ZipIt (making it so it won't boot any more) if they have battery. -Dan
Posted March 6 at 5:49 PM -
Dan Tebbs
Good news everyone! The ZipIts are in. Our group ended up ordering a whopping 91 ZipIts. Now that's some team spirit! (of course the amazing price didn't hurt, eh?) I will be at StudentRND tomorrow evening to prep the ZipIts (they need to be charged). If you just can't wait till Saturday to collect yours, I will be there from 6 to 9 and you can come by and pick up. Or even if you just want to work on one of your projects, come on down.
Posted March 8 at 11:53 PM -
Mark
I only just discovered this meetup and can't make the workshop tomorrow. I'd still like to buy a Zipit/MiniSD/connector if there is one spare and there will be future workshops (e.g. to add USB/I2C).
Posted March 9 at 1:26 PM -
Mark Kenworthy
Unfortunately Sean and I won't be able to make it today after all. Hope to see you all next time!
Posted March 10 at 8:42 AM -
Albert Perrien II
What were the websites that were given to find out more information on the Zipit?
Posted March 10 at 11:31 PM -
Mark Majeres
Here's a few useful links to ZipIt related material.
mozzwald.com
engine12.com
macrofig.blogspot.comPlease download this too ****** a keymap is included ********
http://engine12.com/files/zipit_tips.zipThe openwrt docs and wiki are useful too.
irc channel is #zipit
Posted March 11 at 7:22 AM -
Kristi
I found this for wiring up the connector for USB
http://www.mozzwald.com/node/60Posted March 11 at 11:50 AM -
Kristi
And pinout for the back expansion port
http://www.bealecorner.org/best/measure/z2/z2-connector-p...Posted March 11 at 12:06 PM -
Mark
Dan, if there were any ZipIts left over, I would like to buy one or two for use with my Arduino project. Let me know what you have.
Posted March 13 at 2:20 PM -
Craig Zupke
I suspect we may not have extras so if someone isn't willing to part with one of their own, your best bet is to just buy them on your own. Here is the contact info for the place were we bought them:
Edward Solomon
President
Proactive Distribution
1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
17th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7422
(215) 568-1700 ext. 245
(215) 568-1701 (fax)
esolomon@ProactiveDistribution.comPosted March 13 at 5:50 PM -
Dan Tebbs
There has been quite a number of requests for more ZipIts. All of you that have mailed me and I haven't responded yet, my apologies... I didn't forget you. I have figured out what to do now.
I'm doing a second group order. Note that our quantity pricing from before won't apply, they will cost more this time, and I will be adding a nominal mark-up. I'm thinking $20 each. Not as sweet as our huge group buy, but still an outrageous price.
They will be available Thur night at StudentRND.
Posted March 14 at 9:45 AM -
Dan Tebbs
From Maker Mark D. ---
I just found this YouTube video of someone who has added a serial port mod using the phono jack, to upload sketches to an Arduino board.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQoZqqiEE6oPosted March 14 at 10:02 AM -
Benson Kalahar
That's very cool. Is there a particular reason to use serial-over-audio-jack rather than going the USB route?
Posted March 14 at 10:19 AM -
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Dan Tebbs
@Benson - Actually there's a pretty good reason. There is a connector for the back of the ZipIt which includes USB pins, however this is a somewhat-to-very difficult connector to use. It's much easier to solder up a 3.5mm audio jack.
Posted March 14 at 11:12 PM -
Mark Majeres
Don't you need extra hardware to program a chip over usb serial? The audio jack setup can program the chip directly.
Posted March 14 at 11:31 PM -
Benson Kalahar
@Dan Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.
@Mark It depends on the board -- I know the duemilanove and uno both have built-in USB controllers. If you're programming a pro series board, you'll need to use TTL (ftdi boards and cables are the most popular). If you're programming a chip without a bootloader (either to add one or to save space), you'll need a programmer, which come in many varieties. So I guess the answer is "it depends". :-)
Posted March 15 at 11:35 AM -
Mark
I decided to add USB using the expansion port - using pin 17 for 3.3v and a 5v step-up circuit (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8290
). Having a tough time soldering the Hirose connector - those pins are tiny!Posted March 26 at 12:37 PM -
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Mark Majeres
I pulled the surrounding pins out with a needle nose pliers.
Posted March 26 at 5:47 PM
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Albert Perrien III have a lot of plans for this thing, once I've sorted it all out! Thanks for an excellent meetup!
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Benson KalaharI had a lot of fun playing with the zipits and meeting people. At one point, it seemed everyone was ready and waiting for the presentation to start; I think a stronger push to keep things moving would have helped keep everyone on track and engaged. All in all, it was a great way to spend a saturday.
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A former member
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I have a pile of microSD cards already that I could re-purpose for this. How big is the distro you're planning on having us flash?