[FADCA] Linux FPAC update

[Bill Sinbine]

Hi All

Happy Easter!

I haven't put anything out on the list for a while so here is what 
several of us have been doing in the background.

We (Bernard, Charlie and myself) have been working on updating our 
Knoppix install cd to include alternate rose routing for the 
switches. This also includes updating the kernel. Bernard has 
recompiled the 2.4.6 kernel to 2.4.27rose. It is working and Charlie 
is working on being able to make a remaster of it. This is still in a 
beta form so it isn't ready for prime time. We don't know how long it 
will take to get the bugs out. The biggest thing is to make a 
remaster cd work.

We are also working on a NEW kernel. This one is really in Alpha 
form. I do have it running on w4slc- 12/13.
It started out with a clean install of Knoppix 3.8.2 which is using 
kernel 2.6.11 out of the box. The kernel was updated to 2.6.16.1 and 
fpac and fbb were recompiled for this kernel. It is up and running at 
this time if you want to connect to w4slc-12/13 and play around.
When I tried to make the remaster of it to install again, I had no 
problem with making the ISO and burning the cd. The problem is that I 
wasn't able to install the cd onto another hard drive. With making 
upgrades to the kernels we haven't been able to make a good remaster 
ISO. I think that once we can get the remaster cd's working then we 
might be ready to send out a few for beta testing.

Just a reminder that all of the versions that we are working with of 
Knoppix fpac are really still in beta and not ready for prime time 
distribution. We do have many boxes on line running and on the air.

If everyone didn't know we do have a linux fpac box (FADCA flavor) 
running on line out of the state of Florida. Ed WA1LRL has a linux 
fpac box on the air for several months. We are starting to get 
requests/questions from out of state on what we are doing.
Hold on to your hats we might be on to something here.


I just wanted to send out a quick note to let everyone know that the 
linux fpac project hasn't gone away. We have been doing a LOT of work 
in the background and I thought it was time to let some information 
out on what we are doing.


I'm going to be setting up a way for everyone to be able to ssh into 
the switch as a user to be able to play with the boxes if you aren't 
in a area where you can connect direct using RF. This is in the plans 
and I'll let you know when I have it ready.

73, Bill N4XEO

E- Mail mailto: n4xeo at flbb.net
home page:        http://www.qsl.net/n4xeo
Fort Pierce arc:  http://www.qsl.net/w4akh
F.A.D.C.A.:        http://www.fadca.org
FPAC:               http://www.qsl.net/fpac