DJWillis
Random GP32/GP2X/Wiz & Pandora Moocher
Not a lot here yet but this is an idea I was discussing with Hando to try and keep a list of the Frequent Technical Questions that are no doubt going to crop up as we approach the console release to cut down on the same questions again and again.
This could then be moved to a public forum at the appropriate time.
Feel free to add to it
.
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Q: What version of the Linux Kernel is installed on the GP2X?
A: The stock Linux Kernel installed on the GP2X is based on the ARM-LINUX Kernal.Org 2.4.25 sources with patches.
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Q: Why did Gamepark Holdings not use a 2.6 based Kernel, surely that is more suitable for an embedded device?
A: Whilst 2.6 is indeed better suited for an embedded device, currently the most recent vendor supported and certified Linux Kernel for the MagicEye MF2520 processing unit (used in the GP2X) is based on 2.4.25.
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Q: Can I upgrade my GP2X to a 2.6 based Kernel?
A: Not currently however the community is working on upgrading the existing 2.4 patches to 2.6. Contributors are very welcome to get involved by participating in the SourceForge project (The Open2x Project).
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Q: Can I bypass Linux and run programs directly on the hardware?
A: Yes, more information can be found .... I’ll update this as we find out more.
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Q: What is a Bootloader?
A: A Bootloader is a piece of software/firmware that initialises the hardware to a suitable state to pass control over to an operating system. Embedded Bootloaders such as the one used on the GP2X should be seen as an analogue of the BIOS and GRUB or the Windows bootstrap in a traditional PC environments.
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Q: What Bootloader does the GP2X use?
A: The GP2X uses ‘Das U-Boot’ to initialise the hardware and boot an operating system or custom code. More information on U-Boot can be found on the official 'Das U-Boot' site or the GP2X Linux Kernel SourceForge site above.
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Q: What DevKit can I use to develop for the GP2X?
A: make some stuff up for this one, I guess DKArm after WinterMute gets it building based on gLibC (For Linux anyway), for now any GCC targeted @ ARM-LINUX should do the job with some tweaks. Note: Add to the WiKi stuff on GCC4.
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Questions to add, bootloader, flashing..... well whatever we find out I guess.
This could then be moved to a public forum at the appropriate time.
Feel free to add to it
-----
Q: What version of the Linux Kernel is installed on the GP2X?
A: The stock Linux Kernel installed on the GP2X is based on the ARM-LINUX Kernal.Org 2.4.25 sources with patches.
-----
Q: Why did Gamepark Holdings not use a 2.6 based Kernel, surely that is more suitable for an embedded device?
A: Whilst 2.6 is indeed better suited for an embedded device, currently the most recent vendor supported and certified Linux Kernel for the MagicEye MF2520 processing unit (used in the GP2X) is based on 2.4.25.
-----
Q: Can I upgrade my GP2X to a 2.6 based Kernel?
A: Not currently however the community is working on upgrading the existing 2.4 patches to 2.6. Contributors are very welcome to get involved by participating in the SourceForge project (The Open2x Project).
-----
Q: Can I bypass Linux and run programs directly on the hardware?
A: Yes, more information can be found .... I’ll update this as we find out more.
-----
Q: What is a Bootloader?
A: A Bootloader is a piece of software/firmware that initialises the hardware to a suitable state to pass control over to an operating system. Embedded Bootloaders such as the one used on the GP2X should be seen as an analogue of the BIOS and GRUB or the Windows bootstrap in a traditional PC environments.
-----
Q: What Bootloader does the GP2X use?
A: The GP2X uses ‘Das U-Boot’ to initialise the hardware and boot an operating system or custom code. More information on U-Boot can be found on the official 'Das U-Boot' site or the GP2X Linux Kernel SourceForge site above.
-----
Q: What DevKit can I use to develop for the GP2X?
A: make some stuff up for this one, I guess DKArm after WinterMute gets it building based on gLibC (For Linux anyway), for now any GCC targeted @ ARM-LINUX should do the job with some tweaks. Note: Add to the WiKi stuff on GCC4.
-----
Questions to add, bootloader, flashing..... well whatever we find out I guess.