Friday, March 6, 2015

Galileo with bigger linux image

Galileo is capable of running two kinds of images (operating system).

  • Small Linux for SPI Flash
  • Full-featured Linux for SD card

There is a fundamental difference. Galileo has an on-board flash memory of size 8Mb, limited amount of space to store its Linux kernel (as well as sketch). The small linux image only allows execution of Arduino sketches. It should be noted that the current firmware will not store sketch in the flash, so it will be lost on power cycle.

As such, the default Linux image is limited in terms of extra features. Fortunately Intel supplies Board Support package, which allows to include everything needed to rebuild the Linux image using Yocto.

But with an SD card, we can boot the Galileo with a bigger Linux image, which provides access to the following: 

  • WiFi drivers – The Galileo supports Intel-chipset WiFi cards with these drivers. Plug them in, and they should be recognized immediately.
  • Python – Python is our favorite when it comes to scripting languages. With Python you can easily post to Twitter, check for unread emails, and perform all sorts of other activities.
  • Node.js – Node.js is a popular JavaScript-based scripting language. A good alternative to Python, if you’re more comfortable with JS.
  • SSH – Secure Shell (SSH) is a very useful network tool that allows you to log into and control a device remotely. With SSH running on your network-connected Galileo, and remotely control the board from any device on the network.
  • openCV – OpenCV is an open-source computer vision application. You can plug a USB webcam into the Galileo’s USB host port, and use OpenCV to track and recognize objects.
  • V4L2Video4Linux2 is a video record and play utility for Linux. You’ll need a USB webcam attached to your Galileo to make use of this.

To boot the Galileo off the bigger Linux image, you’ll need an SD card that is at least 1GB (but less than 32GB). You’ll also need to download the bigger image from Intel’s Drivers page. The file is about 48 MB.

Download the linux image, extract it and copy the contents to your SD card.

Plug in the µSD card and then power it up. The first boot may take a little longer than average.

 

Connecting to Galileo via linux console



  • I would prefer to use ssh to login into Galileo. For that you need to connect your galileo as well as your host machine to the same network.
    • Get the ip address of Galileo using nmap/arp-scan tools in linux.
    • Once you get the ip address you can do ssh.
    • ssh <username>@<ip-address-of-galileo>
      
  • If you have serial console cable, you will be able to see everything including boot sequence.
  • There are many ways. Check this out.


Note:

  • The console UART port is different in Gen1 and Gen2. Please check this link.


Useful links: 

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