Linux Archives

Linux is an operating system. In fact, one of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux kernel

September 18, 2021September 27, 2024

Oracle VBox – Virtual Appliances

Virtual Appliances, VImages, VDI’s, ISO’s

Tech | Tools – Virtual Appliances

Virtual Box Oracle VBox – Virtual Appliance(s), get it now… assuming you haven’t encountered a situation where you needed a different system than the one you are using, are stuck with, or are having trouble running native apps.

Oracle Virtual Box – https://www.virtualbox.org is a great starting point. Be sure to explore the latest and best virtualized products. Ideally, it’s a useful ‘virtual’ appliance to have on hand in the shop, to run VDI’s – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or ISO – Copy (of the) Optical Disc Image. I came across an article about this previously, as I have written about it before, while testing other OS, OS Variants, Solutions, Drone Flight sims, Flight Configs, etc. Trust me, the Virtual Box tool is very useful of testing almost any compute/browser combinations. In our case, we prefer the Oracle product for non Windows needs, while Boot Camp works well for Windows environments pretty well. We will cover those another time, but for now check out this handy post (https://www.virtualbox.org) to paste into your browser… Your choice – BSD, Fedora, Linux Varietals and more. Other image offering can be found here:These OS Boxes Linux Images.

Virtual Environments – VBOX or Parallels for mAC

REMEMBER TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Check what’s there. It may take many, many, many tries) to get this stuff to work in an optimal fashion, but you’ll get it soon enough. Testing is key. Donate where you can!

A few other notes, I’m sure you have your own process, but we use Virtual Box for lots of stuff*… testing, games, browser ‘wars’, IoT stuff* and more*. Below you will find a few screenshots of Virtual Box and MS Remote Desktop. The goal was to cover as many systems, device varieties, OS images and tools as possible Always remember, just have fun.

Good time to highlight premade, premier machines. Before we wrap up, have a look at Puget Systems, these machines are top of the line, premier computers, bar none; this one setup for Adobe software.

One last point, these virtual environments can be used for IoT testing. Note, that since the screenshots were taken/shared, we’ve added Virtual Box to MacOS, running a litany of ISOs. Those can be found here, included for your convenience! We certainly enjoy using this method for just about anything. Please see the posting on Debian Buster starting with the Ubuntu IoT ISOs.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

January 30, 2021September 27, 2024

EMAX FC and Betaflight

Update EMAX Flight Controller with BetaFlight

FIXED: EMAX & Configurators –

EMAX – Betaflight

Betaflight Config – Today, we (you and I) tackle some drone issues… make/model drone controller configs ((same drone, FRSKY controller profiles)), soldering/replacing EMAX AIO FC, and BETA config issues. Photos to follow.

In the meantime, sit back and relax, enjoy… enjoy the pain, the torment, cause I’ve been at this for days… Literally, days. Nothing but borrowed time; borrowed not wasted! Link above will get you your very own Betaflight configurator via Chrome extension.

FC And BetaFlight

Receiver/Modes

BetaFlight

PID Mode

BetaFlight Notes

Like most things, there are more ways to make your cake and eat it. The Chrome extension is helpful when bouncing back-and-forth between systems/releases/drones etc. I run Big Sur MacOS, Ubuntu Linux and a Win Server 7… it’s handy here, as the config remains the same, helps to maintain a certain sense of sanity. Especially when you’re a NOOB.

Two, from time to time, I run my Win7Server via MS Remote Desktop or Linux instance via Oracle’s Virtual Box. One advantage might be number of USB ports available… as you know, most MacBook Pros are limited to 3 of 4 USB-C ports. Unless you run usb ports, which I don’t care for (B.S. but that is for another day). Anyhow, regardless of how you run Betaflight, be aware of the nuances, versioning and pitfalls with each new iteration or release. T

ake notes, take screenshots, vlog about it… anything to help you remember the ‘deltas’ (change) over time. These will come in handy the next time you crash or repair your drones. Notes and support can be found here: Betaflight – Github Notes/Docs Moreover, issues came up when I swapped AIO boards, soldering power and reconfiguring modes. For more information, I posted more about the config, various configs like EmuFlight and BLHeli, look for 8/17/2020 post – Hack’r-A-Thon//

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

August 31, 2020September 27, 2024

Debian Buster

SnapDragon 410c Running Debian OS

Debian Buster

Lab Work – Running Debian SnapDragon

Full Update: Flashed Debian Buster, installed, updated and running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410c.

Full run down avery cool step forward in running a Debian ISO on a Snapdragon 410c. Two IoT devices running Debian the same way. Speed and performance are fantastic, clean and uneventful. However, as with anything, problems come and go. The issues I encountered were minor Uneventful, minor, minor issues… more user related. Versus, compatibility issues. For example, I ran into an apt-secure(8) issue, among other minor open source hardware/software compatibility issues. Some research helped me find the solutions I needed. These minor issues shouldn’t deter anyone from flashing Debian on an IoT device. This is the puzzle or strategic side of technology that I enjoy. It’s all part of the territory. Instead of uneventful, it should be described as smooth sailing, as sailing has its own challenges.

In hindsight, it’s been a l while since I used Debian, so you have to ‘roll with the punches’, minimizing the damage or redirecting the challenge. Like most IoT device installs, you have to work through the error codes and fix what you can as the optimal scenario unfolds (flashing Debian onto a mobile/IoT device like SnapDragon or RPi).

Overall, things are running as expected. Next on the list is a full upgrade/update for the trusty Raspberry Pi4B.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

August 19, 2020September 26, 2024

On The Bench: Tech Tools

Hemostats, Rosic Core Solder, Weller, Harris, Jakemy

Soldering Kit, Tech Tools, And More

Tech Tools On The Bench - Soldering Kits, Tech Tools and More

Lab Work – What’s On The Bench

On The Bench – Soldering Kits, Tech Tools, Open Source OS and More

At first glance, our pro-setup, includes a solder kit and all necessary tools. It does the job well – I fixed the TinyHawk2 drone the other day. The nano was experiencing power issues with itsLEDs Having a soldering tool on hand is very useful. We use a Weller (soldering) tool for the job. Similarly, we have a Jakemy device care kit – which includes a tech screwdriver set, a essential for tech repair. I have used this set for repair. I have used this set for repairs, on Apple products, EMAX drones, tablets, and more. Eventually, we may upgrade the set but for now, Jakemy is the way to go based cost-effective choice.

RHEL/IBM

Secondly, the RedHat sticker is a memory I found, brought a found memory, brought to you by RedHat/IBM/RHEL (once an IBMer, always I guess). I have RHEL running in parallel with MACOS as I transition back into development and design. I am now working full-time on my own, thanks to those at IBM, ((a special shout out)) to Jim Whitehurst and the RedHat Cloud team working with them was a joy, open source Tech Titans.

I also have a few spools of Harris (solder) – Rosin Core .062″ made in the US. Harris solder is unbeatable. Next, I have a couple pairs of #Curved Hemostats, for repairs, which help keep pieces and parts in place.

The same goes for the coffee mug I’m using, filled with coffee from Heart Roasters. I also have a few other repair tools, including tweezers and a tool kit.

Oracle VBOX

Lastly, I have RHEL running on VBOX. The cropped image does not show the development setup, only the repair tools. I have my MacBook Pro running VBOX with RHEL (Red Hat) personal flavor and Ubuntu. I am relearning Linux Ubuntu, similar, but different from RHEL. As a dev type, I used a Lenovo Dev laptop running RHEL at work. Now, I am just running the operating system with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment form home. Today, just running OS (version) with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment for home.

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August 14, 2020September 27, 2024

Lego Board Housing

Borg2Borg Lego Board Containment

Lab Work – Lego Board Housing

Lego Board Housing by Borg2Borg

Who’s in for our own @LEGO_Group – lan.lego.com/clubs, Borg Housing? Anyone? Anyone? The goal of the group is to combine Lego and technology. For those who enjoy SciFi or Star Trek, you might appreciate the Borg references. So, imagine Legos and IoT boards coming together – BAM!

Lego Housing

Surrounding

HDMI Ports

Second Tie

Arrow Case

Although small, the Lego BORG housing is truly impressive. It is my own version of the BORG spaceship, capable of holding two IoT boards the @Raspberry_Pi #RPi4 And @Qualcomm #Snapdragon410C. I have also included a picture of the original Snapdragon case by Arrow – Snapdragon. Additionally, take a look a touch screen housing by Arrow – Touch Screen Housing. Comparing Arrow to the Lego Board Housing, Lego wins hands down! Both devices are currently running the latest version of Ubuntu IOT OS, allowing me to easily flash/re-flash Android and Ubuntu if necessary. It’s pretty cool. Or, if you’re looking for other work, like tear downs and Apple Repairs, check out those now.

Lastly, we create a variety of items out of Lego for the office, such as computer housing, controllers, train and IOS iPad Stands and other projects more. Give it a try, see what you can come up with!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?