IGEPv2 – It boots Android

Well, it took rebuilding my HTPC, countless forum post readings and finally just trying something to figure out installing Android on the board was quite easy.  I don’t have any pictures or anything, just search Google for a video of the IGEPv2 booting.  Mine doesn’t look much different.  I’ll have to say it isn’t worth much right now since the current kernel doesn’t have wifi enabled – my next project after Step 2 CS next Monday. 

The process of installing it was quite simple.  I just used Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit by following the instructions on the Andoid dev page for compiling on a 64-bit machine.  Once that was all setup, I went to Project Rowboat, downloaded donut and compiled it.  Used the same tool-chain from the Rowboat project to compile the kernel for it and prepared the card as suggested on the Ubuntu Wiki page at http://wiki.myigep.com/.  Inserted the MicroSD card and waited for about 5-10 seconds before the Android logo appeared it booted.  Very simple, yet very obtuse finding the instructions.

Along those lines, I also built and installed Ubuntu 9.10 on it.  The performance was a bit sluggish compared to android which just flew.  I’ll have to play around to figure out what OS I’ll end up with but given I want it in the car and I’m ultra familiar with Java, I’m leaning to Android.  When I get a chance I’ll post pictures.

Another unexpected week/a tribute

So, it has been quite the week.  Nothing has gone according to plan or expectations.  One week ago today, my best friend’s mom died after an extended illness.  It was one of the most surreal experiences, knowing for so long the day was coming but finally experiencing it.  Facing the finality of life and being reminded of it’s briefness.  Remembering all of the fun times we had together, trips taken and the many lessons learned through shared life-experiences.  It has been a blessing to be included in their family for so many years and was a blessing to be able to share such a precious time at the grave-side service with them.

Thank you, Mrs. Brown, for the part you played in making me the man I am and I look forward to seeing again . . .

Back from the wild

ouchieSo, it has been a couple of weeks since I’ve really posted anything to my blog.  Apparently it was harder coming down to earth (i.e. realworld) then i thought.  I’ve been trying to distract myself with various projects.  I’ve purchased a IGEPv2 board as a carputer for my truck which I’m rebuilding.  It has been a long process trying to do it from Memphis and while in Medical school but this summer looks promising for getting it running for the first time in about 10 years.  Wow, it’s been a long time.

Anyway, I’m currently working on building Android for it.  I’m using the HTPC I built over Christmas (runs a Core i7 860) so the builds are very fast.IGEPv2 with case

My second toe still has a bruise from the hike.  It looks quite lovely.  Doesn’t hurt or anything but it will be a while until it heals.  

Sunrise

Now that I’m getting back into the hospital setting and studying along those lines, I’ve been able to enjoy some really beautiful sun rises.

Well, I’ll post some more pictures of my projects later, but for now, enjoy the picture of the IGEPv@ and what will become it’s case 🙂