Linux Port of Netpliance's I-Opener?

2bfree writes "Netpliance has the I-Opener for $200 and I was wondering if anybody was working on a port for Linux for it. This would be great for controlling other computers on a home network with VNC, Internet access for people that come over and maybe playing MP3s off the network. What do you guys think? " Update: 03/12 12:50 by C :It seems that there is a solution! Check here for the details.

been there done that

[Anonymous Coward]

im working on my fifth right now, internet access in every room! check out my buddies link [kenseglerdesigns.com] for a full set of diagrams

Re:been there done that

[Clifton Wood]

Actually, this hack has gotten front page exposure on Slashdot today. I've updated the headers to reflect this. The link to this page should also be in the article now.

Razor's cheap, blades'll cost ya

[unitron]

In order to actually use the i-opener to "surf the web", you have to pay them $21.95 per month for their internet service, can't use your old ISP. I'm waiting for a return e-mail as to whether you can use that account with any other equipment, like a "real computer". Will post answer (if I get it) in reply to this post.

Just thought of something

[unitron]

Assuming this thing doesn't have any sort of disk drive, the "OS" is probably in that flashrom. Anybody got any ideas about how to re-flash it with something else to turn it into a "computer" (sort of)? Anybody got any pictures of the inside of this thing?

Re:Update: $99

[SEWilco]

If nothing else, PLIP through the parallel ports of two Linux machines will allow networking. If Linux can talk to the i-opener modem, try "Leased-line mode" AT commands on both modems or else wire up a central office battery simulator (a simple circuit if you know telephone equipment; the minimum voltage varies with equipment and country).

Re:Insides of the I-Opener

[Mike Miller]

I would gladly post them for you if you wouldn't mind sending them to me (whoever you are, mystery person)

- Mike

Re:Update: $99

[smatthew]

there's no network port, but there is certainly a USB port - so one could concievably either use a parallel port or USB ethernet adaptor (Last i hear d the parallel port jobbies were more supported). I just want someone to say if it's possible to hook it into my network somehow - even via a sketchy modem-modem link (with my server on the other end lying to it)

iopener runs QNX

[bobm]

the following:

http://devices.internet.com/other_appliance/Othe r_Appliances/other_appliances_6.html

says that the iopener runs qnx, that would be cool, but the lack of drivers would be a problem. The big question would be how to get into it to see what's going on.

It appears to use a 200Mhz processor so you can't expect too much. However as a remote terminal it would be very nice. Now, how to hack it...

Has anyone here found a device that emulates a phone system so I can put one of these in the kitchen and have it talk to my server? (I also have a apple desktop tv system (the pippen) that would also benefit from this. Heck if I could browse using webTV without the service that would be nice.

Telephone line emulators

[glacial23]

Several companies make telephone line simulators/emulators. Teltone [aherncorp.com] and Dianatek [dianatek.com] come to mind(after a quick search...). They're rather expensive though- around $500 US. Another search result turned up a DIY solution:http://www.hotspot.free serve.co.uk/HOTSPOT/TLS/tlsframe.htm [freeserve.co.uk].

Update: $99

[SEWilco]

Look again. The i-opener [netpliance.com] is now $99.

It caught my eye also. I've squeezed Linux into about 12K before, so could probably fit it there. 32K RAM is tight for web browsing, of course.

There's no network port. I could talk to another Linux box through the parallel port, or the modem if it's not a proprietary modem (I can make a modem-to-modem interface if I can tell both modems to not expect a dialtone or ring).

The i-opener uses the Trident CyberBLADE i7 graphics chip -- I haven't checked the level of Linux support for it. I also don't know how standard the signals from the mouse on the keyboard is.

Re:Just thought of something

[technos]

The software/OS can be live updated over the wire as is. Best case, it would mean sending a trick image over the 56K modem and installing the rest USB/PLIP.

Worst case involves wiring to the bus.. Ewww.. I'm hoping they're forthcoming with specifications, so I can quit playing the guestimate man
I've ordered another one from Netpliance.. $100 bucks isn't bad for a play toy.. I'll crack the case when I get it..

Re:iopener runs QNX

[technos]

I've gone through their media Q&A. This is what is known:

It runs QNX.
200mhz x86 processor. I'm guessing MediaGX
16M FlashROM, 32M RAM. 4M of user filespace.

And to boot, they profess that they may support alternative embedded OS, specifically mentioning Linux.

I'm hot to do this. I've got some experience with kernel internals, but I'm not a guru grade wizard yet. I'd need help, especially from the Embedded Linux camps. Any interested parties should contact me via email. I have also contacted Netpliance with a request for deeper specification.

Re:Razor's cheap, blades'll cost ya

[technos]

You can neither use the normal I-Opener ISP with a PC nor the converse. The iopener expects a signon containing information such as software update, etc, that is only relevant to the factory 'PIA' configuration.. The modem is a standard V.90, and it doesn't do anything funny. The OS/dialer just expects that little extra bit of handshaking that makes iopener's ISP and any standard one mutually exclusive..

They do offer 'combination' service for both a PC and an iopener for prices cheaper than, say, Compuserve or AOL..