Read This First: FAQ Options

[Luke S]

I am starting this FAQ to get people started. It is lacking a great deal of information so be patient. It will be updated a lot in the coming days and weeks.

General Questions:
Q) How did this all come about?
A) This hack got attention when this website posted that they have created a Linux cluster out of MSNTV2 box's.

Q) What is a MSNTV2?
A) The MSNTV is a web browser client made to be connected to your TV. For more information on the original purpose of this device take a look at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_TV
http://www.msntv.com/pc/

Q) What operating system does this device run?
A) From the factory it runs Windows CE


General Linux Hacking Questions:
There has been a indepth howto posted on this fourm but has been lost after a recent harddrive crash. You can get a general how to here. Give me some time and I may write a new in depth how to.

Q) What is needed to preform this hack
A) A CF card reader
A TTL Serial interface circuit or you can buy a premade one off ebay
A Linux box
A windows box


Hardware Questions:
Q) What are the hardware specs of this device?
A)
CPU: Mobile Celeron 733mhz, 256kb cache
Chipset: Intel 830M
I/O: SMSC LPC47M192-NC
RAM: 128Mb
FLASH: 64mb compact flash card
Network: 100mbit intel pro.
USB: Two USB 2.0 ports
Modem: Conexant CX81801 V.92 Data / Fax
Audio: Sigmatel 9767T chipset
Serial: on board connector, need interface circuit to connect to a computer serial port
IR: Keyboard / Remote

Q) Can I solder in connectors for the unpopulated connector spots on the motherboard?
A) Yes and no. Some connector spots on the motherboard only need a connector soldered in and others will need more work then just that. Here is a list of what is know to work and not work.

Hard drive: Working, you need to do is solder on the needed molex power connector and 40 pin IDE header onto the motherboard.

Extra USB ports: Working, just solder up a header.

PCI: Working, just solder in PCI connector

VGA: Surface mount resistors must be soldered in along with the VGA connector. What resistance values and exactly where has not yet been figured out yet.

All the other unpopulated connectors are not know the status of there working condition.

This post has been edited by Luke S: Aug 9 2006, 02:50 PM

[HSDEMONZ]

Sorry for the worse than usual spelling, punctuation, etc.