NetBSD/hpcsh User How-To page

Using NetBSD/hpcsh

Getting started with NetBSD/hpcsh

Getting started with NetBSD/hpcsh

Files to prepare

You need at least 3 files to start NetBSD/hpcsh.

hpcboot.exe
bootloader runs on WindowsCE environment. It currently supports WinCE2.11 and WinCE3.00 machines. It is available at sys/arch/hpc/stand/binary/SH3/. (uuencoded binary. see sys/arch/hpc/stand/README)
netbsd (kernel)
For testing on HP Jornada 680, 690 and HITACHI PERSONA HPW-PA50, HPW-230JC. Don't try to other machines: ftp://ftp.NetBSD.org/pub/NetBSD/arch/hpcsh/snapshot/20010325-netbsd.gz
miniroot.fs (filesystem image, generated with vnconfig)
For testing: ftp://ftp.NetBSD.org/pub/NetBSD/arch/hpcsh/snapshot/20010324-miniroot.fs

Booting from memory card

This is probably the easiest way, for now.

Connect some device to serial port. Use 19200bps, no parity, 8bits.

Prepare a DOS-formatted memory card, and copy the above 3 files into the card.

Insert the card into your WinCE machine.

Checking: did you connect the serial cable already? Serial cable MUST be plugged into WinCE machine, before starting hpcboot.exe.

Go into "Explorer" (not the "Internet Explorer"), go directory down to your memory card (the name of the memory card differs by localization), and invoke hpcboot.exe. Alternatively, you may want to setup autoboot, if your WinCE product allows you. Jornada 690 allows it by putting the file (uuencoded/must be a Unicode text) under name "Autorun.inf", into memory card.

In hpcboot, setup the following items.

  • "kernel" screen:

    • Line 1: set the pathname to "netbsd". Should be "\Storage Card 1\" and "netbsd", or whatever suitable.
    • Line 2: specify the machine type you are using. The information will be used to determine screen size ,keyboard type and misc device configuration.
    • Line 3 and 4: specify the filesystem type. You will want to use "md", and then "miniroot.fs".
    • Line 5: set radio buttons as you like.

  • "option" screen:

    • You definitely want "Serial console". For other items, choose as you like. "Reverse video" is not implemented.

Pray. Tap "boot" at the bottom. You will see "Last chance: Push OK to boot" dialog. Tap OK or return (obviously). If you are successful, you will see boot message like this onto your serial port. Congratulations!

Building binary files

See cross building howto.