Linux – Martyn Davis

2008/10/012020/12/24

3G Mobile Broadband with Ubuntu-eee

It took me a while to figure out how to get a dial-out connection using a Huawei E220 USB mobile broadband dongle. Mine was supplied by Three in the UK so this is specific to them, but if you’re not on three this should give you a starting point…

Edit or create the file /etc/wvdial.conf with the following content:

[Dialer defaults]
Modem = /dev/ttyUSB1

[Dialer three]
Init2 = ATZ
Init3 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
Stupid Mode = 1
Modem Type = Analog Modem
ISDN = 0
Phone = *99\#
Modem = /dev/ttyUSB0
username = username
Password = password
Dial Command = ATDT
Baud =466600
Init4 = AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","three.co.uk"

You can then dial out by issuing the command “sudo wvdial three”

Note that Firefox assumes that if you aren’t connected via Network Manager, then you’re not online and starts up in offline mode. Uncheck the option on the file menu and you should be OK.

Note also there seems to be some bug in Three’s DHCP stuff… if you see that on connection you are set up with a DNS server of 10.11.12.13 then it’s wrong… drop the connection and reconnect (or edit your /etc/resolv.conf file manually)

2008/01/132008/01/13

usb_set_configuration failed

If you’ve been trying to transfer a GPX file to your GPS unit from a Linux machine, using GPSBabel, and have seen this message:

$> gpsbabel -r -i gpx -f FOO.gpx -o garmin -F usb: 
usb_set_configuration failed, probably
because kernel driver 'garmin_gps' is
blocking our access to the USB device.

…then don’t despair. Help is here. Continue reading “usb_set_configuration failed”

2007/03/052007/03/05

Getting Recorded Tracks into the Route Planner

OK, my original HOW TO (http://www.marengo-ltd.com/gps/index.php) detailed how to get a track ONTO your GPS unit. The Marengo Route Planner allows you to define a route suitable for this.

But many people have asked how to do the opposite – get a track, i.e. a recorded route, OFF of the GPS unit and into the Route Planner. This post shows you how.

Continue reading “Getting Recorded Tracks into the Route Planner”

2006/12/052006/12/20

GP2X: Open Source Handheld

This is by far the shiniest, jangliest gadget I’ve played with for a long time.

It can play games (MAME, squillions of other emulators, and also full SDL). It can play your movies (DivX/Xvid/OGM). It can play your music (Ogg/MP3). It can view photos. It can read Ebooks. It runs on just 2 AA batteries – And it can do all this in the palm of your hand or on your TV screen.

Continue reading “GP2X: Open Source Handheld”

2006/06/252006/06/26

The Marengo GPS Route Planner

I recently built a Javascript application, based around Google Maps, which enables a user to plot a cycle route online, and then upload it to their GPS unit to allow them to be directed en route. I designed a 72-mile route on it when I first built it, and then rode it. I wasn’t familiar with the route, but at each junction the GPS told me which way to turn. Fantastic. No stopping to consult the map, just a good training ride.

Continue reading “The Marengo GPS Route Planner”

2006/06/252021/05/24

Rockbox

I’ve got to say it, I love my new iPod Nano. I would normally avoid such a gadget like the plague – limited Linux support, DRM-infested music, vendor lock-in, and so on. However, when I read about Rockbox (http://www.rockbox.org), a free, open-source firmware replacement for several music players, I just had to buy a shiny, jangly little black Nano.

Continue reading “Rockbox”