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Creating a Digital Picture Frame

Creating a Digital Picture Frame. John Martin Summer 2006 EDIT 6000. Overview. Install Linux and a few other programs on a laptop Take the laptop apart Put the frame together. Sounds simple?. Not really…there are stumbling blocks at every step, and each step has more steps

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Creating a Digital Picture Frame

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  1. Creating a Digital Picture Frame John Martin Summer 2006 EDIT 6000

  2. Overview • Install Linux and a few other programs on a laptop • Take the laptop apart • Put the frame together

  3. Sounds simple? • Not really…there are stumbling blocks at every step, and each step has more steps • Even when its finished, it only seems “ready”, not really finished • If you attempt this, you will learn first hand how project-based learning really works. • I built a digital picture frame, but I learned a lot of other stuff on the way. • Use google to help yourself troubleshoot any issues

  4. Overview (the real steps….) • Gather hardware • Choose OS (Linux distro) • Partition Hard drive • Install Linux • Learn Linux • Install Samba, set up network • Install picture software, write scripts • Dissemble Laptop • Assemble frame

  5. Gather hardware • Old laptops are cheap and can be used • eBay/Internet beware – often no HD, power supply, or cracked screen….parts machines only • You want a working machine that can do Win95 at a minimum • I got lucky – two free laptops

  6. Choose OS • Linux is best choice – networking options, runs well on low resources • “Damn Small Linux” (DSL) is only 50MB, boots from live CD • Downloads: ftp.uga.edu • Tip: burn the *.iso file as an image to a CD

  7. Partition Hard Drive • Partitioning will wipe data – be careful! Prepares file system • Tip: use Knoppix disk to do this first, has QT-Parted partition program • Set HDA2 as Linux-Swap, approx size = 2 X RAM • Set HDA1 as / (Ext3)

  8. QT-Parted screen shots Select partition Drive select Change options

  9. Install Linux • Simple! • From DSL live CD, right click, select “Install to Hard Drive

  10. Learn Linux • Linux is basically Unix • Commands are generally necessary • Sudo (act as root/superuser/admin) • Locate, cd, mkdir, ls, apt-get • Graphical front end helps • Permissions, file system, mounting • Books, Internet resources • http://www.tuxfiles.org/linuxhelp/linuxcommands.html

  11. Install Samba • Samba acts as a file server program • Smb.conf – search for proper set up • Create a shared folder in smb.conf • Connect to Windows machine (Tools => Map Network Drive in Windows) • Transfer image files to share

  12. Install picture software, scripts • Search the web for help • Red Hat – Linuxtoys book • DSL – copied web site’s scripts • Beware: scripts often flawed, steps missing, or system doesn’t work right. • Google is your friend. • http://www.thewares.net/item/33 • http://likelysoft.com/hacks/pictureframes.shtml

  13. Disassemble Laptop • Go slow, and be careful • Read this (screen removal): http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions.shtml • Go slow and be careful • Save all parts

  14. Laptop parts • Remove unnecessary parts • Save everything • Remove screen I had to drill to remove two stripped screws! Keyboard

  15. Spare parts removed Some laptops need certain parts in order to run Some parts can be turned off in BIOS

  16. No need to detach the connector Theres a “high voltage” warning on one piece Definitely use the web to help remove the screen Velcro the screen to laptop back Screen removed

  17. Frame assembly • Used a shadow box • Mat to cover “ugly bits” • How to hold in place?

  18. Cosmetics • Drilled hole in bottom for power cord • Power supply is in the case • Back removes for easy keyboard access • Boots automatically when plugged in (!?)

  19. Rear view

  20. Front view

  21. Issues to resolve • Heat! – need to reinstall heat sink • Wireless connection – find/install drivers, configure (optional) • Unmounting HD problem • Booting nmbd (part of Samba) issue (minor)

  22. Lessons learned • Learned beginning Linux • Learned more about laptop internals • Developed more troubleshooting skills, searching skills

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