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Thread ID: 45105 2004-05-10 08:30:00 Embedded PC sparq (4550) Press F1
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235549 2004-05-10 08:30:00 Is there any website that tells you how to make a very basic small embedded PC, including how to install software and everything?

Thanks
Sparq
sparq (4550)
235550 2004-05-10 10:56:00 Embedded in to what?

the more we know about your problem the more we can help you.,
robsonde (120)
235551 2004-05-11 10:54:00 The type of computer that all runs off one board that's about 15x15, and has an LCD screen, I don't know what they're called :-D

Sparq
sparq (4550)
235552 2004-05-11 11:01:00 ok thats a start.....

what do you want to do with it?

the more you tell us the more we can help.
robsonde (120)
235553 2004-05-11 23:08:00 Are you talking about using one of those VIA Epia micro-ITX motherboards?
May be able to help you if tahts the case.
Chemical Ali (118)
235554 2004-05-12 23:26:00 A PC is a PC sparq, so whether embedded or not, the same principles apply for loading software and everything else. You can purchase a range of "embedded" mini PC ranging from 486's through to pentium types on truly tiny boards.

Unless you want to do this as a project, there is little point in reinventing the wheel so take a look here (http://www.backplane.com.au) and look in "products" for some idea of what is available. This is just one of a number of sites.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
235555 2004-05-14 09:53:00 But that would be no fun! Anyone can buy a system and put software on it.

Sparq
sparq (4550)
235556 2004-05-14 11:56:00 I understand that, but unless you want a very basic "minicomputer" you will be forced to go commercial at some point. I can't see any hobbyist having the resources to develop a motherboard.

Could you post the hypothetical specs for your dream embedded PC? That might focus things a bit more.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
235557 2004-05-15 01:55:00 You might like to look at the Soekris Engineering ( They sell a range of embedded boards, mainly for network applications. Their prices are fairly reasonable too. We're considering using a net4801 running m0n0wall (http://www.soekris.com" target="_blank">www.soekris.com) website. They sell a range of embedded boards, mainly for network applications. Their prices are fairly reasonable too. We're considering using a net4801 running m0n0wall (http:) to replace our gateway at work.

There are numerous documents on designing cut down versions of BSD and Linux for these systems. Just try google.
segfault (655)
235558 2004-05-15 02:40:00 A good starting point would be the PicAXE series of very small computers. You programme in BASIC (which is a drawback ;-)), but you are dealing directly with the chip. The software is generated and compiled on a PC, then downloaded, using a free editor/IDE.

It's a very cheap way to learn how hardware works. South Island Computers (www.sicom.co.nz) stock them. The manufacturers (http://www.picaxe.co.uk/) are in the UK. You'll find activity by using "picaxe" with Google.
Graham L (2)
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