On 07/11/12 22:03, Hoshpak wrote:
I'm currently trying to install Debian GNU/Linux on a Qnap TS-219 PII which is
based on the Marvell Sheeva platform. I followed the instructions which can be
found at http://www.cyrius.com/debian/kirkwood/qnap/ts-219/ so far, backed up
the original firmware, downloaded the installer files and flashed them.
After rebooting the device, I am now able to log into the device using ssh and
start the installer. The only problem is, after a few minutes the device resets
itself thus aborting the installation process. This happens no matter if the
installer is actually doing something or just waiting for input. Since the
ssh-session is killed instantly when it happens, I couldn't find out what
caused the device to reset itself.
This only happens when the Debian installer is loaded (I tried stable and
testing so far) and not with the original firmware so I believe the device
itself is just fine. Did anyone else experience this strange behaviour with
this Qnap system or could think of possible reason or an alternative way to get
the installation done?
It sounds to me like the hardware has a watchdog device, which
automatically reboots it if it does not receive a magic signal from the
OS at regular intervals.
These things are quite common on consumer embedded devices such as cable
modems, as they help hide bugs in system software. A bug that would
normally cause a hard lock-up will instead cause the device to reset,
which the user might not notice if they where not using it at that moment.
Can you do some experiments to see how long after power on the reset
happens? My guess is that it will be after a fixed interval.
You could also try taking the motherboard out an photographing it to see
if anyone in the community can identify the offending component.
Linux does have support for many watchdog devices, so if we can identify
which one you have, there is a reasonable chance that it can be built
into the kernel, and fed the necessary signals to keep it happy.
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