ThinkPad R52 - Firmware Update

Using Ubuntu Gutsy, updating the firmware is:

• Download the DVD firmware - the .iso
  
• Download the HDD firmware - the .iso
  
• Download the BIOS firmware - the non disk version
  
• Download the Embedded Controller firmware - the non disk version
  

The BIOS and the Embedded Controller firmware need to be made into an .iso like this:

• cabextract {filename}
• mkiso -b {filename.IMG} -o isoName.iso {filename.IMG}

This will give you four .iso files - burn them to disks, boot them one at a time - done.

The instructions on the IBM site say, update the BIOS before updating the Embedded Controller.

Useful links:

• http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-58931#bios
• http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/BIOS_Upgrade_Downloads
• http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-62282.html
• http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-63596
• Lenovo Support & downloads - BIOS Update (Non-Diskette) - ThinkPad R52 (1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1958), T43 (1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876)
• Lenovo Support & downloads - Embedded Controller Program (Non-Diskette) - ThinkPad R52 (1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1958), T43 (1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876)

World Solar Challenge

It's official.

I've been asked to continue to maintain the web-site for the World Solar Challenge again this year in Adelaide. I'll be flying out to assist with the build of the Media Center, then keep the web-site up to date during the 20th Anniversary event which sees 55 teams driving from Darwin to Adelaide.

Yokine

Yay, the service upgrade has finally happened.

After spending too much time looking for a provider who would upgrade my service to a 1Mbit connection and having to deal with the government changing the funding regime again, I have found a new satellite internet provider, DragNET.

In the back-end, it's still an Optus B3 service using Gilat hardware, but I've now actually decommissioned my SkyBlaster 360e which has been keeping me online since we started our journey (albeit the third actual modem, first one replaced because a firmware upgrade in Dunsborough, the second one was replaced in Mount Pleasant after a storm hit us in Graham's Creek.)

The new modem - which I've had since April 2006 - sitting in a box - is a SkyEdge modem. It gives me connectivity to the same satellite, that is Optus B3 - though I could have opted for D1, I stayed with B3 to keep VoIP connectivity.

So, now with a new service I have a 1Mbit download and a 256Kbit upload with 5Gb of data for the same cost as my previous service. VoIP is actually working and I'm a happy camper.

Yokine

Setting up in a back yard where you can park the van a few meters from the site is always handy, and so it was for this installation.

I've initiated an upgrade to a SkyEdge platform, and we'll see how well that performs. It may also turn out to be on a different satellite, Optus D1, rather than Optus B3.

VoIP is coming soon...

Kalgoorlie

Well for the first time in four years, I'm currently online via ADSL. That isn't expected to be for long, but the dish was going to be in the way for Australia day celebrations, so concessions had to be made :-)

Nollamara

Setup here last time was simple, now it's a doddle.

As a means to keep the kit all cool, I put a picnic table above the boxes and the temperature in them appeared to drop dramatically.

I have not yet actually inserted a thermometer into the box with the modem, but will do so soon.

Mount Hawthorn

Arriving late at this site the home owners were keen to see the dish in action. So with a little assistance, the Van was reversed into the driveway and the contraption bolted together.

The tripod didn't quite assemble as simply as usual because I'd left the feet attached in an attempt to simplify the install further. I'll likely need to revisit that.

The electronics boxes were getting quite hot in Kalgoorlie, so I've been investigating some means to keep the boxes cool. Currently the boxes are stored in the shade and I've been investigating umbrellas, a safari roof, peltier devices, white and chrome paint, fans, attachment to the mount, but none of those ideas actually capture what I really think would get the thing done.