View source for User:Linux-SA

{| align="left"
  | __TOC__
  |}
[[category:User Setups]] 
[[category:VOIP Setups]]
[[category:High Definition Setups]]
[[Category:Australian Setups]]
== Introduction: ==
Hi, and thank you for visiting my little corner of the LinuxMCE wiki!<br><br>
My real name is David, and I was born in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_antonio San Antonio,] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas Texas.] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_states U.S.A.] I currently live and work in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide Adelaide] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_australia South Australia,] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia AUSTRALIA] - where I immigrated in August, 1982 with my mom and dad and youngest sister Alison...  On July 4, 1999 I was married to Tanya, with whom we've had three wonderful boys, Jacob, Mark and Matthew.<br><br>
My last role (working for someone else) was as a Regional Manager of a Telecommunications Company called "Telkom." Currently, I run a small business called [http://www.forumsa.com.au Forum SA] - located at: http://www.forumsa.com.au<br><br>
If you're wondering why I've chosen the nickname Linux-SA - it's to honor my state's L.U.G. (Linux User Group) that I've been involved in since early 2000, located at: http://www.linuxsa.org.au<br><br>

Even though I've been a member of Linux-SA for the better part of a decade - I am most certainly a noob when it comes to Linux.  In fact, LinuxMCE was the first time I attempted accessing/using the Command Line Interface of any Linux system!!!  To be completely honest, LinuxMCE is only our third experiment in integrating Linux permanently into our lives!  Our first attempt was Redhat 9, followed by Suse 10 - neither of which suited our needs and only lasted on our computers for less then a few months.  By far LinuxMCE is the longest we've had Linux running in our home and we are in the process of integrating it into our entire home - including running the home itself!<br><br><br>

== My AUSTRALIAN Hardware: (22 Dec, 08) ==
It is important to note that the vast majority of LinuxMCE users and developers live in The United States and Europe - where the compatibility of electronic equipment (to Australian standards) varies.<br><br>
Compatibility is important because a lot of the hardware that works in America (EG: TV-Tuner cards and a vast majority of Home Automation equipment) will NOT work in Australia. (European equipement is less of a concern because the standards - DVB-T; PAL; 230v/50Hz; etc - are pretty much the same.)<br><br>
This wiki outlines all of the 100% Linux MCE compatible AUSTRALIAN hardware that I'm currently using to run my [http://onedollarlinux.com/index.php?cPath=21_37 Linux MCE 0710 - i386] setup.<br><br>It's been posted so that you (the AUSTRALIAN person - new to LinuxMCE) can have a better understanding of what just works (plug and play) here in AUSTRALIA without messing around with drivers or 'hacking' the kernal - or any other nonsense...  (I don't know about you - but I don't WANT to mess around with such stuff - I just want it to WORK with minimal effort!)<br><br>
Just remember: The primary rule when it comes to LinuxMCE is do your homework before purchasing - and you'll never be dissapointed!<br><br>
''Please check back regularly as this is most definitely a work in progress...  Every month (at least) I'm constantly updating my setup as I add and take away different pieces of hardware that works pnp (plug and play) with Linux MCE.''


=== Core/Hybrid - Media Director #1: (Lounge) ===
'''Awaiting decommission:'''  This box will be recommissioned exclusively as our Lounge Media Director after delivery of some hardware in early '09.

 Operating System: [http://onedollarlinux.com/index.php?cPath=21_37 Linux MCE 0710 - i386]
 User Interface: [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/AVWizard_Step_by_Step OpenGL with overlay (Medium)]
 Motherboard: [http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=495&model=1567&modelmenu=1 Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus]
 Processor: [http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9UM Intel duo Quad 6600]
 Video: [http://www.inno3d.com/products/graphic_card/gf7_agp/7600gs.htm Inno 3D 7600GS] - 512mb (PCI-E)
 RAM: [http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/CM72SD1024RLP.pdf Corsair 2Gb] (2x 1Gb sticks)
 HDD: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=41 Western Digital - 250GB] (EIDE)
 Audio:  [[http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=495&model=1567&modelmenu=1 P5N32-E SLI Plus] (standard audio out)
 NIC #1: For input, I'm using the onboard [http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=495&model=1567&modelmenu=1 P5N32-E SLI Plus] gigabit
 NIC #2: For output, I'm using the onboard [http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=495&model=1567&modelmenu=1 P5N32-E SLI Plus] gigabit
 Power Supply: [http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Power/TR2power/w0101102/w0101102.asp Thermaltake TR2-550W]
 DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R/W (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)  
 Bluetooth: [http://www.ecvv.com/offerdetail/I1704382.html Dongle] Nice and cheap... $10aud
 Infrared Reciever/Transmitter: [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/USB_UIRT USB-UIRT]
 Infrared Remote Control: [http://www.shopbot.com.au/p-34801.html Windows MCE]
 Monitor: [http://www.panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=3404 Panasonic 50" (127cm) HD-TV] (Dvi-HDMI)
 Resolution: (1080p HDTV - 100Hz)
 '''Other bits and pieces security related I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

=== Media Director #2: (Master Bedroom) ===
'''Awaiting decommission:'''  This box will be recommissioned to the Kids Bedroom; when better hardware replaces it.

 Operating System: [http://onedollarlinux.com/index.php?cPath=21_37 Linux MCE 0710 - i386] (NIC boot from Core/Hybrid)
 User Interface: [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/AVWizard_Step_by_Step Static images, no overlay (lightweight)]
 Motherboard: [http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=1423 Gigabyte GA-6OX]
 Processor: [http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL5GN Intel P3] (1.2Ghz)
 Video: [http://www.inno3d.com/products/graphic_card/gf_fx/5200.htm Inno 3D 5200GS] - 128Mb (AGP slot)  
 RAM: [http://www.hynix.com/datasheet/eng/consumer/details/consumer_02_HY5DU12822CFP.jsp?menu1=01&menu2=02&menu3=02&menuNo=1&m=2&s=2&RK=02 Hynix] 1Gb (2x 512Mb sticks)  
 HDD: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=10 Western Digital - 80GB] (EIDE) 
 Monitor: [http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-CT-32SL14-Flat-Screen-Color/dp/B0001ZMXQS Panasonic] 32" Flat Screen CRT  
 NIC: [http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/pro1000mt_server_adapter.htm Intel Pro MT] gigabit (10/100/1000)
 Audio: [http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=1423 Gigabyte GA-6OX] onboard audio out  
 DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)  
 Bluetooth: [http://www.ecvv.com/offerdetail/I1704382.html Dongle] Nice and cheap... $10aud
 Resolution: (800x600 - 80Hz) It seems that P3 hardware can't handle higher
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

=== 19" Rack - Hardware Description: ===
'''Awaiting commission:'''  This Rack will commence life in early 2009.
 1x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19-inch_rack 19-inch Rack] (Waiting to be commissioned)
 1x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_unit 4U] Rack Mount Case - with ability to handle 9 HDD's.  (Waiting to be commissioned)
 1x [http://www.usedcisco.com/cisco-WS-C3524-PWR-XL-EN Cisco Catalyst 3524-PWR XL Inline Power Switch]  (Waiting to be commissioned)
 1x [http://www.alloy.com.au/GS-08DXI.htm Alloy GS-08DX NWay Desktop Switch] 8 Port Gigabit (10/100/1000) (Installed and working)
 3x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable Category 5] megabit (10/100) LAN cables operating at 100MHz. (Installed and working)
 6x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable Category 6] gigabit (10/100/1000) LAN cables operating at 250MHz. (Installed and working)
 6x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable#Category_6a Category 6a] gigabit (10/100/1000) LAN cable operating at 500 MHz. (Installed and working)
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

=== V.O.I.P. Integration: ===
'''Currently active''' - no changes planned
 1x ADSL 2+ Modem/Router [http://www.billion.com/product/voip/bipac7404vgp.php Billion Bipac 7404 VGP-M] 
 1x 'Naked' DSL 2+: [http://www.internode.on.net/residential/internet/home_adsl/naked/pricing/ Internode Home-Naked-100] (100gb @ a confirmed rate of: 120000/410 kbps)
 1x Asterisk/Free PBX [http://downloads.oreilly.com/books/9780596510480.pdf LinuxMCE - Asterisk] (Part of the standard LinuxMCE installation)
 1x VOIP Line: [http://www.voipwa.net/rates.html VOIP WA] ($5 per month + 12c STD/Local + 22c p/m mobile)
 2x [http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/avvid/products/7960/router_page.htm Cisco 7960:] IP Phone (running [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Client_Control_Protocol SCCP] firmware)
 5x [http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/avvid/products/7910/router_page.htm Cisco 7910:] IP Phone (running [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Client_Control_Protocol SCCP] firmware)
 1x [http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Telstra-F5200-1-8Ghz-backlit-HANDSFREE-cordless-phone_W0QQitemZ130236696196QQihZ003QQcategoryZ106380QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262 Telstra F5200] 1.8GHz Cordless [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_switched_telephone_network PSTN] phone
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

=== N.A.S. (Network Attached Server:) ===
'''Awaiting decommission:''' After delivery of some hardware in early 2009, this NAS will be decommissioned - some of its components integrated into the 19" rack as a dedicated Core - others reused as required.

 Operating System: [http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/default.mspx Microsoft Windows XP-Pro]  
 Motherboard: [http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=12&l3=30&model=178&modelmenu=1 Asus P4P800-E]
 Processor: [http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL75J Intel Celeron] (2.4Ghz)
 Video: [http://ati.amd.com/products/radeon9600/aiw9600pro/reviews.html ATI RADEON 9600 Pro - 256Mb] (AGP slot)  
 NIC: [http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/pro1000mt_server_adapter.htm Intel Pro MT] gigabit (10/100/1000)
 RAM: [http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/CM72SD1024RLP.pdf Corsair 2Gb] (2x 1Gb sticks)   
 HDD #1: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=10 Western Digital - 80GB] (EIDE)  
 HDD #2: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=302 Western Digital - 400GB] (EIDE) 
 HDD #3: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=41 Western Digital - 250GB] (EIDE)
 HDD #4: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=41 Western Digital - 250GB] (EIDE)
 HDD #5: [http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=41 Western Digital - 250GB] (EIDE)
 Audio:  [http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=12&l3=30&model=178&modelmenu=1 Asus P4P800-E ] (standard audio out) 
 DVD-RW: Pioneer DVD-R/W (model doesn't matter - all are pnp)
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

=== NOTE on the Cisco IP Phone hack: ===
 Tschak writes all kind of custom hacks which allows him to play with all kinds of amazing toys and he is very kind to share his hacks.

For example, he's written an awesome hack that allows his Cisco CP-7910 series touch screen IP Phone to work PERFECTLY in Asterisk/LinuxMCE and transfer calls/control his whole house!

That same hack (almost) works with Cisco CP-7960, 7040 or 7910 series phones.  

Ahhhh you noticed the almost?  In other words, if you want to make/recieve a call on your 7960, 7940 or 7910 Series Cisco IP Phones - TSCHAKs hack will work PERFECTLY!!!  HOWEVER: If you want to transfer calls use the direcories, use music on hold (Etc) and/or have anything more then one single solitary phone online (besides the 7910 series) then TSCHAKs hack is NOT for you and you're wasting your money trying to get any other phones then the 7970 series of IP phones because TSCHAKs hack won't do what you want it to.  It WILL make and recieve calls on 7960,7940 and 7910 series Cisco IP Phones - his hack WON'T run advanced functionality!

I know of someone who's working on a hack that will allow the 7960, 7940 and 7910 series IP Phones to work under LMCE - but there's a LOT of work in writing this from scratch and they have no idea how long it'll take...  Translation: It's coming - just don't hold your breath!!!

=== Assorted additional Hardware: ===
 1x Orbiter [http://www.imate.com/support/UserManuals/i-mate_PDA2K_Manual_English.pdf Imate PDA2k]
 6x Other PC's running various other Operating Systems
 (About to be decommissioned) 1x Surecom EP-808SX NWay Desktop Switch 8 Port Megabit (10/100)
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

== Near Future Upgrades: ==
 1x [http://www.whomedigital.com.au/prod248.htm X10 UESB - Ultimate Energy Saving Kit Bayonet] (Awaiting commision)
 2x [http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/avvid/products/7960/router_page.htm Cisco 7960:] IP Phone's (To replace 2 existing 7910's)
 3x [http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/avvid/products/7940/router_page.htm Cisco 7940:] IP Phone's (To replace 3 existing 7910's)
 1x upgrade from 2.1 speakers to 7.1 speakers. (I'm saving for a decent THX system.)
 2x dual HD-TV TV Tuners (Total 4 HD-TV Channels - Still researching compatible brands) 
 '''Other bits and pieces I prefer not to document for security reasons'''

== My personal experiences with Linux MCE: ==
Because the focus of this 'wiki' is LinuxMCE compatible hardware that 'just works' (plug and play) here in AUSTRALIA, it's sadly lacking in details, such as my personal experience in installing LinuxMCE and using it on a day to day basis. (Not to mention tweaking it to do things it wasn't originally intended to do.)<br><br>
If reading about such day-to-day experiences interests you, I've got an off-site forum where I talk about all that at: [http://www.forumsa.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2065&t=9302 Forum SA]<br><br>