NSA 320: install process ?

[loicPi]

Hello everybody !

I'm very happy to the possibility to install archLinux on my new NSA 320. I'm an open source addicted since long time.

I'm now prepared to do the installation on my NSA 320. I've followed the steps described in the installation procedure.
http://archlinuxarm.org/platforms/armv5/zyxel-nsa320

But... yesterday I saw some topics on this forum with people having trouble in this installation : not regognization of eth0, system blocked after installation procedure, ...

I'm afraid to block my NSA 320, to buy a serial adapter, to try, to fail, to post questions on this forum, etc... to wait long time before my system is ready!

Is there somebody (very friendly) to help me for the "right procedure" for the installation of the NSA 320 ? (Yes, I'm still motivated )

First, is it really necessary to buy this serial adapter https://www.adafruit.com/products/954 ?

And, do I need first to format my HDD with an ext2 / ext3 partition ?

(Sorry for my really bad english)

[WarheadsSE]

It won't hurt to buy the serial adapter.
The instructions should be accurate, I think, at this point.
You may want to look into that resume script.
With serial, you can watch the install script work.

[va1210]

I agree, a serial adapter is definitely a must in the long run if you plan on tinkering with linux on embedded devices. And considering how restricted the stock installation is, I really couldn't imagine not installing Debian/Arch (which I suppose currently are the two best supported distros for the NSA320) on it. But compared to other linux installtion experiences I've had (countless 'normal' linux desktop/lapop installtions + OpenWrt on approx 10 routers) I must say getting Linux on this machine was more demanding than I had expected. But IMO definitely worth the effort, now that all the essentials are more or less working.

[loicPi]

Thank you for your answers. I've ordered a serial adapter. I will wait for my serial adpater before the migration on archLinux.

[loicPi]

I've received today my Adafruit serial adapter. There are 4 cables : white, green, red, black. Where can I connect these cables on the NSA 320. I saw 4 pin on the card (3 + space + 1) ?

[loicPi]

Is it : red - space - black - white - green. Same configuration as the RasPi ? http://learn.adafruit.com/system/assets/assets/000/003/130/medium800/gpio_closeup.jpg?1355844369

[pepedog]

I found the script ending in .2 from file nsa320-alarm.tar.gz sets linux kernel params to read only, btw. Ssh cannot gen kets, and no logs
That's if you can get network up, after fiddling for hours using cable that came with it works

[loicPi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pepedog', 'I') found the script ending in .2 from file nsa320-alarm.tar.gz sets linux kernel params to read only, btw. Ssh cannot gen kets, and no logs
That's if you can get network up, after fiddling for hours using cable that came with it works

[pepedog]

I did. I got one and just installed, relating my experience on this

[WarheadsSE]

I fixed the ext4 & set bootargs to RW properly for the 3x0 scripts.