[Dockstar]Multiboot from different partitions with Uboot?

[sambul13]

How to make Uboot present a list of boot choices at boot allowing to pick a certain partition to boot from? Kind of multiboot system on DockStar to test new kernels?

The thread U-Boot environment variables for Sheevaplug multi-boot version is a jam suggesting several methods to set it up on Sheeva. Can the same thing be applied to Dockstar? Anyone wants to write up a detail HowTo and config examples?

[WarheadsSE]

You would be required to have a serial terminal.

[sambul13]

For updating Uboot config once, or selecting the boot partition every time?

[WarheadsSE]

"present a list of choices" requires someone respond that presented list.

[sambul13]

It may be a stupid question, but why it can't be done via regular terminal?

[WarheadsSE]

I'm about to clubat your *****.

There is no "regular terminal" on these devices other than a 3.3v serial terminal. Uboot environment can be modified rather simply by the documented tools. This is your bootloader however, so if you break it, you will have NO OTHER CHOICE but to hook up a serial line.

If you want directed guidance, see forum.doozan.com

[sambul13]

Thanks WarheadsSE,

This is the 1st time I modded such device, and it looks like the expectation to support the same popular features I am used to with a regular PC, do not (easily) apply here.

Here's detail Uboot Guide that may be helpful for inquisitive minds.

[sambul13]

Multiboot using u-boot blog describes one approach to setup a mutiboot environment with Uboot. Choosing the OS to boot is done in netconsole by interrupting the default boot sequence and selecting desired OS from a predefined list. It allows to keep several drives with multiple OSs connected to an ARM device, while picking to boot a new ArchLinux release or DebianSqueeze, or whatever OS mod you want to work with on any partition any time, and easily add new OS entries to the list.

[moonman]

Netconsole is the same thing as serial (in regards to functionality..)

[cyberic]

In the manual, then put in the prerequisites:
"Two or more bootable SD Card configured to boot above OS"
two sd cards??
it should be possible to boot from different partition of the same card, isn't it?