Creating a Digital Picture Frame

John Martin

Summer 2006

EDIT 6000

Overview

• Install Linux and a few other programs on a laptop

• Take the laptop apart

• Put the frame together

Sounds simple?• Not really…there are stumbling blocks at every

step, and each step has more steps• Even when its finished, it only seems “ready”,

not really finished• If you attempt this, you will learn first hand how

project-based learning really works.• I built a digital picture frame, but I learned a lot

of other stuff on the way.• Use google to help yourself troubleshoot any

issues

Overview (the real steps….)

• Gather hardware• Choose OS (Linux distro)• Partition Hard drive• Install Linux• Learn Linux• Install Samba, set up network• Install picture software, write scripts• Dissemble Laptop• Assemble frame

Gather hardware

• Old laptops are cheap and can be used• eBay/Internet beware – often no HD,

power supply, or cracked screen….parts machines only

• You want a working machine that can do Win95 at a minimum

• I got lucky – two free laptops

Choose OS

• Linux is best choice – networking options, runs well on low resources

• “Damn Small Linux” (DSL) is only 50MB, boots from live CD

• Downloads: ftp.uga.edu• Tip: burn the *.iso file as an image

to a CD

Partition Hard Drive

• Partitioning will wipe data – be careful! Prepares file system

• Tip: use Knoppix disk to do this first, has QT-Parted partition program

• Set HDA2 as Linux-Swap, approx size = 2 X RAM

• Set HDA1 as / (Ext3)

QT-Parted screen shots

Drive select

Change options

Select partition

Install Linux• Simple!• From

DSL live CD, right click, select “Install to Hard Drive

Learn Linux

• Linux is basically Unix• Commands are generally necessary• Sudo (act as root/superuser/admin)• Locate, cd, mkdir, ls, apt-get• Graphical front end helps• Permissions, file system, mounting• Books, Internet resources• http://www.tuxfiles.org/linuxhelp/

linuxcommands.html

Install Samba

• Samba acts as a file server program• Smb.conf – search for proper set up• Create a shared folder in smb.conf• Connect to Windows machine

(Tools => Map Network Drive in Windows)

• Transfer image files to share

Install picture software, scripts

• Search the web for help• Red Hat – Linuxtoys book• DSL – copied web site’s scripts• Beware: scripts often flawed, steps missing, or

system doesn’t work right.• Google is your friend.• http://www.thewares.net/item/33• http://likelysoft.com/hacks/pictureframes.shtml

Disassemble Laptop

• Go slow, and be careful

• Read this (screen removal): http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions.shtml

• Go slow and be careful

• Save all parts

Laptop parts

Keyboard

I had to drill to remove two stripped screws!

1. Remove unnecessary parts

2. Save everything

3. Remove screen

Spare parts removed

Some laptops need certain parts in order to run

Some parts can be turned off in BIOS

Screen removedNo need to detach the connector

Theres a “high voltage” warning on one piece

Definitely use the web to help remove the screen

Velcro the screen to laptop back

Frame assembly

• Used a shadow box

• Mat to cover “ugly bits”

• How to hold in place?

Cosmetics

• Drilled hole in bottom for power cord

• Power supply is in the case

• Back removes for easy keyboard access

• Boots automatically when plugged in (!?)

Rear view

Front view

Issues to resolve

• Heat! – need to reinstall heat sink

• Wireless connection – find/install drivers, configure (optional)

• Unmounting HD problem

• Booting nmbd (part of Samba) issue (minor)

Lessons learned

• Learned beginning Linux

• Learned more about laptop internals

• Developed more troubleshooting skills, searching skills