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
Top Related