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    New Alix board for 2013

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Hardware
    265 Posts 69 Posters 252.9k Views
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    • J
      judex
      last edited by

      Not that I would need blazing speeds on a pfSense router, but today I tested SSD throughput on the APU for the above mentioned

      ad4: 15258MB <supersspeed s328="" 16gb="" v4629=""> at ata2-master UDMA100 SATA 3Gb/s</supersspeed>

      with

      dd if=/dev/zero of=/tmp/delme bs=12M count=100; rm /tmp/delme

      and I got:

      100+0 records in
100+0 records out
1258291200 bytes transferred in 47.450329 secs (26518071 bytes/sec)

      which is really bad.

      2.1-RELEASE (amd64)
      built on Wed Sep 11 18:17:48 EDT 2013
      FreeBSD 8.3-RELEASE-p11

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • W
        watercooled
        last edited by

        What SSD is that?

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • J
          judex
          last edited by

          That is the one sold by PC Engines

          http://www.pcengines.ch/msata16a.htm

          I read a review of the APU and this SSD and the guy at ipfire,org got the same bad results. He also states, that it is a cheap SSD and would buy another. http://planet.ipfire.org/post/pc-engines-apu1c-a-review

          Greets, Jud3x

          2.1-RELEASE (amd64)
          built on Wed Sep 11 18:17:48 EDT 2013
          FreeBSD 8.3-RELEASE-p11

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • W
            watercooled
            last edited by

            Yeah that's just down the the SSD itself rather than the board then, and it's pretty much what I'd expect for an SSD in that price range.

            Read speed is far better than write speed though, and TBH I'm not sure what you'd want to be constantly writing at high speed to a small SSD like this for anyway, not least because of the limited write cycles of NAND.

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • S
              SpankIt
              last edited by

              Anyone else having issues bridging the LAN interfaces? I get intermittent connectivity when I try and I can see the physical connection dropping.  It should be noted that as soon as I remove the bridge I no longer get connection drops.

              LAN: bridge0
              MGMT: re1
              WIFI: ath0
              WIRED: re2

              BRIDGE0 Members: WIFI, WIRED

              System Log:

              
Mar 30 19:13:03 	syslogd: kernel boot file is /boot/kernel/kernel
Mar 30 19:13:05 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:05 	check_reload_status: rc.newwanip starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:08 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Informational is starting re2.
Mar 30 19:13:08 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: on (IP address: ) (interface: opt3) (real interface: re2).
Mar 30 19:13:08 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Failed to update opt3 IP, restarting...
Mar 30 19:13:08 	check_reload_status: Configuring interface opt3
Mar 30 19:13:11 	php: rc.interfaces_wan_configure: The command '/sbin/ifconfig 're2' inet delete' returned exit code '1', the output was 'ifconfig: ioctl (SIOCDIFADDR): Can't assign requested address'
Mar 30 19:13:11 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:11 	kernel: re2: link state changed to DOWN
Mar 30 19:13:13 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:13 	kernel: re2: link state changed to UP
Mar 30 19:13:14 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:16 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:16 	check_reload_status: rc.newwanip starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:18 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Informational is starting re2.
Mar 30 19:13:18 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: on (IP address: ) (interface: opt3) (real interface: re2).
Mar 30 19:13:18 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Failed to update opt3 IP, restarting...
Mar 30 19:13:24 	php: rc.interfaces_wan_configure: The command '/sbin/ifconfig 're2' inet delete' returned exit code '1', the output was 'ifconfig: ioctl (SIOCDIFADDR): Can't assign requested address'
Mar 30 19:13:24 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:24 	kernel: re2: link state changed to DOWN
Mar 30 19:13:26 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:26 	kernel: re2: link state changed to UP
Mar 30 19:13:26 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:29 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:29 	check_reload_status: rc.newwanip starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:32 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Informational is starting re2.
Mar 30 19:13:32 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: on (IP address: ) (interface: opt3) (real interface: re2).
Mar 30 19:13:32 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Failed to update opt3 IP, restarting...
Mar 30 19:13:32 	check_reload_status: Configuring interface opt3
Mar 30 19:13:34 	php: rc.interfaces_wan_configure: The command '/sbin/ifconfig 're2' inet delete' returned exit code '1', the output was 'ifconfig: ioctl (SIOCDIFADDR): Can't assign requested address'
Mar 30 19:13:35 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:35 	kernel: re2: link state changed to DOWN
Mar 30 19:13:37 	kernel: re2: link state changed to UP
Mar 30 19:13:37 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:37 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:39 	php: rc.linkup: Hotplug event detected for WIRED(opt3) but ignoring since interface is configured with static IP ( )
Mar 30 19:13:39 	check_reload_status: rc.newwanip starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:42 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Informational is starting re2.
Mar 30 19:13:42 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: on (IP address: ) (interface: opt3) (real interface: re2).
Mar 30 19:13:42 	php: rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Failed to update opt3 IP, restarting...
Mar 30 19:13:47 	php: rc.interfaces_wan_configure: The command '/sbin/ifconfig 're2' inet delete' returned exit code '1', the output was 'ifconfig: ioctl (SIOCDIFADDR): Can't assign requested address'
Mar 30 19:13:47 	check_reload_status: Linkup starting re2
Mar 30 19:13:47 	kernel: re2: link state changed to DOWN
              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • stephenw10S
                stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
                last edited by

                SpankIt, are you using 2.1?
                This has been fixed in 2.1.1. There is a long thread about it somewhere.

                Steve

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                • M
                  marama
                  last edited by

                  Hi there!
                  I have an issue with APU1C and pfsense 2.1, the LiveCD is not booting. Here are more details:
                  Booting stops after "Starting the BTX loader" message.

                  http://pcengines.info/forums/?page=post&id=2ADF62BD-420D-447D-A387-A9B047776417&fid=40251191-FF24-48A8-BB0E-995B04812ADE

                  Anyone has an idea what's wrong?

                  Bye

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • K
                    keychain
                    last edited by

                    Marama,

                    I didn't try to install from CD, instead I'd recommend to install via USB-Stick. Choose the amd64 memstick-image and follow the instructions to write the image to the stick. Mount it with a running freebsd and append 'console="comconsole" to /boot/loader.conf (don't forget to mount the stick and change the filepath - this is not copy & paste):

                    $ echo 'console="comconsole"' >> /$USB_MOUNT_POINT/boot/loader.conf

                    Now you're good to go. Boot from the USB- Stick and pass the following line to the kernel during startup:

                    $ set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000

                    Now you can follow the install-scripts as described in various How-To's.

                    If you want to use an SD-Card, it's even simpler - just follow the instructions from the CF-Card install to the letter, but during first boot pass the

                    $ set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000

                    line to the kernel, and everything works as expected. Once booted it's best to add the "kern.cam.boot_delay" statement to /boot/loader.conf. Don't forget to remount the partition before editing, it's readonly per default.

                    Have fun!

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • O
                      ozlecz
                      last edited by

                      @dotdash

                      Interrupt the boot loader.
                      type-
                      set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000
                      boot
                      After booting add kern.cam.boot_delay=1000 to /boot/loader.conf.local via edit or from console.

                      sir could you please explain this further? how to do it etc..thanks

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • M
                        marama
                        last edited by

                        @keychain:

                        Marama,

                        I didn't try to install from CD, instead I'd recommend to install via USB-Stick. Choose the amd64 memstick-image and follow the instructions to write the image to the stick. Mount it with a running freebsd and append 'console="comconsole" to /boot/loader.conf (don't forget to mount the stick and change the filepath - this is not copy & paste):
                        …

                        Keychain, thanx for helping me out, but reseting from 115200 to 9600 seemed to have helped.
                        BTW, should I go for symmetric or embedded kernel?

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                        • dotdashD
                          dotdash
                          last edited by

                          @ozlecz:

                          @dotdash

                          Interrupt the boot loader.
                          type-
                          set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000
                          boot
                          After booting add kern.cam.boot_delay=1000 to /boot/loader.conf.local via edit or from console.

                          sir could you please explain this further? how to do it etc..thanks

                          It's been covered several times, most recently by keychain, but to make the process clear:
                          Write the nano image to the SD card using a card reader and physdiskwrite.
                          Connect a null modem cable to the serial port and use putty or similar to connect at 9600.
                          Power the unit up. You will see a bunch of garbage due to the console being at the wrong speed.
                          Eventually, you will see pfSense booting. When you see a message about 'Booting [/boot/kernel/kernel]' press CTRL-C until it drops to an 'OK' prompt. If you miss it, shut down and try again.
                          At the prompt type:

                          set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000

                          Then press enter. It should return to the OK prompt. Then type:

                          boot

                          and press enter. The unit should now boot. Assign interfaces. Remember re2 is the one marked 'LAN'
                          Log in to the webgui and go to diagnostics, edit file.
                          Enter:

                          /boot/loader.conf.local

                          in the save/load path. Then enter:

                          kern.cam.boot_delay=10000

                          below and click the save button.

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • S
                            SpankIt
                            last edited by

                            @stephenw10:

                            SpankIt, are you using 2.1?
                            This has been fixed in 2.1.1. There is a long thread about it somewhere.

                            Steve

                            I am using 2.1, thanks for the heads up I will give that a shot.

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • O
                              ozlecz
                              last edited by

                              @dotdash

                              should i use memstick or memstickserial image?

                              from the APU specs
                              Storage: Boot from SD card (connected through USB), external USB or m-SATA SSD. 1 SATA data + power connector.

                              does this mean i have to still use a card reader and plug to the APU USB even there is a SD slot on board?

                              FYI ive used memstick image but ive never get to boot to pfsense at all

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • dotdashD
                                dotdash
                                last edited by

                                @ozlecz:

                                @dotdash
                                should i use memstick or memstickserial image?

                                I've been using the nano-2.11-pre-i386 image, writing it via a card reader, then putting it in the apu.
                                You could boot from USB memstick and install to the SD card if you want, but I haven't tried it.
                                Edit- If you choose to install from memstick, use the -serial version…

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • jimpJ
                                  jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
                                  last edited by

                                  Serial memstick (choose the Embedded kernel when installing) is the best bet for an mSATA.

                                  For SD, you'll probably want NanoBSD but you'll need to make the kern.cam.boot_delay adjustment since the SD reader appears to the OS as a USB device even though it's internal.

                                  You may also want these changes if you're on NanoBSD: https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Boot_Troubleshooting#NanoBSD_on_Newer_Hardware

                                  It may be time to lock this thread and start new ones for individual issues/suggestions. This has been going for a long time and has meandered through many distinct topics.

                                  Remember: Upvote with the 👍 button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

                                  Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

                                  Do not Chat/PM for help!

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • W
                                    watercooled
                                    last edited by

                                    @ozlecz:

                                    does this mean i have to still use a card reader and plug to the APU USB even there is a SD slot on board?

                                    No, this just means the built-in SD card reader is attached to the USB bus internally.

                                    Edit: jimp beat me to it.

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • P
                                      phil.davis
                                      last edited by

                                      It may be time to lock this thread and start new ones for individual issues/suggestions. This has been going for a long time and has meandered through many distinct topics.

                                      Yes, I agree. A new board has come (in 2014 not 2013) and so the original point of this topic is fulfilled. It would be easier if people post specific issues or help/doc with installing and using it in different threads. Feel free to lock it.

                                      As the Greek philosopher Isosceles used to say, "There are 3 sides to every triangle."
                                      If I helped you, then help someone else - buy someone a gift from the INF catalog http://secure.inf.org/gifts/usd/

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • jimpJ
                                        jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
                                        last edited by

                                        Locking the topic, thanks for all the information everyone!

                                        If you wish to add something unique then start a new thread about a specific topic regarding the APU.

                                        Remember: Upvote with the 👍 button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

                                        Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

                                        Do not Chat/PM for help!

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