Gigastrand FAIL and what we know now

Failure at Gigastrand is always an option. To fail is acceptable as long as there is a lesson in it.

Many months ago, Gigastrand set out to do something impossible: piggyback a 64-bit architecture onto a 32 bit system. In Linux there was a slim possibility that this could work with multiarch support built into Debian. We postulated that by installing the architecture, as long as the hardware was there to support it, we could run 64 bit programs on a 32 bit system. We have done the reverse of this in Gigastrand OS 3.x (32 bit architecture on 64 bit system) with great success.

Why in the world would we want to do this? For a lot of reasons. 

1. It would extend the viability of Gigastrand OS 2.x


2. It would force compatibility with 64-bit software like Chrome with a 32 bit OS


3. It will maintain compatibility with older hardware while allowing advancements to the OS

We came close – really close – to making it work. In the end, the one program we really wanted to work, Chrome, just would not even install.

We still believe that it is hypothetically possible, but beyond our capabilities.

So, we began going around to our customers and upgrading their systems to 3.0 so they can still use Chrome. We fixed the version of Chrome in place in version 2.4.

Then we come to fail number 2.

We were upgrading a machine from 2.2 to 3.2 when we noticed the system would boot very slow, error out with a “no microcode for this processor” then fail when trying to start X – the user interface (UI) for Linux. We tried all the usual troubleshooting (replacing discs, trying different drives, etc.) but all gave the same result. Without being able to boot into X, installing the OS will be nearly impossible.

So, we booted back into this customer’s original OS and checked to see if the microcode was installed. It wasn’t.

Then we opened a terminal window and did an lspci command (you can also look at Go>System>Kinfocenter for a graphical depiction and a few more tools). Via chipset, Via graphics, Via processor.

Our best guess is that the processor microcode that is installed in 3.x – specifically the Intel microcode – is mis-identifying the processor and activating. As there is nothing we can do about it once the install image is created, we simply went back to the original build and created a new image without any of the microcode.

If it works, we will release that image with the 3.4 update. If it doesn’t. We will let you know.

Gigastrand FAIL and what we know now

Gigastrand OS Boot Issues

There are a few BIOS settings that could affect the ability of a PC to boot the Gigastrand OS. Below are a few of the more common solutions to these issues.

Legacy Boot: This is a setting in most BIOS that, if not turned on, will not allow the Gigastrand OS DVD or USB drive to startup. This is required to boot Gigastrand OS. Gigastrand PCs enable this by default. Accessing the BIOS settings is always accessed with a keypress before the computer boots the operating system.Consult your PCs manual to find out how to access your BIOS settings. Common keys to access the BIOS settings are: Del, F2, F10, or F12.

Boot Order: If the computer is set to startup to the hard drive first, you might not be able to run the installation media. You could change the boot order in the BIOS however, most PCs also have a boot menu that will allow you to select the drive you want to use. Make sure your media is loaded or plugged in before you try to access this menu or your drive might not be listed. This menu is also accessed by a keypress before the computer boots. Common keys are: F12, F9, or F2

Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode: This mode is a property of the SATA controller that allows advanced features like hot-swapping drives and other advanced features. How you know you should check for this solution is after install, you reboot and get a GRUB error: 

error: file '/grub/i386-pc/normal.mod' not found.
grub rescue>

This is a strong indication that you need to change the SATA controller settings in the BIOS from AHCI to IDE or ATA. Gigastrand OS does support AHCI, but not on all hardware. When you reboot, the hard drive should boot fine. If not, reinstall the Gigastrand OS and it should start fine.

Gigastrand OS Boot Issues

D-Link DCS930L IP Camera

D-Link DCS-930L Wireless-N Network (IP) Cloud Camera

Network Interface:

• 10/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet


• 802.11b/g/n WLAN

Wireless Connectivity:

• 802.11b/g/n Wireless with WEP/WPA/WPA2 security

Reset Button:

• Reset to factory default

Video Codecs:

• MJPEG


• JPEG for still images

Video Features:

• Adjustable image size and quality


• Time stamp and text overlay


• Flip and Mirror

Resolution:

• 640 x 480 at up to 20 fps


• 320 x 240 at up to 30 fps


• 160 x 120 at up to 30 fps

Lens:

• Focal length: 5.01 mm, F2.8

Minimum Illumination:

• 1 Lux @ F2.8

View Angle

• Horizontal: 45.3°


• Vertical: 34.5°


• Diagonal: 54.9°

Digital Zoom

• Up to 4x

3A Control:

• AGC (Auto Gain Control)


• AWB (Auto White Balance)


• AES (Auto Electronic Shutter)

Power Specifications:

• Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz


• Output: 5 V DC, 1.2 A


• External AC-to-DC switching power adapter


• Max Power Consumption: 2W

Unit Dimensions:

• Including the bracket and stand: 4.96 x 2.59 x 2.55-inches (H x W x D)


• Camera only: 3.77 x 1.07 x 2.36-inches (H x W x D)


• Weight: 2.71 oz (without bracket and stand)

Environmental Specifications:

• Operation: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)


• Storage: -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F)


• Humidity: 20-80% RH non-condensing

D-Link DCS930L IP Camera

Gigastrand OS 2.4 EOL and 3.2 Updates

Gigastrand just released updates to Gigastrand OS v2x and v3.x. These minor releases are Gigastrand OS v2.4 and v3.2 respectively.

The Gigastrand OS 2.x codebase is the current 32-bit version of the operating system based on Debian 7 and KDE. The Gigastrand OS 3.x codebase is the 64-bit version based on Debian 8 and KDE. Gigastrand OS v1.x, which is based on Debian 6 and KDE is no longer receiving updates from Gigastrand and is not currently in development.

These releases mainly include several hundred security updates apiece. A few minor fixes are included as well.

2.4 updates Chrome to nearly the latest available version before Google pulled the plug on 32-bit operating system support and disables the Apt Chrome repository.

3.2 includes a long overdue fix to the splash screen and includes the installation files for Gigastrand NVR 1.1 software.

2.4 will be the last planned minor revision to the 2.0 codebase.

Gigastrand is expected to make an announcement about Gigastrand OS 4.0 development next week.

Gigastrand OS is available from the online store.

Gigastrand OS 2.4 EOL and 3.2 Updates

Gigastrand NVR 1.1 Update

It is here! Gigastrand NVR’s very first update. This update is freely downloadable.

Gigastrand NVR 1.1 Update

1. Download this file to /etc/kmotion/www/www/js


2. Logout of any Gigastrand NVR


3. Do a Gigastrand NVR Restart.

• This fixes an issue with the button bar in Archive being disabled (works in Firefox and Iceweasel). May not work in all browsers.


• This adds a basic file browser feature (called Download Mode) so that archive files can be downloaded.

Gigastrand NVR 1.1 Update

Gigastrand OS 2.x Google Chrome Error

Some of you who regularly update your system might have seen the following error in Chrome:

Google Chrome error in Gigastrand OS

We know exactly why this is happening: Google has decided to stop supporting 32-bit Linux operating systems by sometime in March. This means you will stop receiving updates to Chrome after a certain point and it will eventually stop working for some things.

What we have tried: Gigastrand has been experimenting with the multi-architecture (multiarch) feature of Gigastrand OS 2.x to try installing Google Chrome 64-bit on the system so that our customers can keep going with the 32-bit operating system some require for their systems.

While this is theoretically possible, it requires a complete revamp of the operating system itself as many of the dependencies required for Chrome are shared with other programs and would need to be replaced with 64-bit versions.

Internally, we need a version of Gigastrand OS that will run on older hardware, we are planning to develop a 32-bit version of 3.0 that will allow 64-bit only programs like Chrome to run. However, we are uncertain what the result might be.

Solution: Until then, you can still use Chrome in 2.x, you can use Firefox, or you can upgrade to Gigastrand OS 3.0 which includes the 64-bit version of Chrome.

 

Gigastrand OS 2.x Google Chrome Error

Gigastrand OS Network Video Recorder 16ch

Gigastrand Network Video Recorder Available for Pre-order (product ships February 29)

Also includes USB camera for a limited time!

The Gigastrand Network Video Recorder (NVR) is the first video surveillance system in the world powered by the advanced technologies and security of the Gigastrand OS. Gigastrand NVR contains all the essentials you need for video security like live view, playback, motion detection, and support for up to 16 wired or wireless network connected cameras.

What makes this system truly unique (besides being based entirely on the Gigastrand platform) is this system can be installed 100% remotely.

That’s right. You plug it in, and our expert installers can install it for you over the Internet. No strangers in your home, no muddy boot prints, and no waiting around for service people.

The Gigastrand NVR also has a modular design that allows for nearly limitless upgrade options. 

Oh, and did we forget to mention this is the ONLY NVR in the world with a Lifetime Hardware Warranty? 

• Quad-core processor


• 250 Gb solid state hard drive
  
  • 50Gb for OS, 200Gb for video storage
  
  
  • Up to 90 days of video storage (depending on configuration)
  
  
  • Expandable up to 8000 Gb of video storage (2 Drive expansion bays)
  
  


• 4 Gb DDR-3 1600 Memory (max 32Gb)


• AMD Radeon HD graphics


• PCI express expansion


• 4x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0, 8x USB total


• VGA, HDMI, and DVI connectors


• 6 ch audio


• Gigabit network card


• Wireless keyboard and mouse


• Modular design allows nearly unlimited upgrades.


• Connects to nearly all USB and Network Cameras supporting MJPEG


• USB Recovery Software
  
  • Gigastrand OS 3.0 with Gigastrand NVR 1.0 software
  
  
  • Free NVR 1.0 software updates
  
  


• The only video surveillance recorder in the world that:
  
  • Is based on the stability and security of the Gigastrand OS
  
  
  • Can be fully installed with cameras over the Internet!
  
  
  • includes a Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty!
  
  
  • Includes up to 4 hours of installation time FREE!
  
  


• 90 Day labor warranty


• Lifetime Upgrade Guarantee
  
  • This system will grow with your needs!
  
  

Gigastrand OS Network Video Recorder 16ch