Creating a Digital Picture Frame

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Creating a Digital Picture Frame

• John Martin
• Summer 2006
• EDIT 6000

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Overview

• Install Linux and a few other programs on a
  laptop
• Take the laptop apart
• Put the frame together

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Sounds simple?

• Not reallythere 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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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QT-Parted screen shots
Select partition
Drive select
Change options
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Install Linux

• Simple!
• From DSL live CD, right click, select Install to
  Hard Drive

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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.ht
  ml

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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 gt Map Network
  Drive in Windows)
• Transfer image files to share

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Install picture software, scripts

• Search the web for help
• Red Hat Linuxtoys book
• DSL copied web sites scripts
• Beware scripts often flawed, steps missing, or
  system doesnt work right.
• Google is your friend.
• http//www.thewares.net/item/33
• http//likelysoft.com/hacks/pictureframes.shtml

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Disassemble Laptop

• Go slow, and be careful
• Read this (screen removal) http//www.screentekin
  c.com/lcd-removal-instructions.shtml
• Go slow and be careful
• Save all parts

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Laptop parts

• Remove unnecessary parts
• Save everything
• Remove screen

I had to drill to remove two stripped screws!
Keyboard
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Spare parts removed
Some laptops need certain parts in order to
run Some parts can be turned off in BIOS
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Screen removed
No 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
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Frame assembly

• Used a shadow box
• Mat to cover ugly bits
• How to hold in place?

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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 (!?)

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Rear view
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Front view
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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)

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Lessons learned

• Learned beginning Linux
• Learned more about laptop internals
• Developed more troubleshooting skills, searching
  skills