[svlug] Linux in a Submarine

[SVLUG President]

First I want to thank you - as part of doing my homework for this
response to you, I googled "linux robot" and found some really
wonderful articles to read, including:
http://www.linuxfocus.org/English/May2001/article205.shtml

Also, the "Damn Small Machine" associated with DSL sure
caught my attention. http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

I've done a significant amount of work with Unix-and-robots, and a bit
of work with embedded Linux, so I can provide you with some high-level
guidance.

The first thing to assess is, does the CPU have an MMU.

If it doesn't you're probably going to want to use something like
uClinux.  Without virtual memory you've got a potential RAM
availability problem, depending on what's running and why.

Trying to save money on RAM and spending it on "cheap programming
resources" will probably backfire.  So, if this is the case, don't be
stingy with the RAM.

If the CPU has an MMU you'll want something like DSL.  In this case, a
flash drive or USB drive can augment your VM.

Regarding drivers, etc - one proven approach is to rework the
_hardware_ as needed to make it compliant.  I.e. replace and/pr add
UARTS and whatever other components are needed to the circuits such
that they will work well with the existing drivers.  This is often
less involved than reworking the drivers to support goofy hardware.

For that level of stuff, the SVLUG list is definitely not the right
place to ask - there are numerous hardware hacking mailing lists out
there, and remember, Google is your friend.

Lastly, I'd like to help you with your spelling - it's
"thingamajigger" not "thingymajigger". :-)))

Best regards,
-Paul Reiber
President, SVLUG
http://svlug.org/~pbr