Install Linux on Friendly ARM

    For image processing on Friendly ARM, you can install either Linux or Windows. Linux 2.6.38 is the most commonly used version. In this post, I will discuss the steps to install Linux on Friendly ARM. It is a bit tedious process, but be patient. Once installed, you can directly run  OpenCV program on Friendly ARM. Follow the following steps.

Step 1: Build Linux kernel
Step 2: Copy that to SD card
Step 3: Boot from SD card


Step 1:
Build the Linux kernel with specific options so that we will be able to see pictures, access USB camera and other related functions.

Procedure:

1. Extract the Linux kernel and place extracted file in folder in Home directory  say  'Linux-2.6.38'. (You can find Linux kernel in DVD provided with Friendly ARM board or you can download it from net.)

2.Open the folder and look for file named as 'config_mini6410_XXX (where XXX
is the touch screen your board has). Rename this file as  '.config'.

3.Now open the Terminal. cd to Linux-2.6.38. Type  'make menuconfig' and press Enter.

4. You will see a new colorful interface as shown in following figure. We can
configure different kernel parameters here.

5. Now Enable the following options : Device Drivers—> Multimedia Support—>
Video for Linux

6. Device Drivers—> Multimedia Support—> Video Capture Adapters —-> V4L
USB devices—–>USB Video Class and GSPCA based Webcams

7. Device Drivers—-> USB Support —> USB Gadget Support—–>USB Webcam Gadget

8. By enabling means press  'Y' when corresponding option is highlighted. You will
see a " * "against it.

9. Exit from that menu. Make sure you press  'Y' when it asks you to save configuration.

10. Type  'make' and hit the Return. This starts compiling Linux kernel.


Step 2:

After building is complete you will see a file  'zImage' in arch/arm/boot folder.
Copy this Image on memory card that you use to run OS on the board.


Step 3:

Insert the card in Card slot on board and Power on the supply.
Linux should boot.