Doubling memory - [K2 mod]

[K..]

            --- System memory update mod by Kofola gang ---


Anybody who tried to make their own image for Katy probably figured out that the linux memory
is totally exhausted. Usually around a maximum of 1 MB remains free (try yourself using
the free(1) command).

If you start up any additional programs (for example the Samba server), linux ends up getting
extremely slow and may start killing running processes in order to free up memory.

First way to add a bit of extra memory is by increasing the bootargs argument "mem=32m" to
something bigger. (Update: Kathrein guys did it exactly this way by switching to "mem=40m").

Another way, which we are proud to describe here, is by replacing the system memory chips.
This mod gets its code-name "K2 mod" and is described below.

[ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ]
                              BIG BIG WARNING

 * K2-mod requires soldering which definitely BREAKS YOUR WARRANTY!
 * Soldering may damage your box very easily, so you are doing it at YOUR OWN RISK!

[ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ]

System memory chips are located on the board between the main CPU STB7100 (biggest chip with passive
cooler glued on it) and the front panel. Originally it is mounted with 2 Hynix HY5DU561622ETP chips,
which gives 64MB of system RAM.

Our modification is based on replacing those 2 chips by double sized ones. We successfully
replaced with Hynix HY5DU121622CTP chips and even by some "noname" chips from a SO-DIMM plate,
which has a similar organization (see Hynix data sheet for the required organization).

The replacement procedure is as follow:

 1, replace system RAM chips

 2, flash new bootloader

 3, enjoy > 70MB of free memory ;)

We know that other chips will work too, but it requires your own modification
of the init code in u-boot. We decided to stay with only one organization, which is the easiest
to support.

For those, who want to try out other chips (meaning chips with a different
internal organization/timing) there is one hint: Check the SYS LMI part of the config registers
to find the correct values for your chips.


--
 When you love her nothing else matters.

[Vlad]

Thnx m8 Nice 1

[jouniu]

Nice

There is 4 pcs of those 256Mbit memories, wich ones are for system LMI?
STI7100 cpu should be capable for running 400MHz, in kathrein it runs only 265MHz. In STLinux ver 2.3 u-boot source code there is separate selection for cut 3.x that it runs 400MHz. It should be very easy to put bigger heat sink on top of the chip.

Any idea that kathrein boots from SATA/USB drive? That could free some RAM?

System memory chips are located on the board between the main CPU STB7100 (biggest chip with passive
cooler glued on it) and the front panel

and:

PLL1 : 531.00MHz
PLL2 : 400.00MHz
ST40 CPU : 265.50MHz
ST40 BUS : 132.75MHz
ST40 PER : 66.37MHz
SLIM : 265.50MHz
ST231 : 400.00MHz
STBUS : 200.00MHz
EMI : 100.00MHz
LMI : 200.00MHz <---- look at this

[jouniu]

Původně odeslal dboxforever

System memory chips are located on the board between the main CPU STB7100 (biggest chip with passive
cooler glued on it) and the front panel

OK Thanks

PLL1 : 531.00MHz
PLL2 : 400.00MHz
ST40 CPU : 265.50MHz<---This is system CPU
ST40 BUS : 132.75MHz
ST40 PER : 66.37MHz<--Peripherals
SLIM : 265.50MHz
ST231 : 400.00MHz<---Audio & Video processor
STBUS : 200.00MHz<---Internal interconnect
EMI : 100.00MHz<--Flash
LMI : 200.00MHz <---- DRAM

I mean the ST40 should be capable of 400MHz. Heat?
ST datasheet: "ST40
The STx7100 uses a 400 MHz ST40 as host CPU. This controls the rest of the chip, including the
two ST231 CPUs."

[JirkaS]

Původně odeslal K..

System memory update mod by Kofola gang ---

MemTotal: 102916 kB
MemFree: 75828 kB
Buffers: 6356 kB
Cached: 12584 kB
SwapCached: 0 kB
Active: 8656 kB
Inactive: 10612 kB
HighTotal: 0 kB
HighFree: 0 kB
LowTotal: 102916 kB
LowFree: 75828 kB
SwapTotal: 0 kB
SwapFree: 0 kB
Dirty: 0 kB
Writeback: 0 kB
Mapped: 1108 kB
Slab: 3128 kB
CommitLimit: 51456 kB
Committed_AS: 1952 kB
PageTables: 60 kB
VmallocTotal: 523252 kB
VmallocUsed: 4024 kB
VmallocChunk: 519136 kB

very nice

[djdiageo]

good afternoon to all friends

if u have please any photo to see

thanks

[K..]

Původně odeslal djdiageo

good afternoon to all friends

if u have please any photo to see

Don't understand what do you expect to see on photo?
There is no any need for soldering - other then
replacing 2 memory chips. So motherboard looks
exactly same like before.

If you make your own photo and change printings
on 2 RAM chips (in any bitmap editor), you get
what you want

/K

[Matic]

HI,
I have a few question about this procedure. First where can I buy Hynix HY5DU121622CTP chip in Europe and second after I replace RAM- "flash bootloader" - does this mean only flash a new firmware or do I have to use Hyperterminal (like emergency boot procedure)?

Big thanks

regards
Matic

[K..]

Where to buy - dunno. For example one my friend uses different rm chips
from SO_DIMM modules which were compatible.

"Flash bootloader" means using hyperterminal (or whichever serial terminal
proggie you like). There is one intention - if you fails during upgrade bootloader,
you got box nonworking. Any fix for that is using jtag then.

/K

[Matic]

Hi @K.. & @JirkaS

After long time I bought 2 pairs of Hynix HY5DU121622CTP chip and I replaced it in my Kathy. Soldering was succesful. Then I installed original image versions from 1.03 till 1.06 and each one normally booted. After I installed your bootloader u-boot-K2.bin and of course I killed it to death.Lol. Please tell me if any of you still remeber, and has time, is this u-boot file still actuall here and exact procedure to put new bootloader. I used the normal procedure of installing u-boot: Installing U-Boot & Linux Kernel On The Target | STLinux .
I also tried with hyperterminal procedure (loadb a4000000 +transfer file).
I'm sure I wrote all commands correct and I can't see where I wronged. If you can, then please help me in this, and if you can post here perhaps log printenv. I want to try again on another box and I don't want to kill this one too.
Thanx in advance
regards
Matic

P.S. I apologize for double posting.. your forum script didnt respond.

[Matic]

Hi @K.. & @JirkaS

After long time I bought 2 pairs of Hynix HY5DU121622CTP chip and I replaced it in my Kathy. Soldering was succesful. Then I installed original image versions from 1.03 till 1.06 and each one normally booted. After I installed your bootloader u-boot-K2.bin and of course I killed it to death.Lol. Please tell me if any of you still remeber, and has time, is this u-boot file still actuall here and exact procedure to put new bootloader. I used the normal procedure of installing u-boot: Installing U-Boot & Linux Kernel On The Target | STLinux .
I also tried with hyperterminal procedure (loadb a4000000 +transfer file).
I'm sure I wrote all commands correct and I can't see where I wronged. If you can, then please help me in this, and if you can post here perhaps log printenv. I want to try again on another box and I don't want to kill this one too.
Thanx in advance
regards
Matic