[gPXE] addition to (RTL8139) wiki pages‏

[Paul Geraedts]

Hello,

The RTL8139 wiki page (http://etherboot.org/wiki/realtek8139roms)
contains a lot of very useful information for new users.

Among others it mentions that the 32 pins sockets are backwards
compatible with the 28 pins chips. I agree with that, but I also
observed that some PCB manufactures are a bit sloppy here. That is,
for this to work they should have connected pin 32 (V_DD) to pin 30
(NC). Meaningless for 32 pins chips, but vital for 28 pins ones: their
pin 28 (V_DD) ends up in this pin 30 of the 32 pins socket and the
chip would otherwise not be supplied with power!

So I think it would be a good addition to the wiki page to mention
that if 28 pins chips do not work in 32 pins sockets, then to check
that pins 32 and 30 are properly connected together. A quick fix can
be a wire pushed in both socket pins, but soldering is more reliable
of course.


Than something else. I think it is still a bit intimidating for new
users to start working on the hardware side of gPXE. For instance what
EPROM programmer to buy that is both cheap, modern and readily
available? I couldn't find one in the wiki pages: most programmers
mentioned there were outdated. After some additional research I
finally bought a very nice one on EBay (TOP2005+, $45, proper English
Windows software, unfortunately no Linux support AFAIK). The same is
true for the type of chip to use: I eventually bought the 28 pins
(ATMEL AT)27C512R. An OTP version of the original EEPROM: very cheap
and no hassle with UV lights. A personal choice of course, but I think
that a list where people can add their preference would be a nice
addition to the wiki. The same holds for a list of chipset related ROM
burning info: only accidently I discovered the realtek8139roms page. A
summarizing list of all wiki pages on this topic would be very helpful
here I'd say. If such lists are added, I would be happy to add my
preference.

The whole thing works great now: the combination of WOL and gPXE
allows me to remotely boot the computers with whatever OS I choose
without needing any physical access. Very nice system you guys
implemented!

Cheers,

Paul