Trying to find Runix - linux for PsOne

[Popstation 2]

Yes linux was actually ported to PSX but its very hard to find the files

here is a list of the files from the now dead ftp:

http://www.filewatcher.com/b/ftp/ftp...ernel.0.0.html

PSXLinux-kernel-2.4.x-beta1.tar.gz is the one to look out for.

a small wiki article about it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runix


heres a tutorial i found:

PSXLinux kernel beta 1 release.
--------------------------------

This archive contains beta 1 release of Linux kernel for Sony Playstation - PSXLinux.
PSXLinux based on uClinux 2.4.x kernel (www.uClinux.com) and contains specific support
for Sony Playstation.
Essential features were added:
1. virtual console over Playstation GPU improved;
2. Playstation memory card block driver improved:
- some bugs fixed;
- large memory card (4x,...) support added;
- two memory cards into one device joining support added;
3. console over Playstation SIO added (115200, 8N1);
4. Runix hardware add-on supported:
- USB host controller SL811H driver with keyboard and mouse support;
- RTC support.

INSTALLATION:
-------------
I. Prerequistes.

To compile PSXLinux kernel you will need:
1. Cross-compiler (egcc-1.1.2) and binutils-2.9.5 for Linux/i386 host
and MIPS little endian target. Binaries may be downloaded from
http://www.runix.ru or http://oss.sgi.com/mips.
2. PSXLinux kernel source tree. Download free the latest version from
http://www.runix.ru.

II. PSXLinux kernel source tree installation and compilation.

1. Create directory where kernel sources will be installed an put
kernel archive in it.

2. Unpack kernel archive.

gzip -cd <name>.tar.gz | tar xvf -

3. Delete stale object files and dependencies.

make mrproper

4. Configure kernel.

make config -- bash based configuration tool
or
make menuconfig -- text based color configuration tool with
menus, radiolists & dialogs
or
make xconfig -- X windows based configuration tool

You may load one of prepared configurations from file Config (simple configuration
without Runix hardware add-on support) or Config_Addon (configuration with Runix
hardware add-on support).

6. Compile kernel. You will get compiled kernel 'linux' in
the directory where kernel sources was installed (current directory).

make

7. Run compiled kernel on your game console.
Visit www.runix.ru for tools an instructions.

8. Now you may mount root file system from memory card. The memory card root image,
tools and instructions may be found on www.runix.ru.

Best regards !

the ultimate thing would be to find a premade iso of it of course

[ffgriever]

I have it somewhere on my hdd. I'll search for it and post it later.

[dlanor]

I have it somewhere on my hdd. I'll search for it and post it later.

Please do as it would be fun to test, though I don't think it can have much real use.

There's really not much point having a Linux machine without either HDD, networking, or keyboard+mouse. And while I guess some rather expensive add-ons could fix those shortcomings, there is absolutely no way around the fact that the main CPU of the PS1 is too slow for use as a modern computer (same as the IOP slave processor in a PS2). So I see this linux as a novelty item only.

Best regards: dlanor

[ffgriever]

I don't have access to my PC now, but I've found it here (actually, pretty easy to find). Kernel with PSX patches and device drivers.

http://www.stampede.org/~lethal/kernel-psx-2.4.0.tar.gz

Oh, don't ruin this guy's bandwidth, as the kernel is 25MB.

I'll check the one I have on my hdd and post it if it's any different.

Edit: Sorry, the one I have on my PC seems to be the same alpha version, just repacked.

[Popstation 2]

Thanks but what do you mean with

"Oh, don't ruin this guy's bandwidth, as the kernel is 25MB."

is the file on some extremely limited host? or was it sarcasm

[ffgriever]

It's not like thousands of people are going to download it .

As for the host. I don't know. I just found the file and hotlinked, that's it.

[spud42]

thanks for the link ffgriever....
i think the sarcasm was directed at the HUGE size of this linux install...lol

[dlanor]

I don't have access to my PC now, but I've found it here (actually, pretty easy to find). Kernel with PSX patches and device drivers.

http://www.stampede.org/~lethal/kernel-psx-2.4.0.tar.gz

Oh, don't ruin this guy's bandwidth, as the kernel is 25MB.

I'll check the one I have on my hdd and post it if it's any different.

Edit: Sorry, the one I have on my PC seems to be the same alpha version, just repacked.

Unfortunately this is just a source package, so it probably isn't very useful. I have no idea what tools might be needed to use these sources for making a PSX-bootable disc, but I assume that the requirements mentioned in the README.PSX file are incomplete as they keep referring to a "Linux/" folder which is not present in this archive, and where a file named "MIPS HOWTO" is supposed to give all necessary details on how to proceed, except that this file too is missing from the package.

I did notice that there is a precompiled elf file named "linux" which might possibly be bootable when added to a disc with a suitable SYSTEM.CNF, but I don't see how this file of less than 1 MB can be useful on its own, and I find no mention anywhere of what else to include.

I'll try it out anyway, though I don't expect any fabulous results
(CD's are cheap so I don't mind wasting a few...)

Best regards: dlanor

[ffgriever]

I did notice that there is a precompiled elf file named "linux" which might possibly be bootable when added to a disc with a suitable SYSTEM.CNF

Not quite. The easiest way is to use objcopy to copy only the main data (just leave the debug data alone) into binary format. Then apply standard PSX header (you can get load address and start point from the elf header). This kernel sits on top of the original one, so it behaves more like an application.

but I don't see how this file of less than 1 MB can be useful on its own, and I find no mention anywhere of what else to include.

Well, it has all driver modules statically copmiled into the kernel. But it doesn't change the fact, that it's just the kernel. To make actual working linux, you'll have to create at least the basic root filesystem and mout it (on memory card?).

But I've never really used this one. I'm also missing the other mentioned files. Just guessing. Yet, it might be easier to test it on an emulator (if it's compatible, that is ).

[dlanor]

Not quite. The easiest way is to use objcopy to copy only the main data (just leave the debug data alone) into binary format.

I have no idea what 'objcopy' tool or method you are talking about.
If you're talking about some linux command, please remember that I don't use linux on my PCs.

Then apply standard PSX header (you can get load address and start point from the elf header). This kernel sits on top of the original one, so it behaves more like an application.

Again you are confusing me, as I was not aware of any original linux kernel in a PS1. Or are you referring to the normal PS1 bios routines ?

Well, it has all driver modules statically copmiled into the kernel. But it doesn't change the fact, that it's just the kernel. To make actual working linux, you'll have to create at least the basic root filesystem and mout it (on memory card?).

Yes, I assumed the latter since there is no other storage medium on a PS1. But there really isn't much you can do with a PS1 MC either, since that is not a real file system, but only a storage dump with 15 8KB blocks.

But I've never really used this one. I'm also missing the other mentioned files. Just guessing. Yet, it might be easier to test it on an emulator (if it's compatible, that is ).

All things considered I now think this is not worth the effort.
It seems doubtful if it can be made to boot at all, and even then it is obvious that it won't be able to really do anything. I'll probably try it anyway sometime later though, when I've nothing better to do...

Best regards: dlanor