Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Beaglebone Essentials
Beaglebone Essentials

Beaglebone Essentials: Harness the power of the BeagleBone Black to manage external environments using C, Bash, and Python/PHP programming

eBook
€8.99 €19.99
Paperback
€24.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at €18.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Beaglebone Essentials

Chapter 2. Managing the System Console

In this chapter, you will learn how a serial console works, and how you can use it in order to control/monitor the system activities (for example, monitoring the kernel messages, managing the bootloader, and so on).

Then, a brief introduction of the basic system management commands will be presented. In this section, you will learn about some useful command-line tools to manipulate files, and how to manage the distribution's packages.

At the end of the chapter, a special section will introduce you to the bootloader commands so that you may feel more confident to manage this important component of the system.

Getting access to the serial console

As shown in Chapter 1, Installing the Developing System, during our first login, we can easily get access to the system through a USB connection; however, doing it this way we use a virtual serial line created by the kernel that is not available during the first boot stages (that is, when the bootloader runs).

However, to have more control of the board (that is, complete booting stage control, kernel debugging messages, and so on), we must get access to the serial console, which is a real device, and it can be accessed using a serial adapter connected to connector J1, as shown in the following image:

Getting access to the serial console

There are two different kinds of serial adapters on the market. The first one is a standard FTDI USB to TTL cable, as shown in the following image:

Getting access to the serial console

While the second one is a standard TTL to RS232 converter, as shown in the following image:

Getting access to the serial console

Note

The TTL to RS232 converter can be purchased (or by surfing the Internet) at

http://www.cosino.io/product/rs-232-serial...

Basic system management

Now it's time to take a quick tour of some basic system management commands, which may be useful in the next sections.

Tip

Note that the following commands may be used in both the serial console or the SSH terminal emulator.

File manipulation tools and friends

One of the main principles of Unix systems is that everything is a file. This means that in a Unix system, (almost) everything can be accessed as a file. So, we can use the same commands to read/write a file for every peripheral connected to the system (for example, disks, terminals, serial ports, and so on).

Since this book's main goal is to show you how to get access to the system's peripherals, it's quite obvious that these commands are very important to know. Moreover, in the next chapters, we are going to use several command-line tools to set up our BeagleBone Black and its attached peripherals, so in this section, I'm going to list some of them.

Tip

The following tutorial will not cover...

A quick tour of the bootloader

As stated, at the beginning of this chapter, using the serial console, we can get access to the bootloader.

Actually, the BeagleBone Black has two bootloaders: one named SPL, which is the prebootloader that initializes the hardware components, such as the RAM and some mass storage devices, and the second named U-Boot, which is the real bootloader that initializes almost all the peripherals and has support for, among other things, booting over a network, and a scriptable shell through which basic commands can be given. Now the one million dollar question is: why should a developer be able to manage the bootloader too?

Well, the answers are more than one, however, the most important are as follows:

  • By passing a well-formed command line to the kernel, we can change some functionalities in the running filesystem.
  • From the bootloader, we can easily manage a factory restore method (this is usually made with a hidden button in a tiny hole on the system's box. By...

Summary

In this chapter, we saw how files are manipulated and kernel messages are managed. We also learned about some crucial bootloader commands and microSD management that will help us in the forthcoming chapters. Also, we were familiarized with the operation of the U-Boot bootloader and were able to learn a few commands that can help us if the BeagleBone Black gets stuck while booting.

Now it's time to compile and/or cross-compile programs to get the maximum performance from our embedded system and to be able to fully customize it.

So, let's go to the third chapter.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Description

If you are a developer with some hardware or electrical engineering experience who wants to learn how to use embedded machine-learning capabilities and get access to a GNU/Linux device driver to collect data from a peripheral or to control a device, this is the book for you.

Who is this book for?

If you are a developer with some hardware or electrical engineering experience who wants to learn how to use embedded machine-learning capabilities and get access to a GNU/Linux device driver to collect data from a peripheral or to control a device, this is the book for you.
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Romania

Premium delivery 7 - 10 business days

€25.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : May 28, 2015
Length: 240 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784393526
Category :
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Romania

Premium delivery 7 - 10 business days

€25.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : May 28, 2015
Length: 240 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784393526
Category :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
€18.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
€189.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
€264.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total 94.97
Learning Beaglebone Python Programming
€32.99
BeagleBone Black Cookbook
€36.99
Beaglebone Essentials
€24.99
Total 94.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

12 Chapters
1. Installing the Developing System Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Managing the System Console Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Compiling versus Cross-compiling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Quick Programming with Scripts Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Device Drivers Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Serial Ports and TTY Devices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Universal Serial Bus – USB Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Inter-integrated Circuit – I2C Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Serial Peripheral Interface – SPI Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. 1-Wire Bus – W1 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. Useful System Daemons Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
(2 Ratings)
5 star 100%
4 star 0%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Eternauta Sep 02, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Una sintetica introduzione all'uso della BeagleBone Black. Può essere utile ad un utente che sta imparando ad usarla da zero fino ad un modo più evoluto, soprattutto perché spiega come accedere direttamente alle periferiche.Chiari i capitoli su I2C, SPI e 1-wire.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Thaddeus B. Nov 24, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Using a Beagle Bone Black Rev C and was stuck making a LKM driver for it. Reading this book puts all the needed steps from the very basic to deep details like full compilation of the kernel and building a driver into perspective. Rodolfo even cites other books for deep dive help in very complex areas. All the information is presented well and clearly. A truly excellent book and Rodolfo keeps the content current in an ever changing sea of kernel updates. I HIGHLY recommend for a beginner or expert.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela