• Building the VAMP

    Published on 12-23-2012 08:30 AM
    Part 1 - Logitech SqueezeBox replacement for under $30
    Part 2 - Building the VAMP
    Part 3 - VAMP adding audio output and speakers (SqueezeBox Boom for $40)

    In the last article I laid out my design considerations for a SqueezeBox replacement using simple, low-cost hardware. I call this project the VAMP (VortexBox Adaptable Music Player). In this article I'll show you how to build your own VAMP.



    Hardware required

    - Pogoplug POGO-E02
    - 4GB USB flash drive

    Software
    - putty (or other SSH program)
    - USB Image Tool
    - VAMP software image


    1. Remove packaging from your PogoPlug and attach it to power and your Internet router. Look at the bottom and make sure it says Model: POGO-E02. (or POGO-E02G) These steps will not work on another model. You should also write down the MAC address.

    2. Find out the IP address of your PogoPlug by looking for its MAC address in your router's DHCP table or scanning your network with Angry IP Scanner.

    3. SSH to your PogoPlug using putty or another SSH program. Enter user: root and the password: ceadmin.

    4. You should now have a # prompt. Enter the following commands exactly! (You may want to copy and past them into putty)

    Code:
    cd /tmp
wget http://jeff.doozan.com/debian/uboot/install_uboot_mtd0.sh
chmod +x install_uboot_mtd0.sh
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/sbin:/sbin
./install_uboot_mtd0.sh
fw_setenv arcNumber
fw_setenv machid dd6
    enter OK and y to "pogoplug services"

    5. Now you need to ready your 4GB USB key. Plug it into your computer. Allow Windows to quick-format your USB key if it asks.

    6. Run USB Image Tool as administrator. (THIS IS IMPORTANT! Right click on it and select run as administrator.) Select your key in the left panel of USB Image Tool.

    7. Download this image and restore it to the USB key.

    Download VAMP 0.4 image

    8. Put the USB key into the front port on the PogoPlug and type reboot in your ssh window.

    9. The PogoPlug should go dark then come back up with an orange LED instead of the green one.

    10. You can now SSH to your VAMP. The user is root and the password is nosoup4u

    11. Make sure you can log in and everything is working. Then connect your USB DAC and reboot again.

    12. Type alsamixer then unmute, adjust the volume of your DAC. After you exit alsamixer type alsactl store to store your DAC configuration.
    Code:
    alsamixer
alsactl store


    Your VAMP should now be working. Go into your LMS web interface and you should see a new player called VAMP. Play some music to it!

    In my next article I'll talk about various USB audio devices I used with my VAMP.

    Part 1 - Logitech SqueezeBox replacement for under $30
    Part 2 - Building the VAMP
    Part 3 - VAMP adding audio output and speakers (SqueezeBox Boom for $40)