LaFonera Hardware 32MB SDRAM MOD

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(Changing SDRAM chips on the Fon for 32MB and reflashing Redboot)
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-[[Category:LaFonera]]+ 
-[[Category:LaFonera_Hardware]]+[[Category:LaFonera_Hardware_(en)]]
-You are here: '''[[Main_Page|DD-WRT wiki mainpage]] / [[LaFonera|LaFonera]] / [[LaFonera_Hardware|Hardware]] / 32MB SDRAM MOD'''+You are here: '''[[Main_Page|DD-WRT wiki mainpage]] / [[LaFonera_(en)|LaFonera]] / [[:Category:LaFonera_Hardware_(en)|Hardware]] / 32MB SDRAM MOD'''
==Finding the right SDRAM chips for the Mod== ==Finding the right SDRAM chips for the Mod==
 +The Fonera uses 128 Mbit PC133 SDRAM arranged in 4 banks x 2 Mbit x 16-bit width.
 +For this mod, you will need to find ram chips that are 4 banks x 4 Mbit x 16-bit width.
-==Changing SDRAM chips on the Fon for 32MB and reflashing Redboot==+You can easily buy these parts from a source like Digikey for $8 but you can easily find these chips on PC100/PC133 256 MB SINGLE sided ram. Since single sided ram chips are harder to find, I choose to go with SO-DIMM for notebooks because there are usually 8 chips rather than 16 chips.
-{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5+Below is the part I bought from e-bay for $20.
-| [[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_01.jpg]]+
-| '''Out of the box the foneros wireless router has Telnet and SSH turned off. By accessing the buit in serial console you can turn SSH on and access various settings and reflash the firmware.'''+
- +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_1.jpg]]
-Read on and you’ll find out how.+[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_2.jpg]]
-|}+
 +==Removing and replacing ram chips on the Fonera==
 +First of all, this mod is not for the faint of heart and definitely not for those that have not done any kind of soldering before. With that out of the way, we an proceed to removing ram chips without professional equipment.
-See [[LaFonera_Hardware_Disassembling|LaFonera Hardware Disassembling]] for how to dissassemble your router. You will need to find the serial console. See the image below:+It is entirely possible to remove the chips without any ChipQuick, just using Solder Wick. If done properly, there won't be enough solder under the pads to keep the chip on when a little bit of force is applied to the chip. The legs will 'pop' from the pads, leaving both intact. However, the ChipQuik method is almost fool proof.
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_02.jpg]]+Get a sample ChipQuik SMD removal kit. It includes flux and some low low temperature solder.
 +First, you proceed to apply the gel flux to the leads of the ram chip
- +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_3.jpg]]
-{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5+
-|[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_03.jpg]]+
-|+
-|In order to connect it to your PC we need to convert the '''+3.3 volts''' from the Vcc of the router to the levels of your PC serial port wich operates at '''-12 to +12 volts'''.+
-|}+
 +Next, you melt the solder wire so that it bridges ALL the leads of the ram chip
- +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_4.jpg]]
-For this you can use any kind of '''TTL to RS232 level shifter'''. These can be bought as kits or made from for example a phone data cable. Using a '''MAX 232''' you can wire it up like this:+
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_04.jpg]]+While using a little dental pick or something thin and sharp, apply minimal pressure while melting the solder on each side of the ram chips. Basically, you give each side 3 seconds until the chip just lifts from the board. DO NOT yank the part from the board or it will RIP out traces from the board.
 +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_5.jpg]]
 +Next, with solder wick, gently clean the bridged solder from the legs until you get something looking like this. If you buy the parts from Digikey, they will come in this form and you can skip the above procedure.
-Using a '''dremel''' or a knife we need to cut out a hole for the Serial connector:+[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_6.jpg]]
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_05.jpg]]+Repeat the above procedure to remove the ram chip from the Fonera board as shown below
 +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_7.jpg]]
 +Using solder wick again, gently clean the pads of the Fonera board. Make sure they are clean, with as little old solder on them as possible. After they are cleaned, use a Q-Tip with some IPA (rubbing alcohol) and clean the board of any flux, residue.
-Draw along the connector to mark out where to cut:+[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_8.jpg]]
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_06.jpg]]+Finally, carefully align the new ram chip on the pads and solder the new ram chip back on, pin by pin. It makes your life a lot easier if you tack down the corners of the RAM before you start to solder the RAM. ALWAYS use liquid flux for SMT rework as it will make your life A LOT EASIER. Trust me on this one.
 +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_9.jpg]]
 +== Booting up to make sure board still works ==
 +Using a serial cable, make sure the board still works as usual.
-If you use a dremel, use a low rpm so that the plastic don’t melt.+[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_10.jpg]]
-The finished cutout for the '''DB9 connector''': 
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_07.jpg]]+Notice that the ram is still 16 MB. This is because redboot hasn't initialized the extra 16 MB.
- +'''RAM: 0x80000000-0x81000000, [0x80040450-0x80fe1000] available'''
-All done! Ain’t it beatuiful?+== Updating redboot to use 32 MB ram ==
-[[Image:Fonera_-_serielles_kabel_-_klein.jpg]]+I've spent an entire week to gather redboot sources, fonera sources, meraki-mini sources and finally compiled a working redboot that will initialize the 32 MB ram. You can download it from here:
 +[http://www.ece.uwaterloo.ca/~kzlo/redboot.rom Get modified Redboot.rom here]
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_08.jpg]]+Download the above file and host it on your computer's tftp server:
 + RedBoot> load -r -b %{FREEMEMLO} redboot.rom
 + Using default protocol (TFTP)
 + Raw file loaded 0x80040800-0x8006806f, assumed entry at 0x80040800
-To access it you can use any terminal application. '''HyperTerminal''' ships with windows and it will do fine.Connect your fon to Com1 and Start hyperterminal from:+Now, update the redboot boot loader:
-'' '''Start->Programs->Accessories->Communications->HyperTerminal'' '''.+ RedBoot> fis create RedBoot
 + An image named 'RedBoot' exists - continue (y/n)? y
 + ... Erase from 0xa8000000-0xa8030000: ...
 + ... Program from 0x80040800-0x80068070 at 0xa8000000: ...
 + ... Erase from 0xa87e0000-0xa87f0000: .
 + ... Program from 0x80ff0000-0x81000000 at 0xa87e0000: .
-You will need to set up communication settings to+Reboot and you should get this:
-'''9600-8-N-1 and no flow control''':+ +Ethernet eth0: MAC address xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
 + IP: 192.168.2.254/255.255.255.0, Gateway: 192.168.2.1
 + Default server: 192.168.2.2
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_09.jpg]]+ RedBoot(tm) bootstrap and debug environment [ROMRAM]
 + Non-certified release, version UNKNOWN - built 01:14:04, Mar 14 2007
 + Copyright (C) 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Red Hat, Inc.
 + Board: ap51
 + RAM: 0x80000000-0x82000000, [0x8003f6e0-0x80fe1000] available
 + FLASH: 0xa8000000 - 0xa87f0000, 128 blocks of 0x00010000 bytes each.
 + == Executing boot script in 5.000 seconds - enter ^C to abort
 + ^C
 + RedBoot>
-And here you have it:+Now, notice the extra ram available!!!
- +
-[[Image:LaFonera_Hardware_Serial-Cable-Port_10.jpg]]+
- +
-----+
- +
-== Alternate and Easier Serial Circuit ==+
-Alternate Serial Circuit+
- +
-There is also another solution to using a Max232 chip that is less work, and less parts. That means its easier to build, and it is a smaller circuit. All you need is a serial connector and a Dallas DS275. +
-[http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/2929 Here is a link to the DS275]+
-If your really slick, you can have them shipped at no cost as a "free sample."+
- +
-Here is the diagram to wire up this chip to attach to the fon. The chip will operate on 3v, so you can use the pin on the Fon's board to power it.+
- +
-[[Image:Dsbs8.gif]]+
- +
-You will enjoy the results immensely. I love you all.+
- +
-== Other Tutorials ==+
- +
-There are other possibilities to build a serial-port to your LaFonera.+
-Some of them could be found here:+
-# Build a serial connection-cable from a mobile-phone-pc-adapter [http://cablefonera.blogspot.com/2006/11/empezando.html original spanish website] [http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=es_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcablefonera.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Fempezando.html babelfish translation]+
-# Add a serial RS-232 port to your LaFonera (some pictures) [http://pobletewireless.blogspot.com/2006/12/aade-un-puerto-serie-la-fonera.html original spanish website] [http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=es_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpobletewireless.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F12%2Faade-un-puerto-serie-la-fonera.html babelfish translation]+
-# [http://microblog.routed.net/2007/02/14/how-to-make-a-dual-supply-rs-232-to-ttl-level-converter/ "How to make a dual-supply RS-232 to TTL level converter"]+
-# [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=63256#63256 Alternative serial port cable mod] using cell-phone serial-to-USB cables. Requires no soldering, just the cable and two wires.+
- +
- +
- +
-(The text on this Wiki-page was taken from http://sodoityourself.com/accessing-serial-console-on-the-fon)+
- +
-== Shell access without disassembling your LaFonera ==+
- +
-http://blog.blase16.de/index.php?url=2006/11/28/Hacking-Fonera+
- +
 + RAM: 0x80000000-0x82000000, [0x8003f6e0-0x80fe1000] available
 +== Screen shots of 32 MB ram ==
 +[[Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_11.jpg]]
---- ----
- +This page was made possible by [[User:GoldServe|GoldServe!]]
-this page was made by [[User:wildblue|wildblue!]]+

Current revision

You are here: DD-WRT wiki mainpage / LaFonera / Hardware / 32MB SDRAM MOD

Contents

[edit] Finding the right SDRAM chips for the Mod

The Fonera uses 128 Mbit PC133 SDRAM arranged in 4 banks x 2 Mbit x 16-bit width.

For this mod, you will need to find ram chips that are 4 banks x 4 Mbit x 16-bit width.

You can easily buy these parts from a source like Digikey for $8 but you can easily find these chips on PC100/PC133 256 MB SINGLE sided ram. Since single sided ram chips are harder to find, I choose to go with SO-DIMM for notebooks because there are usually 8 chips rather than 16 chips.

Below is the part I bought from e-bay for $20.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_1.jpg

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_2.jpg

[edit] Removing and replacing ram chips on the Fonera

First of all, this mod is not for the faint of heart and definitely not for those that have not done any kind of soldering before. With that out of the way, we an proceed to removing ram chips without professional equipment.

It is entirely possible to remove the chips without any ChipQuick, just using Solder Wick. If done properly, there won't be enough solder under the pads to keep the chip on when a little bit of force is applied to the chip. The legs will 'pop' from the pads, leaving both intact. However, the ChipQuik method is almost fool proof.

Get a sample ChipQuik SMD removal kit. It includes flux and some low low temperature solder.

First, you proceed to apply the gel flux to the leads of the ram chip

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_3.jpg

Next, you melt the solder wire so that it bridges ALL the leads of the ram chip

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_4.jpg

While using a little dental pick or something thin and sharp, apply minimal pressure while melting the solder on each side of the ram chips. Basically, you give each side 3 seconds until the chip just lifts from the board. DO NOT yank the part from the board or it will RIP out traces from the board.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_5.jpg

Next, with solder wick, gently clean the bridged solder from the legs until you get something looking like this. If you buy the parts from Digikey, they will come in this form and you can skip the above procedure.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_6.jpg

Repeat the above procedure to remove the ram chip from the Fonera board as shown below

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_7.jpg

Using solder wick again, gently clean the pads of the Fonera board. Make sure they are clean, with as little old solder on them as possible. After they are cleaned, use a Q-Tip with some IPA (rubbing alcohol) and clean the board of any flux, residue.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_8.jpg

Finally, carefully align the new ram chip on the pads and solder the new ram chip back on, pin by pin. It makes your life a lot easier if you tack down the corners of the RAM before you start to solder the RAM. ALWAYS use liquid flux for SMT rework as it will make your life A LOT EASIER. Trust me on this one.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_9.jpg

[edit] Booting up to make sure board still works

Using a serial cable, make sure the board still works as usual.

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_10.jpg


Notice that the ram is still 16 MB. This is because redboot hasn't initialized the extra 16 MB.

RAM: 0x80000000-0x81000000, [0x80040450-0x80fe1000] available

[edit] Updating redboot to use 32 MB ram

I've spent an entire week to gather redboot sources, fonera sources, meraki-mini sources and finally compiled a working redboot that will initialize the 32 MB ram. You can download it from here:

Get modified Redboot.rom here

Download the above file and host it on your computer's tftp server:

  RedBoot> load -r -b %{FREEMEMLO} redboot.rom
  Using default protocol (TFTP)
  Raw file loaded 0x80040800-0x8006806f, assumed entry at 0x80040800

Now, update the redboot boot loader:

  RedBoot> fis create RedBoot
  An image named 'RedBoot' exists - continue (y/n)? y
  ... Erase from 0xa8000000-0xa8030000: ...
  ... Program from 0x80040800-0x80068070 at 0xa8000000: ...
  ... Erase from 0xa87e0000-0xa87f0000: .
  ... Program from 0x80ff0000-0x81000000 at 0xa87e0000: .

Reboot and you should get this:

  +Ethernet eth0: MAC address xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
  IP: 192.168.2.254/255.255.255.0, Gateway: 192.168.2.1
  Default server: 192.168.2.2
  RedBoot(tm) bootstrap and debug environment [ROMRAM]
  Non-certified release, version UNKNOWN - built 01:14:04, Mar 14 2007
  Copyright (C) 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Red Hat, Inc.
  Board: ap51
  RAM: 0x80000000-0x82000000, [0x8003f6e0-0x80fe1000] available
  FLASH: 0xa8000000 - 0xa87f0000, 128 blocks of 0x00010000 bytes each.
  == Executing boot script in 5.000 seconds - enter ^C to abort
  ^C
  RedBoot>

Now, notice the extra ram available!!!

  RAM: 0x80000000-0x82000000, [0x8003f6e0-0x80fe1000] available

[edit] Screen shots of 32 MB ram

Image:FON_SDRAM_MOD_11.jpg


This page was made possible by GoldServe!