rtems-test on BBB hardware (was Re: Enabling Buildbot 'responsible user' emails.)

[Chris Johns]

On 12/2/20 9:37 am, Amar Takhar wrote:
> On 2020-02-10 13:05 +1100, Chris Johns wrote:
>> On 8/2/20 11:13 am, Amar Takhar wrote:
>>> I was going to start with the Beaglebone and do TFTP to load the tests.  
>>
>> I suggest you start with getting rtems-run to run any of the built tests. You
>> will need ...
>>
>> 1. An SD card image with u-boot configured to TFTP netboot. The rtems-boot-image
>> tool can make this. You u-boot for the BBB.
> 
> Okay I'll check that out.
> 
>> 2. The TFTP proxy tool running. This avoids all the tests and rtems-test having
>> to be on the same host plus with some changes rtems-test could run parallel jobs
>> on real hardware (currently not a priority for me to work on).
> 
> I can do parallel tests within Buildbot.  It's what I would do anyway so we can 
> get proper results printed out and capture logs It's always a linear run in each 
> 'builder'.

The issue rtems-test faces is the relationship between a specific instance of
hardware and the management of the TFTP and console telnet session. This is
where there is a conflict, ie the same type of board with the same u-boot set up
all boot at once and request the same image. You need a way to manage the
relationships. I manage this with the tftp proxy tool I placed in rtems-tools.

>> 3. Serial console connections using ser2net. I have a RPi on a USB hub with a
>> quick power port that can run the RPi and all my consoles.
> 
> Okay thanks.
> 
>>> I do 
>>> have a board design using p-channel mosfets to be able to disconnect the power 
>>> to each board out of band to handle hard locks.  That's why I went with a custom 
>>> power supply.  Wish I had the 5-10k for the digital switchable power supplies 
>>> I'm used to using. :)
>>
>> I got a cheap one but they still cost. Sorting out the power control can be once
>> you can run an executable.
> 
> Yeah I know I've looked at my options I'm not going to worry about it for now.  
> I have my PDU on my rack which an power cycle remotely for now it's just not 
> silent heh.  I should change the relays in it.

Mine make a click noise. The boards, RPi ser2net box, switch and power control
are all in a cupboard.

Chris