Making It Simpler

[Syrae]

I have my Zaurus 5500 running Opie, and I've been trying to get a working cross compiler for it.  OE is far to complicated for me to set up because I keep getting into that... this software requires this software which requires this software which requires a software whose build script is broken.    

All I need is GCC and/or G++.  Having a GUI would be nice, but at this point, having Hello World is a miracle.

In any case, I'm also developing for another embedded system.  I don't think the processors are the same.  The other system has a PXA255 in it, and the cross compiler that I have working seems to make Hello World just fine for the Zaurus.  So, if I built another compiler for the Zaurus (I'm doing a client-server app) what would be the differences?  Is there a real need to build a second compiler when I already have one ARM cross-compiler working (albiet for a slightly different processor?)

[adf]

The main isssue is that you need to use an older 2.95.3 ( I think) gcc to compile the 2.4 kernel for your 5500. otherwise, unless youre setup to optimise for arm5, you should be ok. the real difference in compiling between the 255 and the proc in the 5500 is a degree of possible optimisation-- the SA-1110 instructions are a subset of the possible instructions for the pxa 255 afaik.  Hopefully someone who knows more can give you a better answer.

[lardman]

If your current toolchain is setup to produce ARM5 code you may have troubles when you start running more complex programs as your 5500 only understands ARM4.


Si

[Syrae]

Thank you, I suspected as much.  I'm not sure how complicated my program may or may not get, but it's always irritating when it's the compiler's fault that my program is buggy.

Okay.  So my other system's toolchain is up and built, but it was prebuilt, so I didn't have to figure out how to do a cross compile.  I think I got something together and working with Crosstool for the 5500, but I have no idea if I used the right settings or not.  (I'm guessing not.)  Can anyone spare a moment to give me an idea of what I should compile and/or how to get a working cross compile going or where to find that info?  I don't care if I use Crosstool or not as long as something works.

Ideally, I'll get Opie's SDK up and running with it, but one thing at a time!  

Okay, so I need an old version of gcc, I need to compile for the ARM4 arch.  Should I use the same kernel that my Z is running?  What about things like glibc or linuxthreads or whatever?

Of course, if someone can explain to me why OE is so complicated to install, and why it makes things so easy once it's there, I may take another whack at that.

[lardman]

Okay, so I need an old version of gcc, I need to compile for the ARM4 arch.

As you're running OpenZaurus you only need the old (2.95.3) compiler for the kernel - everything else is compiled with 3.xx

Ideally, I'll get Opie's SDK up and running with it, but one thing at a time!

There's a toolchain on Mickeyl's website - best contact him to find out where as I can't remember. Try IRC.

Of course, if someone can explain to me why OE is so complicated to install, and why it makes things so easy once it's there, I may take another whack at that.

It's not *that* compilcated really. Drop me a line at S dot G dot Pickering at bath dot ac dot uk and I'll walk you through it (as it's by far the easiest method of obtaining a working toolchain, and indeed of creating binaries too).


Si

[Syrae]

Thanks, I'll drop you an email.