DSM-G600, DNS-3xx and NSA-220 Hack Forum

ken · 2008-02-04 00:58:15

Hi guys. Newbie here, so treat me gently.

Can anyone tell me how to get my DNS323 to automatically start after a power failure and restore?

It will be in an inaccessible location, so I won't be able to press the power button. -Why it doesn't start up on a power restore beats me. An always-on device which stays off after a brief power failure doesn't make sense.

I've got telnet working to it, so if there is a linux solution, I'm happy. But I suspect it will be BIOS or hardware. My last resort will be to put a bit of circuitry across the power switch to 'press' it after a power restore.

Thanks for any info on this.

CamBendy · 2008-02-04 01:28:37

Another user interested in this one here - mine is hidden away too!

fickle · 2008-02-04 03:14:42

guys, currently at this time your question is not supported within the current state of this device. others are trying to "build that functionality" however, have heard little of that subject for a bit now

jayas · 2008-02-04 03:29:07

ken wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to get my DNS323 to automatically start after a power failure and restore?

Hi Ken,

This feature has to be incorporated in the startup sequence and I have asked for it through technical support. I am not sure if and when it will become a feature.

Jaya

bfg100k · 2008-02-04 09:01:03

I thought I read somewhere that the DNS-323 supports WOL? If so, perhaps you can write a program to check its heartbeat on a periodic basis and send the WOL command when the check fails for say 3 consecutive times?

fordem · 2008-02-04 18:05:27

As far as I know - the DNS-323 does not support WOL - although I have not tested it since upgrading to 1.04. It is theoretically possible, as far as I can tell the Marvell chipset used supports it, and it should be as simple as enabling it with the appropriate commands - supposedly something along the lines of

ethtool -s eth1 wol g

Edit - I tested with 1.04 - WOL is still not supported.

Last edited by fordem (2008-02-06 04:15:15)

ken · 2008-02-05 00:34:48

Thanks for the replies folks.
I searched the forum for WOL, and found that it is NOT supported. (What were you reading bfg100k?) It is a bit of an ugly solution anyway.
However... I'll upgrade to 1.04 (from 1.03) and try what you say fordem.
If I have to do it in hardware, I'll post my results here. -I'll also post the results of WOL experimenting.
And I'll probably be pulling the box apart to see if I can connect to its PC board to get into the BIOS. -Long shot, but anything non-invasive is worth a try.

I bought the DNS323 over a QNAP box, simply because of the extra 10C temperature rating. I'm starting to wonder if I made the right decision.

HaydnH · 2008-02-05 13:09:40

The driver for the gigabit card is the standard "Marvell Yukon Chipset / SysKonnect SK-98xx Support" driver that comes with the kernel. As of kernel 2.6.12.6 (FW1.03), I think this driver doesn't support ethtool, at least the kernel documentation doesn't mention it and 2.6.23.8 also doesn't mention it. However, I've found online documentation for this driver with a "Section 6 - ethtool" which does mention wol - it might be possible with a later driver - but I'm probably not going to find out unless I implement console access - disabling the network device you're accessing the box via is probably not a good idea! ;P

jayas · 2008-02-05 14:18:47

ken wrote:
I'll probably be pulling the box apart to see if I can connect to its PC board to get into the BIOS. -Long shot, but anything non-invasive is worth a try.

Hi Ken,

DNS-323 is based on embedded ARM processor and boots off on-board flash memory. So there is no BIOS interface as such that you find in the PC world.

In theory you can change the contents of on-board flash to do what you want (that I want to do this too) but if anything goes wrong with the boot sector and the device does not boot up, you are stuck with warranty problems.

Hope this helps

Jaya

fordem · 2008-02-05 14:19:52

HaydnH wrote:
The driver for the gigabit card is the standard "Marvell Yukon Chipset / SysKonnect SK-98xx Support" driver that comes with the kernel. As of kernel 2.6.12.6 (FW1.03), I think this driver doesn't support ethtool, at least the kernel documentation doesn't mention it and 2.6.23.8 also doesn't mention it. However, I've found online documentation for this driver with a "Section 6 - ethtool" which does mention wol - it might be possible with a later driver - but I'm probably not going to find out unless I implement console access - disabling the network device you're accessing the box via is probably not a good idea! ;P

Given the fact that you're not writing to the firmware - correcting the accidental disabling of the LAN interface should be as simple as a reboot, and in a worst case scenario, through the reset pin switch.

To my way of thought (and I'm no linux guru, so feel free to show me what I'm overlooking), this would be done through telnet and could be handled by a script called through fun_plug, even if you screwed up the script, just swap the drives so that fun_plug doesn't run on the next power up.

HaydnH · 2008-02-05 15:24:55

Fordem, the problem I'm seeing is that you'll probably have to disable the nic before changing the driver and upping the interface again - obviously you would be kicked off the telnet session when you down the nic so you wouldn't be able to up it again. Of course you could do it in a fun_plug - but then you'd have to put the disks in a pc (I only have a laptop!) to remove the fun_plug if you got it wrong - unless the reset switch disables fun_plug for the next boot?? (That would actually be quite useful! /etc/rc.sh is writable as well so you could probably implement it somehow... although it would probably be nicer to use a usb key and put in the fun_plug: "if file on usb key exists, do nothing"...)

fordem · 2008-02-05 15:40:25

Haydnh - I was more thinking of running ethtool, not changing the NIC driver - I see where you're coming from now.

Regards the drives in a PC approach - several companies now offer a "3-in-one" SATA/ATA to USB adapter that accomodates laptop & desktop disk drives, both SATA & PATA - last price I paid was around $29, they come in very handy for troubleshooting, data transfer, etc.

cryptic · 2008-02-05 16:06:22

Hi guys,

here's a suggestion:

On my box, I have the fun_plug on the harddisk load the usb-storage kernel module, then have it mount a USB memory stick and then I execute a script on that memory stick.
Removing a USB-key and attaching it to a different system (such as a laptop) is then easy ;-)

Although I doubt whether the Wake-On-Lan will work after a power-out. I think that on my normal PC, Wake-On-Lan doesn't work after a power-out. I think the NIC needs to be
configured to do Wake-On-Lan before suspending.

HaydnH · 2008-02-05 16:45:42

I think ethtool may not be supported with this version of the driver (although I could be wrong - I'm just going on the docs). Shame D-Link didn't compile it as a module so you could just use module options like modprobe.conf - that may still be an option though, I can't remember what happens if you try to load a module that was compiled in to the kernel... I might have to try when I'm at home.

fordem · 2008-02-05 17:37:35

True WOL will work after a power outage - not all PC systems in current production support true WOL, some support only wake from one or more stages of hibernation.

fordem · 2008-02-06 04:28:01

Hadyn,

I think I may have found the document you mentioned - one that says WOL is enabled by default in section 9 - and also that it "supports wake from suspend mode" so cryptic may be right, WOL may not work after a power outage on this box.

So at least for me - it's time to look to pull out the soldering iron.

orbitaudio · 2008-02-07 23:24:46

Subscribed to this one also...

ken · 2008-03-27 14:14:24

Well, I've stuck a crude circuit inside the NAS box to achieve auto-powerup.

Details are here: http://www.waggies.net/Ken/dns323/index.htm

Cost is low. The bits would be in most electronic fiddlers' junkboxes.

Ken.

blbrown · 2008-03-27 15:21:51

Fantastic! Now be prepared for people to bother (maybe even swarm) you with purchase requests... How much would you charge for building the circuit, assuming I can solder it into place myself?

KRH · 2008-03-27 19:19:59

i relly like to ordre one too

ken · 2008-03-27 22:06:07

Sorry guys, I'm not in the manufacturing business.
However if anyone else wants to make PCBs and/or assemble them for sale, I have no objections.
The circuit is too simple to warrant a copyright beyond what I get automatically.

It is possible that there is a simpler way by soldering a couple of wires together on the DNS-323 circuit board. But we'd need D-Link to tell us about that, if it is doable.

blbrown · 2008-04-01 04:47:56

ken wrote:
Well, I've stuck a crude circuit inside the NAS box to achieve auto-powerup.

Details are here: http://www.waggies.net/Ken/dns323/index.htm

Cost is low. The bits would be in most electronic fiddlers' junkboxes.

Ken.

Ken, can you comment on the following parts list for your design? I can solder, but don't have any parts on-hand and want to make sure to get the correct items. Also, I'm wondering if connection 10 of the inverter chip is connected to anything? If not, then I'm assuming 11, 12, and 13 also don't need connections?

inverter chip (74C04)
MM74C04N-ND
$1.35
1x
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … M74C04N-ND

transistor (2N222)
497-2598-ND
$1.17
1x
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … 97-2598-ND

1K resistor (brown, black, red, red)
10 * 10^2, 2% failure
OD102JE-ND
$.42
1x
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … OD102JE-ND

diode (Si)
1N914
1N914B-ND
$.05
2x
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … =1N914B-ND

1M resistor (brown, black, green, gold)
1.0MQBK-ND
$.27
2x
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … 1.0MQBK-ND

3uF capacitor
478-1890-ND
$.65
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … 78-1890-ND

33uF capacitor
478-1893-ND
$.95
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … 78-1893-ND

100nF capacitor
478-1831-ND
$.46
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … 78-1831-ND
E2104-ND
$.26
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … e=E2104-ND
P4725-ND
$.13
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … e=P4725-ND

stripboard
3409K-ND
$9.21
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea … e=3409K-ND

ken · 2008-04-01 11:46:38

Those components look OK to me. I'm unclear as to whether the stripboard has copper pads or tracks on it, or whether it is just punched fibreglass. If the latter, maybe 'veroboard' would be more suitable.

None of the components are critical, they are just what I had on hand. An alternative to the 74C04 would be a 4069. The diodes would be better if schottky, but I don't think it matters. Almost any NPN transistor would do. (Plastic case would be better, since it is insulated.)

Pin 10 of the chip isn't used. Those two inverters weren't needed. But I would still connect them as shown. A floating input on a CMOS gate can oscillate, or float near centre voltage and draw more current than necessary.

Needless to say, I give no guarantees as to the suitability of the circuit, other than it works for me. And I'd expect an argument from D-Link on a warranty claim where the PCB had been soldered to. But the risk is low if you use reasonable anti-static precautions, and the isolation provided by the transistor from the rest of the 'extra' circuit is pretty good.

If you want a simpler circuit and less work, you could use a PicAxe chip on a PicAxe prototyping PCB. That has two resistors as serial interface to a PC for programming. The only extra components would then be the 1k resistor and transistor. It would cost more, and you'd need to get across the PicAxe 'system' and simple BASIC programming (for the delays). -Not a bad thing in its own right. (Sold by a few agents in the US.) Maybe a 555 chip could have been used as an alternative, but I designed what seemed simplest and cheapest to me.

Email me if you need further info.

Good luck.

Ken.

phitsc · 2008-04-17 23:00:42

I've implemented the Picaxe solution now. Thanks for the suggestion Ken. As Ken said, it's not as cheap as his solution but it's quite easy to put together. I've come across a few problems nevertheless. First, there seem to be different DSN-323 boards. Ken's circuitry indicates that his power switch switches to ground (?), while mine is floating. I had to use a relay to do the switching. The relay comes with its own problems though. The most serious one being that the relay I used was just a few millimeters too high, such that there was no satisfactory way to fit the board inside the DNS-323 case anymore. In the end, I decided to place the board outside the DNS-323. I was almost getting out my drilling machine, when I noticed that there already was a hole on the back of the DNS-323 (at least there is on mine), hidden under a little plastic cover which can easily be removed. I have no idea what this hole is meant to be used for, but it's in a perfect place to get the four wires needed out of the case.

Total cost of the base circuitry is about $21. I added a little case and a bi-colour LED (to make it look a bit more fancy and to use at least three of the five outputs of the Picaxe microcontroller ) which adds another ~ $6.

If anyone's interested in pictures or wants to build this and needs more details let me know.

Cheers
Philipp

Last edited by phitsc (2008-04-17 23:02:04)

ken · 2008-04-18 00:33:30

Well done Philipp.
Now you can have fun with Picaxes for other things?
There is a Yahoo forum for enthusiasts.

There are relays which are the size of an integrated circuit. One of those would have fitted inside the NAS box, no doubt.
(I have a bunch of them in my electronics bits collection.)

Another alternative would be a CMOS switch IC (eg 4066), powered from the 12v rail voltage.

Ken.

DSM-G600, DNS-3xx and NSA-220 Hack Forum

Announcement

#1 2008-02-04 00:58:15

Auto start on powerup?

#2 2008-02-04 01:28:37

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#3 2008-02-04 03:14:42

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#4 2008-02-04 03:29:07

Re: Auto start on powerup?

ken wrote:

#5 2008-02-04 09:01:03

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#6 2008-02-04 18:05:27

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#7 2008-02-05 00:34:48

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#8 2008-02-05 13:09:40

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#9 2008-02-05 14:18:47

Re: Auto start on powerup?

ken wrote:

#10 2008-02-05 14:19:52

Re: Auto start on powerup?

HaydnH wrote:

#11 2008-02-05 15:24:55

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#12 2008-02-05 15:40:25

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#13 2008-02-05 16:06:22

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#14 2008-02-05 16:45:42

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#15 2008-02-05 17:37:35

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#16 2008-02-06 04:28:01

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#17 2008-02-07 23:24:46

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#18 2008-03-27 14:14:24

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#19 2008-03-27 15:21:51

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#20 2008-03-27 19:19:59

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#21 2008-03-27 22:06:07

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#22 2008-04-01 04:47:56

Re: Auto start on powerup?

ken wrote:

#23 2008-04-01 11:46:38

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#24 2008-04-17 23:00:42

Re: Auto start on powerup?

#25 2008-04-18 00:33:30

Re: Auto start on powerup?

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