NI 488.2 Reprise: need Redhat kernel 2.6.24...

[andrewr]

Hello,
I have a problem that is even worth a little bit of $ to me if it comes to that. I have a national instruments NI488.2 for linux that won't install because I don't have a compatible *source code* red hat/suse/mandrake ... etc. RPM kernel.
The dongle doesn't work with newer kernels than 2.6.24 and redhat has frozen the releases at 2.6.18 and 2.6.32 (for Enterprise linux).
National instruments didn't think to save a copy of the newest kernel that actually *works* with their dongle -- and I can't go back to the last freeze at 2.6.18 because it breaks my system.

What I need is a /usr/src/linux/kernel-2.6.24 directory that has already been compiled, because the NI driver is looking for *object* files in the compiled kernel to link against and the binary kernel alone is not enough.

I have tried PBone and downloaded a 2.6.24 kernel from redhat, called: kernel-desktop-2.6.24.7-2.i386.rpm; It includes the binary and runs -- but it doesn't have compiled source code.
There is also a source code repositiory for it -- *BUT* the source code package is *not compiled* and (worse, much worse) does *not* have the make files, or the rpmbuild scripts so that I can compile it with.

It only has the kernel configuration that was used to make the binary rpm that does work... and I presume, patched source code.

So, what I need is either:
1) a fully compiled redhat kernel of version 2.6.24 ( I'll happily take a file made by "tar -zc /usr/src/kernel-2.6.24-??? > kernel2.6.24.tar.gz ) or anything like it from someone who has it fully *compiled* for the x86 (i386 to i686 will work) architechture at 32 bits,
I'd even buy it on ebay auction for the $14 return cost of the dongle shipping.

2) A copy of the make files for a *red hat* 2.6.24_desktop system. Redhat has patches, so a vanilla kernel make files isn't guaranteed to work with the source code I have -- so I don't want to go that way;

3) pointers of where I might search for this beyond the standard redhat FTP repository; or pbone which has only partially usable packages that I have found.

Here is the source code I did find that ought to work; but I can't get it to compile: (do save link as in firefox...)
ftp://ftp.pbone.net/mirror/ftp.pld-l...7-2.noarch.rpm


Otherwise, I'll just return it as the hassle is too much.
Thanks!

[Rubberman]

There is no Red Hat Enterprise Linux that used the 2.6.24 kernel, but the 2008.1 Mandriva system does use that kernel. Here is a link to the download page where you should be able to pull a copy of the kernel from one of the DVD iso images, or from their repositories.

Index of /pub/linux/MandrivaLinux/official/iso/2008.1

[andrewr]

Thank you very much. I was able to find the source mentioned and try it.

I am at the return it point now.... Guess what, NI doesn't support Mandriva Linux after 2006; They support "Enterprise WS", Suse (old), and another really old distro -- but all with versions prior to 2.6.24.
How they tested kernel 2.6.24 on any of these is truly a mystery to me.... they only support a phantom release???! And try as I might, it won't install on anything else.....

Considering the dongle value to me is down another $50, it makes sense to send it back now regardless.
I can program a microcontroller to replace the proprietary one on SoftMark's dongle for $2.25, +$35 dongle -- and that will take less time. Semper gumbi -- remain flexible!!!


Post.Script: If you are buying an NI high speed US dongle, it will come in a package that says "void" the moment you open it -- slice!
As of this date 2011, the open source linux driver does not work with NI's high speed USB dongle. ( I tried that too. ).
NI's software is extremely system specific, requiring compiled (not just configured) source code that it can link a driver against. (Supposedly redhat is inventing a work-around for third party software at the present time.)

To work: Your linux system must be RED HAT rpm based --- and (likely) not newer than kernel 2.6.18 -- If that breaks your system too, well ... be careful.
NI does not tell you the Linux restrictions up front on the advertisement; but there is no support for anything newer except a mystery working system in the 2.6.24 kernel.
It's not evil, it's just comedy of errors. I suppose they will eventually support a newer kernel, so do check back with them -- but tell them exactly what your system is before you buy, including kernel number, and get them to verify that it has been tested on that *exact* system.

Good Luck!

[Daniel_Paley]

After spending several hours on the phone with National this morning, the FAE called me back (Very Nice Guy). He was VERY unhappy with the extent of their Linux code and did some additional checking. There is a 'new' driver - but the web page is not indexed in to their search.

type 'joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2636'

as for some reason copy and paste doesn't work. I am loading Suse 11.3 now. I'll post back if it works.