GPL software

[ChrisInEdmonton]

The manual states that I can download the source code under the GPL by going to http://www.myjavelin.com/support/download/download_eng.asp. However, I am unable to access that website from either of two computers. I'd have submitted a support request directly to Patriot, but their support form does not seem to list the Javelin as an option.

I probably don't want to muck about with the GPL'ed software, but it is important to me that the license is being adhered to.

[BadIntentions]

I have a copy of the GPL source, but its freaking huge. Ask support, they will get it to you, though they may charge a fee to mail you discs.

They ever so nicely included a proprietary format spreadsheet listing whats supposed to be in there, leaving out important things like uBoot, and oddly including FFMPEG even though it didnt make it into the final product.

[ChrisInEdmonton]

Thanks! Really, my concern is that the source code is actually available. I don't have the time at the moment to play around with it, though I may in the future.

I rather like the box, by the way. :)

[jpyper]

I have a copy of the GPL source, but its freaking huge. Ask support, they will get it to you, though they may charge a fee to mail you discs.

They ever so nicely included a proprietary format spreadsheet listing whats supposed to be in there, leaving out important things like uBoot, and oddly including FFMPEG even though it didnt make it into the final product.

My question is... why is the source mysteriously missing when it is mentioned on the download page at http://patriotmemory.com/support/driversp.jsp?source=1068 ?

I believe in open source and love developing things to give back to the community in any way that I can. I would like to find out more about the mini computer we have in our NAS boxes and would like to build a mini Linux distro/firmware to maybe make it a little more useful.

If Patriot is going to be tight lipped about everything, then why even bother posting that the source is available on the downloads page?

[BadIntentions]

Just request it, from support, They will provide it.

[jpyper]

Just request it, from support, They will provide it.

That's not really following the GPL licensing rules of the Linux kernel or the licenses of the open source software used within the device.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those /everything should be open source/ type of people, but I do follow restrictions of licenses of the products that I do use that are open source.

In all honesty, there's really nothing to hide. This device is just really a headless computer. Once I figured out the basic options and getting it to play well with my LAN and utilizing your Rooter plugin, I've learned quite a deal about this device.

I want to develop a new firmware for the Javelin. It has so much potential. Think of it like dd-wrt (which I use on my Netgear router), OpenWRT, Tomato or the countless other router firmwares that make the devices better than the company stock firmware.

Because of the licenses in the Linux kernel they use and the licenses of the open source tools they use in their firmwares, they have to provide the source.

I will contact Support first thing in the morning regarding obtaining the source.

[BadIntentions]

Actually, as much as it pains me, it IS correct under the GPL. The GPL was written before the internet was popular. They can actually require you to write them a snailmail requesting the source and, they could charge you distribution costs for a copy, such a sending it by CD by mail. They could include the 'cost' of an 'engineer' packaging the source for download. its been used in the past by certain companies (Linksys comes to mind) to basically stifle innovation.

Either way, I recieved a copy after just asking for it, and it does contain some damn good info, such as the DTC file (definition of the hardware needed for booting) and the config file for the kernel, but it is not complete enough for a full toolchain.

I actually have provided enough info in my other threads to build complete application packages though if you go digging. I suppose i should start a wiki if there is actually someone who is capable and willing to help. I have also started with booting a copy of OpenWRT on the Javelin, which is kinda stalled at the moment (see my heavy duty hacking thread.)

[BadIntentions]

http://www.patriotmemory.com/software/Javelin/JV4800p_GPL_Source_v1.0.rar

GPL'd source code is now available in the download section on the main site!