Serial communications

[briansrapier]

I have an iPod 3G and have a Griffin iTrip LCD (this one) that I use exclusively for commuting.

I like the Rockbox features/interface, but I can't seem to locate info for getting my iTrip to work. From what I've read, it has to do with bi-directional serial communications. The closest mention I've seen about getting it working is this. I've also seen some UGLY hacks for powering it from a secondary battery as well, but I don't want to hack up my iTrip when it works perfectly well with the original firmware.

Anyone have info as to if getting serial communications working is still being pursued?

[saratoga]

The serial port isn't implemented on the ipod.  Until someone does so, you won't be able to use it.

Also, that FS entry is from way before the Ipod port began.  Its probably for the Iriver players.

[Chronon]

It looks like the iPL folks have had some success with using the serial port on 3g iPods.  Have we looked at what they do already?

[briansrapier]

I'm assuming you mean this. Does iPL play nice with Rockbox? In other words, could you/we borrow the serial drivers, or at least the source to build a serial driver for RB from their project to help this effort?

[GodEater]

A lot of the original ipod port of Rockbox was done by looking at how the iPL folks had done stuff - so yes this is possible.

BUT :

1) Their driver only works on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen iPods. This means it won't work on B&W 4th Gens, Colour 4th Gens (iPod Color), 5th Gen, 5.5th Gen, either Mini, any Nano, and, should work on the Classic and Touch start eventually, it won't work on them either. That means it's a VERY narrow Rockbox target band you're aiming it. Which is why :
2) No-one has done it - because it's a fraction of Rockbox targets, and we TRY to keep the experience the same across all our targets.

[briansrapier]

OK, this may sound self-serving (well, it is): since iPod gen 1-3 are supported, and I happen to have a 3G, is there a way that I can compile this into my kernel so I can get it working for me?

Honestly, I don't know the first thing about writing drivers, so I'm not trying to belittle what you are trying to accomplish.

[GodEater]

Yes there's a way - but it involves you learning how to program.

[briansrapier]

C?

[GodEater]

For the most part - with perhaps a sprinkling of ARM Assembly.