 NSLU2-Linux
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FatSlug is the term that has come to be used to describe an NSLU2 that has had additional RAM added. This is a hardware hack and requires purchasing the correct memory chips or getting them from appropriate SDRAM modules.
Increasing the Flash memory seems like a good idea too but it would require JTAG to get some sort of bootloader into the chip after and there are other ways to add storage memory such as one of the internal USB ports. However, increasing the flash from 8MB to 16MB is straight-forward, and an NSLU2 that has 16MB flash and 256MB RAM has been named an ObeseSlug. Obviously this is not for the 'faint of heart' because it requires specialized tools and skills to perform the operation on the NSLU2. You must remove the existing SDRAM chips unless you are going to add 2 more just like them which will limit you to 64M total. The circuit tracks are extremely small and tearing a few of those up will pretty much trash the board. You absolutely must use proper practice to eliminate static. I have not done it yet but on the next slug I modify, I am going to leave the original chips on the board but lift the CS lines and tie them to +3.3V to permanently tristate these chips. Then I will just solder the new chips on top (a three layer stack) and connect the CS lines for both banks. This will eliminate most of the risk of damaging the board and also provide a recovery path if 'something bad' happens. This is an old idea from the Z80 days where you could tristate the entire CPU off of the address and data lines via the BUSREQ line and then use the buses with another CPU (preferably a faster one...). The only real benefit to adding RAM is that it will reduce or eliminate swapping to disk. If your use of the Slug does not require a lot of memory, you will see little if any change in performance. That said, it is a pretty fun hack. :) sdm485 |
