[Server-devel] XS procurement recommendations (new hardware - Nosy Komba, Madagascar)

[Sameer Verma]

On Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 7:48 AM, Mitchell Seaton <mseaton at ekindling.org> wrote:
> Dear all XS Server devel's,
>
> The OLPC France team is looking to provide a new XS server machine for their
> deployment in Nosy Komba. The current XS is not functional due to a current
> failed disk (cause to be discovered). Myself, and Adam Holt are planning
> work with Xavier (OLPC France), to help support the installation and final
> configuration of this new machine during June this year. We thought it's
> important to consult the community here ahead of this purchase decision.
>
> Firstly, we'd like to seek some clear hardware suggestion(s) for a potential
> new XS. Solar/batteries are current powering method at the deployment
> site. XO volume to be currently supported is 160, and should allow room for
> additional deployments. I believe, the investment should be positioned for
> min. 5yrs lifespan, and to cope in local heat, humidity, salt, dust,
> conditions.
>
> We're aware of some hardware that has been working in the field - I've
> particular noted MSi (WindBox) machine has been working successfully in
> Nepal, Haiti and Philippines (George's donation). This is also a follow-up,
> in some ways, on George's previous thread although more for deployment than
> testing/dev. We're not looking at any XO-1.5/XO-1.75 for form-factor, or ARM
> as a platform (know this will come and be more stable in future releases to
> come). Low-power is a priority, this will help conserve more power supply
> for XO charging. I assume we are still looking at 32-bit x86 arch and
> potentially preferring Atom processors (unless otherwise advised). Any
> current models in the marketplace for recommendation?
>
> Purchase of requirement machine looks to be possible from France/EU for
> deliver to Madagascar by the deployment/volunteer team (end of May).
> It's crucial to identify the hardware choice relatively soon (during next
> month period). The machine will likely be pre-configured by Xavier prior to
> deliver.
>
> Look forward to your comments here.
>
> --
> Mitchell Seaton
> eKindling Technology Support
> mseaton at ekindling.org
> www.ekindling.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Server-devel mailing list
> Server-devel at lists.laptop.org
> http://lists.laptop.org/listinfo/server-devel
>

We use a SolidLogic box (OLPCorps box) in Jamaica at both locations.
Its no longer sold (not sure why?) but uses a VIA C7 processor and is
fanless. Draws 25W at the AC end of the power brick (DC 19V). Here's a
list of what they offer.
http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/fanless_systems

A FitPC2 should work as well. It pulls 15W at the AC end of the power
brick (DC 12V). The only concern I had with a FitPC2 was the heat.
They do sell an after market heat sink that helps. If you wall-mount
the box, you could fashion a chimney on the heatsink to create a
continuous draft of air (hot air rises and will create an air column
that pulls in cool air from the outside) to pull the heat away from
the sink.

We tested a FitPC2 (See appendix
http://wiki.laptop.org/images/4/46/Testing_the_OLPC_School_Server_Benjamin_Tran_SFSU.pdf)
and while the tests were aggressive (all 160 XOs will hit the server
in 60 seconds!), the FitPC2 should be ok.

http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc/fit-pc2-models/
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc/accessories/

cheers,
Sameer
-- 
Sameer Verma, Ph.D.
Professor, Information Systems
San Francisco State University
http://verma.sfsu.edu/
http://commons.sfsu.edu/
http://olpcsf.org/
http://olpcjamaica.org.jm/