A digital picture frame running Linux
A new picture frame is being built. Read all about it.
Project summary
Changing an old laptop into a digital picture frame and an Internet radio, with wireless.
Hardware setup
Machine is a Sony Vaio PCG-505SN – PII 400 Mhz – 128 MB RAM – 12 GB HDD – 10″ 1024×768 screen
Frame used is a 14×11″ Aaron Brothers shadow box with an internal frame.
Software setup
Use of Linux for flexibility, lightness, security and economy.
Base system
Ubuntu linux with server install = nothing unnecessary to start with; only needed stuff will be added. Fixed IP address. Normal user for admin tasks. Basic GUI for confort. Accurate time management. Remote access and file transfers.
- Needed packages
sudo apt-get istall openssh-server gdm ntp-simple xorg
- Specific slideshow user
sudo adduser slideshow
Slideshow specifics
Specific user for slideshow. GDM setup for automatic login. cron job for backlight savings. Automatic slideshow startup.
- Needed packages
sudo apt-get install feh vbetool
- /home/slideshow/.xsession
xset -dpms
xset s off
feh --hide-pointer -qrzZFD 1200 /home/nico/photos
- /etc/ntp.conf
server pool.ntp.org
server pool.ntp.org
server pool.ntp.org
server pool.ntp.org
- /etc/gdm/gdm.conf-custom in order to have the slideshow user login automatically:
[daemon]
# Automatic login, if true the first attached screen will automatically logged
# in as user as set with AutomaticLogin key.
AutomaticLoginEnable=true
AutomaticLogin=slideshow
# Timed login, useful for kiosks. Log in a certain user after a certain amount
# of time.
TimedLoginEnable=true
TimedLogin=slideshow
TimedLoginDelay=1
Backlight saver
- /etc/cron.d/slideshow
# /etc/cron.d/slideshow : crontab entries for the Picture slideshow - Saves the backlight
# Turns the screen off then X off at 23:00
00 23 * * * root /usr/sbin/vbetool dpms off >/dev/null ; sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop >/dev/null
# Turns X back on at t 6:45
45 06 * * * root sudo /etc/init.d/gdm start >/dev/null
Usage
Automatic startup, nothing to do.
Picture management
scp uploads. Can and cannot be resized, up to the user, and the CPU power. No automatic EXIF rotation, for now…
Internet radio
Remote ssh scripts
Software and system security updates
Automatic, email reports
