AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

RE: AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

Jan Cumps — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:36:15 GMT

I have a rough moment with the device again.

After 30 days, the IOTConnect trial license expires.

When that happens, and you want to continue evaluating, you have to create a new mail account and a new login.

Then reset the Iot software package on the device. One of the effects is that you have to provision the device again and it loses the connection to your WiFi.

From that moment, several things can (in my case will) go wrong.

The previous time, the Avnet IotConnect Android phone app could not re-provision the device. I had to use someone else's phone to re-connect the device to my WiFi. Once that was done, it was provisioned.

This time (after writing my blog series and the account expired) I could connect the device to my WiFi again - but it no longer accepts SSH connections. The setting was reset to default: no WiFi over SSH.

That means I have to remove it from its DIN rail and find a power brick, and wire it to the network. Or get a keyboard and screen in to the DIN closet.

It's not efficient for an evaluator. Avnet could put new employees (that never worked with the kit) through the process - using their own mobile phones - and write down what happens during the exercise. Then let them rate the individual steps from 1 to 5 stars. It can reflect what the outside evaluator experiences.

RE: AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

ntewinkel — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:16:32 GMT

Bit of an update note: Avnet released a new version of the app just a few weeks ago (Feb 2021), which requires the firmware to be updated.

I just re-flashed with the v11 image, but when I tried to provision it to my WiFi network, it gave me this message:

[View:/resized-image/__size/222x394/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-232f527d-9c15-4401-8459-aa1c2a8abbd1/7331.contentimage_5F00_207261.png:222:394]

I followed those instructions, and it's running the script updates right now. I'll check back in after it has completed.

ps, it seems that ssh is refused until after the SmartEdge has been provisioned with the app. I had remembered to copy the ssh file, and even tried using raspi-config to enable it too.

RE: AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

Jan Cumps — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 22:51:17 GMT

Investigation in the AVNET services:

AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image - Understand the Custom Scripts and Services (Pt. 1: intro and reset button service)

RE: AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

ntewinkel — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:32:25 GMT

Thanks for the update, Jan!

I still have a SmartEdge sitting on my desk, hoping to eventually put it to good use. It sounds like this new image might make it stable enough to use for something interesting, especially when using the extra settings you describe: ie, removing it from the Avnet cloud - I never did figure out how to connect a local ESP-based sensor to their cloud without a whole lot of hoops and hurdles.

You said that after disabling the services:

"> the I/O pins are pristine."

Does that mean all of the regular Raspberry Pi pins are useable then? For example, I could hook it up to run my OpenSprinkler controller? That's assuming it can run all the usual Python type apps on it too.

ps, I don't recall, but this unit doesn't have an SD card, right? Is it using built-in flash for that? how reliable is that, and what size? Does it makes sense, and is it possible, to add an SSD to the SmartEdge for things like a git server?

Thanks,

-Nico

RE: AVNET SmartEdge IIOT Gateway: the 2020 Linux Image and IoTConnect Scripts

DAB — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 14:16:08 GMT

Nice update Jan.

DAB