> > o can I create a NetBSD bootable micro SD card, or does one have to > > use Debian or Android on these A-20 Olimex SBCs? > > NetBSD runs fine on A20. You can look at > http://wiki.netbsd.org/ports/evbarm/allwinner/ > for details on creating a bootable SD card
Another thumbs up from me: I'm using an old Olimex a20-onlinuxino-micro and, at least 1+ year ago, it booted netbsd just fine. > > o can I hook up a serial concole via a standard RS232 cable? > > No, most SBC use a serial port with TTL levels (usually 0 and +3.3V), not > RS232 levels. You need a USB-UART adapter like FTDI-based one, or this one: > https://www.olimex.com/Products/Breadboarding/BB-CH340T/open-source-hardware I'm using https://www.olimex.com/Products/Components/Cables/USB-Serial-Cable/USB-SERIAL-F/ which directly connects between the boad's pins and a laptop. I also have serial links between my ARM boards at the 3.3V level, using three simple jump wires from, say, https://www.olimex.com/Products/Breadboarding/JUMPER-WIRES/JW-200x10-FF/ (Their images just feature male ends; make sure you order the correct FF/MM/FM/ ends.) This is dirt cheap and extremly helpful, ion particular with the very early boot stages. Martin Neitzel