Korg Forums

I have made a tutorial on how to install a WiFi router inside the Kronos using the Asus WL-330N. The original is in French, but it translates OK with Google so you can get the gist. And photos are universal anyway.

Original version:

Click here

Translation into English by Google:

Click here

Thanks to Dmitry who was the first to show that it is possible.

Hi

Instruction is really well done - congratulations.

The worst thing is to dismantle the keyboard and then its correct re-assembling.

Only for people with strong nerves


Greetings
SoP

Definitely a nice hack!

I am just asking myself how having a WiFi router inside a metal case impacts its connectivity and data rate. And then, wouldn't it be less intrusive to compile the necessary Linux kernel modules for a specific USB WiFi adapter, smuggle these into a system update and then simply plug the adapter to one of the USB ports?? OK, nothing for the faint-hearted either (and some knowledge about Linux needed), but to me this looks feasible.

Regarding the data rate, it also depends on your main router, but with my Netgear 300N and this Asus 150N, I was able to transfer 2 Gb in about 25 minutes. So no impact in terms of it being installed inside a metal case.

My solution is definitely easier than compiling a kernel!

Francois wrote:My solution is definitely easier than compiling a kernel!

Depends on whether you are more familiar with handling a screw driver or handling shell scripts and a compiler...

But jokes aside, after having a closer look at what a kernel hack would involve, I agree with you. Doing it in hardware is indeed the easier way. The other advantage of your solution is that the router is taking care of the WiFi encryption, so the Kronos CPU has not to deal with this.

The advantage of a kernel hack, however, is that you can do a many other nice and nasty things to the Kronos...

In view of the proprietary Korg stuff, I'm not even sure you could compile a kernel anyway.

But what about system FAN? Does it provides enough air in such router placement ?

Yes. I only have one SSD, and there is plenty of space around the metal frame for air to circulate, over and around the router.

I spend a bit of time paying attention to the fan noise (I have a silent Noise Blocker installed which I can hardly hear) and to my ears, there is no more fan noise than there was before fitting the router. The Kronos has been on for three days now, and still no apparent noise.

To be fair, there is little heat that needs dissipating inside the Kronos due to using an SSD, and plenty of space for air to circulate. In fact, if I had an Oasys, I'd probably replace the drive with an SSD model as well, only for that reason (regardless of the speed gain).

Francois wrote:In view of the proprietary Korg stuff, I'm not even sure you could compile a kernel anyway.

Well, one wouldn't need to compile and install a full kernel. To make USB WiFi sticks work, one would »only« need to compile and install the necessary kernel modules. The first tricky part here is to find (can be done) and set the correct »version magic« of the modules -- otherwise the compiled modules won't be loaded into the kernel. The second tricky part is then to persuade the Kronos to load the new software from the USB stick to the internal SSD (can be done). Finally all the helper scripts and configuration files need to be installed... and... and... and.

Feasible but really challenging -- even for the Linux expert. To conclude: once my new Kronos is out of guarantee, I'll go with your hardware solution. So, thanks again for your nice and informative how-to!


Edit: Removed some incorrect speculations about the kernel image...

Given the many requests I get, I will write a proper English version at some point.

Dis moi, si je peux t'aider avec la traduction. Je n'ai pas trop de temps, mais je pourrais bien traduire une ou deux parties...

No worries, I will do it, mais merci.