When Podcast Producer says it's running but isn't (apache fails to start)

Question

We've set up a new Intel XServe up with Leopard Server (10.5.6) and are having trouble persuading the Podcast Producer engine from starting.
First, we've set up all the accounts and settings exactly per Apple's PP documentation. Yes, I'm aware of the need to significantly tweak the defaults and that you don't just click "start" We have a fully functioning OD Master on this machine, plus DNS, Kerberos, XGrid, QTSS and our regular web services (on port 80) via Apache.
We try to start the Podcast Producer in Server Admin. The dot goes green, indicating that the service is running. However, no one can connect to it using the Podcast Capture application (and yes, users attempting that are clients of the OD Master).
The logs show what's not happening, but not why:
The pcastserverd_out.log shows many repetitive instances of:
Thu Jan 22 16:27:33 +1100 2009 -- Starting pcastserverd apache...
pcastserverd_error.log shows many repeated instances of:
Unexpected exception in check: Failed system command: /usr/sbin/httpd -f /usr/share/podcastproducer/apache/httpd.conf -k start (256)
and, less often:
Unexpected exception starting mongrel instance: Failed system command: /usr/sbin/httpd -f /usr/share/podcastproducer/apache/httpd.conf -k start (256)
I have traced this error to the execution of a ruby file:
/usr/share/podcastproducer/pcastserverd/lib/pcast_server.rb
where there is a routine that obviously attempts to check "mongrel and apache" for something. Here's the routine:
def check
ASLLogger.debug("Checking mongrel and apache...")
begin
if (!check_apache)
start_apache
end
if (ServerPreferences.mode == "main")
@mongrelbase_port.upto(@mongrel_baseport + @num_mongrels - 1) do |portnum|
start_mongrel(portnum)
end
end
rescue Exception => boom
ASLLogger.error "Unexpected exception in check: #{boom}"
end
end
Here's the question: how do I further trace this fault to work out what's going on and how to fix it? Why does SA insist the PP engine is running when evidently it isn't? Why won't this instance of Apache launch properly?
I am assuming that the PP invoked instances of Apache and it's "mongrels" (whatever they are) are using SSL on ports in the 8xxx range, and that these are entirely unrelated to the web services I've already set up for webmail, wikis and blogs elsewhere in SA.
Your advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

When you are charging what are you plugged into?
You should plug the nano either into a power brick or directly into the back of your computer. Do not use USB hubs, or the USB ports on the front of the computer at first. Just confirm you can get a full charge on the USB connection at the back or from the power brick.
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