dpkg worked after several reboots and I ran and installed u-boot-tools, then u-boot-flasher. copied /boot and /etc, and run u-boot-update-bootmenu.
I can see all .item files in place, all images in place, but when i reboot i am given only one choice=default omap kernel.

I am no developer, but not a noob either and I would like to help in testing. Can you please guide me?
I can also report on hw, but how do I check which version I have?