please help with RAID boot

[Evan Moore <evan@info.load-otea.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca>]

I am trying to install debian on a compaq proliant server with a SMART
RAID controller. I needed a kernel with support for the RAID controller so
I compiled my own kernel with initrd, ramdisk and the rest of the fd
listed in readme.txt on the boot floppy. I replaced the kernel, ran
./rdev.sh and it booted fine. The problem is that the installer is locked
up. I can switch to VC2, create the required devices, mount and format
them there, and launch dbootstrap from VC2, but it will not recognize any
of my devices. What have I done wroing with my kernel. I have tried many
many reconfigurations of the 2.2.12 kernal now with no sucess. 

Thanks in advance

Evan