HOWTO: Ubuntu 8.04 & Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Li1705

[tzotzolyno]

Grateful thanks to the following, without whose guidance this would not have been possible:

-rozakia - from http://www.amilo-forum.com/forums.html

-valinuxx - from http://www.tkarena.com/forums/

-gnuslov - from https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu

-and many others! :)

This is a thread that will help the Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Li 1705 owners to resolve the video card (Via Chrome 9 HC, code: VN896) and sound card (card 0: VT82xx [HDA VIA VT82xx], device 0: VT1708 Analog [VT1708 Analog]) problems in Ubuntu 8.04 and its derivatives.

Also, this thread will show you how to have all the eye candy look of Compiz but with some simple issues: Compiz deactivate itself after watching a full screen video. It can be simple activated again from the menus).

Attention! I applied these patches on an Ubuntu 8.04 based distro (Linux Mint 5, Elyssa). Its version kernel is „2.6.24-16-generic”. For this kernel version the activation of 3D effects works without problems. For the new kernel versions of Ubuntu 8.04 the 3D effects doesn't work but, anyway, the 2D capabilities of the Via driver are better than the Openchrome or Vesa drivers.

I. The Video Issues:
1. Download the stable driver for Via Chrome 9 HC (CN896 + VT8251) in Ubuntu 8.04 from Via Linux: http://linux.via.com.tw/support/downloadFiles.action
2. I saved the archive on desktop and unpacked it there. I installed it with the following commands (in x-term/terminal):

cd /home/your_name/Desktop/chrome9.83-242-u804
sudo ./vinstall
Close the x-term. I didn't have any conflicts installing it. In the end you are noticed the former "xorg.conf" is being saved as ”xorg.conf.viabak” (you find it in File System>etc>X11).
3. Do not restart the notebook yet: "xorg.conf" should be edited first. In the x-term you write:

cd /etc/X11
then:

sudo su
and then:

nano xorg.conf
There, in the „xorg.conf” I did replace only what was written under these lines:

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "ro"
Option "XkbVariant" "std_cedilla"
EndSection
I did that to keep my personalized keyboard (in my case Romanian with cedilla).
What was below what I wrote previously in the box I replaced with:

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Driver "via"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Option "LCDPort" "DFP_HIGHLOW"
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen "Default Screen"
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
Load "dri"
Load "extmod"
EndSection

Section "DRI"
Group 0
Mode 0666
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Configured Video Device"
Monitor "Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x800"
Virtual 1280 800
EndSubSection
EndSection
In fact, as overall view, my xorg.conf looks like this:

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "ro"
Option "XkbVariant" "std_cedilla"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Driver "via"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Option "LCDPort" "DFP_HIGHLOW"
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen "Default Screen"
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
Load "dri"
Load "extmod"
EndSection

Section "DRI"
Group 0
Mode 0666
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Configured Video Device"
Monitor "Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x800"
Virtual 1280 800
EndSubSection
EndSection
Save the xorg.conf (Ctrl+X, then press„Y” to confirm and then ”Enter”).

4. Good! Now we have a display which looks OK with a refresh of 60Hz! :D But Compiz has still not been activated yet. For this to be done, "compiz" must be edited. You find "compiz" at /usr/bin/compiz. In x-term:

cd /usr/bin
sudo su
nano compiz
There, search for the line

WHITELIST="nvidia intel ati radeon i810" and replace it with
WHITELIST="nvidia intel ati radeon i810 via". By the way, this line you'll find in the first 1/3 of the text (it is difficult to see it).
Save it (Ctrl+X, then press„Y” to confirm and then ”Enter”)

5. This is all for the video issue. Now, restart. In my case, after restart, I noticed the login screen has corresponding sizes for the first time (1280X800). Until now I could see only the up left-side corner and I used to login blindly (probably it had a resolution of 19xx with 1yyy. Anyway: huge size).

Then, I noticed I can activate Compiz, simple in the well-known menus(Appearance>Visual effects>Normal/Extra/Custom).

Every time when Ubuntu 8.04 update the kernel you need to restore the xorg.conf that you edited. More information here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4289996&postcount=1

[tzotzolyno]

II. The sound issue:
It is well known the sound issue with the headphones input that are not recognized. To solve this problem:
1. We need to solve the conflict between the standard alsa-driver and the new patched alsa-driver that you'll install. In x-term:

cd /lib/modules/YOURS/ubuntu/sound
where „YOURS” is the name of the folder that you'll find that way: File System>lib>modules. In my case „YOURS” is „2.6.24-16-generic”.
then:

sudo rm -r alsa-driver
This step is important. You need to get rid of the conflicting default ubuntu drivers.
After you've gotten the ubuntu/sound/alsa-driver out of the way, it's time to create a symbolic link in its place. while still in that directory, run:

sudo ln -s ../../kernel/sound/ alsa-driver
Now, clse the x-term.
2. You'll need to download the latest alsa triver and to patch it:
Download alsa-driver-1.0.19: ftp://ftp.alsa-project.org/pub/driver/alsa-driver-1.0.19.tar.bz2
Save it on desktop and unpack it there.
Enter the folder to this destination: alsa-kernel>pci>hda>patch_via.c
Open „patch_via.c” and change the code:

static int patch_vt1708(struct hda_codec *codec)
{
struct via_spec *spec;
int err;

/* create a codec specific record */
spec = kcalloc(1, sizeof(*spec), GFP_KERNEL);
if (spec == NULL)
return -ENOMEM;

codec->spec = spec;


/* automatic parse from the BIOS config */
err = vt1708_parse_auto_config(codec);
if (err < 0) {
via_free(codec);
return err;
} else if (!err) {
printk(KERN_INFO "hda_codec: Cannot set up configuration "
"from BIOS. Using genenic mode...\n");
}


spec->stream_name_analog = "VT1708 Analog";
spec->stream_analog_playback = &vt1708_pcm_analog_playback;
spec->stream_analog_capture = &vt1708_pcm_analog_capture;

spec->stream_name_digital = "VT1708 Digital";
spec->stream_digital_playback = &vt1708_pcm_digital_playback;
spec->stream_digital_capture = &vt1708_pcm_digital_capture;


if (!spec->adc_nids && spec->input_mux) {
spec->adc_nids = vt1708_adc_nids;
spec->num_adc_nids = ARRAY_SIZE(vt1708_adc_nids);
spec->mixers[spec->num_mixers] = vt1708_capture_mixer;
spec->num_mixers++;
}

codec->patch_ops = via_patch_ops;

codec->patch_ops.init = via_auto_init;
#ifdef CONFIG_SND_HDA_POWER_SAVE
spec->loopback.amplist = vt1708_loopbacks;
#endif

return 0;
}
with this one:

static int patch_vt1708(struct hda_codec *codec)
{
unsigned int pin_hp;
struct via_spec *spec;
int err;

/* create a codec specific record */
spec = kcalloc(1, sizeof(*spec), GFP_KERNEL);
if (spec == NULL)
return -ENOMEM;

codec->spec = spec;

/* Ajout SQ071031 */
pin_hp=snd_hda_codec_read(codec, 0x20, 0, AC_VERB_GET_CONFIG_DEFAULT, 0);
pin_hp=pin_hp&0x3FFFFFFF;
snd_hda_codec_write(codec, 0x20, 0, AC_VERB_SET_CONFIG_DEFAULT_BYTES_3, pin_hp>>24);


/* automatic parse from the BIOS config */
err = vt1708_parse_auto_config(codec);
if (err < 0) {
via_free(codec);
return err;
} else if (!err) {
printk(KERN_INFO "hda_codec: Cannot set up configuration "
"from BIOS. Using genenic mode...\n");
}


spec->stream_name_analog = "VT1708 Analog";
spec->stream_analog_playback = &vt1708_pcm_analog_playback;
spec->stream_analog_capture = &vt1708_pcm_analog_capture;

spec->stream_name_digital = "VT1708 Digital";
spec->stream_digital_playback = &vt1708_pcm_digital_playback;
spec->stream_digital_capture = &vt1708_pcm_digital_capture;


if (!spec->adc_nids && spec->input_mux) {
spec->adc_nids = vt1708_adc_nids;
spec->num_adc_nids = ARRAY_SIZE(vt1708_adc_nids);
spec->mixers[spec->num_mixers] = vt1708_capture_mixer;
spec->num_mixers++;
}

codec->patch_ops = via_patch_ops;

codec->patch_ops.init = via_auto_init;
#ifdef CONFIG_SND_HDA_POWER_SAVE
spec->loopback.amplist = vt1708_loopbacks;
#endif

return 0;
}

Save the modified file. Leave the folder and open again the terminal:

sudo apt-get install build-essential xmlto
3. After you finished installing these, type in terminal again the command to lead you to the folder with alsa driver. In this case it is:

cd /home/your_name/Desktop/alsa-driver-1.0.19
then

./configure
then, the next command in terminal will be, if no error:

make
then

sudo make install
Close the terminal and restart.

After restart, go to „Sound Volume Control” on desktop (the sound icon). If you right-click on it some menu appears. Click on "open volume control"> click on „Edit”>„Preferences" and then tick all the boxes you find there. afterwards, more settings should appear. Then "Options" tab & "Independent HP" options should be set to "off" for headphones to work. I think also capture settings are muted after update of kernel.
Don't forget to un-mute the ”Headphones”. By default this option is muted.

4. Every thime when Ubuntu 8.04 update its Kernel, you need to re-do these steps to make the sound works.


That's all. I hope that these indications will help you. I tried to explain for the beginners 'cause I'm a beginner. :D

P.S. Sorry for my english.

[dejavis]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you very much. I am extatic to have compiz finally working on my laptop, so many months trying to solve this...

but the sound issue is still not working even if I followed all your steps thoroughly. The installation of the modules went fine, they appear correctly loaded in lsmod and modinfo tells me they are in the correct "kernel" folder. Only problem is I don't have an "Independent HP" option to set to off in the volume control...

Why does this happen? is there a way to arrange it with alsamixer?

Thanks!

[tzotzolyno]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you very much. I am extatic to have compiz finally working on my laptop, so many months trying to solve this...

but the sound issue is still not working even if I followed all your steps thoroughly. The installation of the modules went fine, they appear correctly loaded in lsmod and modinfo tells me they are in the correct "kernel" folder. Only problem is I don't have an "Independent HP" option to set to off in the volume control...

Why does this happen? is there a way to arrange it with alsamixer?

Thanks!

Have you used alsa-driver-1.0.19. Don't try with the latest (.20 I think) because it doesn't work! I've tried this too.

I have done the compilation of the alsa-driver-1.0.19 several times and it as never failed.

Do you use LinuxMint 5 or Ubuntu?

[dejavis]

Ok, I have tried with 1.0.19 and now it works perfectly! Thanks

I am using Ubuntu 8.04

[CrazySat]

Hi tzotzolyno,

thank you for your tutorial.

I tryed to install video card drivers but after boot, when I try to change in System --> Preferences --> Appearance from None to Normal or from None to Extra, my system logs out with some errors and it comes back to login panel ...

This is my xorg.conf file


# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "it"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
EndSection



Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Driver "via"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Option "LCDPort" "DFP_HIGHLOW"
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen "Default Screen"
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
Load "dri"
Load "extmod"
EndSection

Section "DRI"
Group 0
Mode 0666
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Configured Video Device"
Monitor "Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x800"
Virtual 1280 800
EndSubSection
EndSection


Thank you for your help.

[CrazySat]

This is the messages I get after selecting Normal ....

http://i49.tinypic.com/ip7152.jpg

[tzotzolyno]

CrazySat, what's your version of kernel? In Ubuntu 8.04 you need to downgrade to "2.6.24-16-generic" at least.

I've mentioned this in the first post.

[CrazySat]

CrazySat, what's your version of kernel? In Ubuntu 8.04 you need to downgrade to "2.6.24-16-generic" at least.

I've mentioned this in the first post.

Hi tzotzolyno,

I do apologize ... I still have here Kernel 2.6.24-26 / 25 / 24
and I have no idea how to downgrade to 2.6.26-16
... I am totaly beginner with Linux systems.

I will have a search in the web now.

Thanks again.

[CrazySat]

Here I am.

I could downgrade :


sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install linux-image-2.6.24-16-generic
sudo apt-get install linux-ubuntu-modules-2.6.24-16-generic
sudo apt-get install linux-backports-modules-2.6.24-16-generic


but even if xorg.conf file was unchanged as I posted above, it did not work and I still had kernell crash and system asking me for login again.
Further to this with kernel 2.6.24-16-generic I also lost wi-fi function ...

[tzotzolyno]

Further to this with kernel 2.6.24-16-generic I also lost wi-fi function ...

Interesting but unfortunate. I think Ubuntu doesn't fully downgrade to the initial state of 2.6.24-16generic Kernel.
There is a last stand hope: you can use Linux Mint 5 (Elyssa) (http://www.linuxmint.com/download_lts.php). It is based on Ubuntu 8.04 but has some changes in interfaces and utilities.
The CD image (iso) of Elyssa has the needed kernel. After that (patching and installing drivers) you can upgrade the kernel without losing any performance or facility (sound or video). On their main site you can find the indications for that. Here it is: upgrade instructions (http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_elyssa.php#upgradeInstructions).

[CrazySat]

Thanks again for your help. tzotzolyno.

I will try the distro you suggest above in the future.
At the moment I am happy with video drives installed because in the past sometime my screen flickered with Ubuntu (not with Vista or XP I still kept in dual boot with Grub) and now it seems fine instead, even if I can't use any special effects.

[CrazySat]

Hi tzotzolyno,

I downloaded and tested today, without installing yet, Linux Mint 5 LTS.

My wi-fi is not working so I have no connection to internet.
Is any workaround or trick you can please suggest me ?

When 4 months ago I installed Ubuntu 8.04 LTS it detected immediatly my wi-fi card without any need of extra-settings.


Thank you

[CrazySat]

Mhhhh ... from a quick search in the net, it seems a problem related to kernel 2.6.24-16

[CrazySat]

I upgraded today kernel to new 2.64.24-27-generic version with Update Manager and ... visual effects could be set to "Normal" without any need of installing specific drivers :p
Cube is working as well.

A big thanks goes to Ubuntu developers who fixed the new kernel. :KS

[tzotzolyno]

I upgraded today kernel to new 2.64.24-27-generic version with Update Manager and ... visual effects could be set to "Normal" without any need of installing specific drivers :p
Cube is working as well.

A big thanks goes to Ubuntu developers who fixed the new kernel. :KS

Oh, that's really good! I'll give a try for a fresh clean install with Ubuntu 8.04.

CrazySat, please paste a copy of your xorg here. I wanna see that yours corresponds with mine.
Thanks anticipated!

P.S. installing LinuxMint 5 doesn't give error with the wi-fi card recognition even if there is that Kernel. Anyway, updating kernel solve the problem. Maybe it is a LiveCD limitation.

[CrazySat]

Hi tzotzolyno,

My xorg file is same as yours, only difference is in the language version

Option "XkbLayout" "it".

I had posted it here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=8754134&postcount=6) before.

[tzotzolyno]

Hi tzotzolyno,

My xorg file is same as yours, only difference is in the language version

Option "XkbLayout" "it".

I had posted it here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=8754134&postcount=6) before.

Thanks! Right now I'll install Ubuntu. Have a nice day and sorry for disturbing you! ;)

[CrazySat]

You're welcome. tzotzolyno !
Have a good work !

[CrazySat]

P.S. installing LinuxMint 5 doesn't give error with the wi-fi card recognition even if there is that Kernel. Anyway, updating kernel solve the problem. Maybe it is a LiveCD limitation.

Thanks for the tip, tzotzolyno.
To be honest I only used Live CD and never tryed to install it.
Still carryng on with Hardy \\:D/

[CrazySat]

Hi tzotzolyno,

I upgraded through Update Manager from Hardy to 10.04.1 LTS version.
Apparently in Appearance I still have the old problem and I can't enable Normal option in Visual Effects tab.
Did you meet same problem and had you to install again video drivers or ?