Griffin Powermate (package for volume control and shutdown)

[StonedOne]

Hello everyone, this Thread is about "Griffin Powermate" (http://store.griffintechnology.com/desktop/powermate).

I created a package for Ubuntu (currently Ubuntu 11.10, see last page of this thread)

Following features are currently supported:
*Volume control (lower and raise with turning)
*Shutdown timer (push for 5 minute timer, push again to cancel timer)
*Enable device for every user
*Enable device on boot
*Enable device on replug
*Shutdown-Sound when timer is activated
*Untiy-Desktop is supported

Not supported (but hopefully soon):
*dim the blue light
*skipping files in default ubuntu player (this needs a menu for control)

The package is mostly bash scripts, so it's not hard to understand. To make this package better for everyone i need feedback.
So just try it and reply to this thread...

Greetings Stoned

[spank_me]

Hi,

Do you have source for this driver ? If so, could you please email it to me ?

I am trying to get my Powermate to work on Ubuntu 9.04 on a ARM based Freescale processor.

Thanks.

[StonedOne]

Hey there,

the attachment contains an .deb-package and the source file i changed.

After installation the powermate should work. After reboot you have to replug the powermate (udev recognizes it) i did not insert an autostart script.

For automatic start use a startup script for gnome and just execute "/etc/maryjoana/scripts/start-evrouter.sh" on login.

You can find configuration files under "/etc/maryjoana".

Feedback is appriciated!

[StonedOne]

Oh my bad, just saw you are on an the old 9.04 version.

Here is the old package i used before but no updates from me for this one
Maybe you can try your hardware on the new version while your at it ...

Waiting for the new LTS 10.04 to get a stable basement for further enhancments

Greetings Stoned

[chacal23]

hello
i seek for the 64bit ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala
THX

[StonedOne]

Right now i don't have access to the Internet at home, but i will create a package as soon it works again. Stay tuned...

Can anyone give me feedback if it works as aspected?

I will then create a init script to start powermate automaticly on reboot.

[choyak]

I just installed this, and the volume control works, however the blue LED will not dim when decreasing the volume, and the mute will not function by pressing the knob. Is there a configuration for this? You also need to replug after booting, but the volume control functions correctly.

[StonedOne]

Hey thanks for the feedback...

You are right the dim does not work right now, i will work on this next winter. Right now im creating a menu for using different Keys while turning the powermate.

The mute function is not active by default in this package. Default is poweroff hardware after 5 minutes. Change this value in "/etc/maryjoana/conf/evrouterrc", you can use any XKey or write own scripts.

The replug is also correct, dont know how to solve this on a per user basis. Im working on this...

This software also works under Ubuntu 10.04 but the beep wont work anymore while pressing the powermate. This is the same issue like the activation on boot, i have to figure out how to do stuff on user basis (which user is logged in).

If anyone has better solutions inside the scripts please post them here. I will insert the code and create a new package.

[ChrisBryant]

Hi Stoned, thanks for putting this up and sharing it. I used to have my powermate working in Gentoo with evdev but haven't set it up again in ubuntu. Do you have any updates on this or should I test with your old package posted here?

Also, could you create a PPA for it and/or submit it for inclusion into Ubuntu repositories?

Thanks again!!

[StonedOne]

Hey Chris,

there is a package i use at home right now for Ubuntu 10.04. It has one Issue it will not autodetect the device on boot. You will have to replug the powermate to activate it.

A good workaround for this problem is to create an startscript for your user under system->preferences and execute the script "/etc/maryjoana/scripts/start-evrouter.sh"

With Ubuntu 10.10 the "start-evrouter.sh"-script will not get started with a udev-rule (unplug and plugin again) there are some issues with user rights (you have to be root to use the script)

You can use and play with the scripts, if you have any improvements or suggestions just post them here. It is all just bashscripts and config files...

When it gets cold in germany i will work on this again

Greetings