CF-29 and Ubuntu 11.10 Touchscreen Issue

This site should have a dedicated Toughbook/Linux section

So as an interesting side note, and a cry for help I successfully installed Ubuntu 11.10 on a CF-29ETPGBKM using the WUBI. Upon installation, everything worked out of the box like a champ - even the touchscreen (though it was a bit off). After updating to the latest and greatest via the Software Update process and a re-boot everything went south.

The screen had these awesome horizontal blue lines, and behind them was the desktop jumping up and down. Should have seen it! anyhow...

After a reboot to make sure it wasnt something silly, I got the same results. Rebooted again, and this time I logged into a previous version (x.x.x.12 instead of x.x.x.16) and all was peachey again. Apparently it has something to do with the new kernel the updates installed, but I am not sure what as I am still a novice in the world of linux.

Anyone have any ideas?

Aside from all the above, I uninstalled 11.10 and re-installed it, but have not implemented any of the proposed updates it would like me to.

 

I might be talking out my hat here, but Jeff is our linux crazy nut here, and I"m under the impression he sticks with 10.X. I've heard lots of gripes about 11.X

AFAIK.

 

We seem to have had better luck with 10.10 ubuntu. Personally I hate the new unity desktop. 10.10 still has the old desktop.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/524581-ubuntu-10-10-toughbook-version.html

 

So it seems!

I dont mind the unity desktop - all of my computers (minus the one CF-29) are touchscreen - even my desktop - which makes it nice.

I suppose reverting back to 10.x is an option, I'd like to see if I can't get it working with the new kernel simply for the challenge.

Now, if I can only get my employing establishment to use OSS that runs on Linux!

 

We don't need one...we have Jeff (Sadlmkr)He will see your thread soon.

 

WORD! That's good stuff. Thanks for the quick replies, I appreciate it.

I got the touchscreen calibrated using this:

http://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/xinput_calibrator

simply ran "xinput_calibrator" from the terminal, taped the 4 red squares and all was good. I'd venture to say the TS is more responsive with Ubuntu than in Windoze

 

Try this forum search...

http://www.google.com/search?btnG=1&pws=0&q=TEST+site%3Aforum.notebookreview.com%2Fpanasonic#hl=en&pws=0&sclient=psy-ab&q=+CF-29+and+Ubuntu++site:forum.notebookreview.com%2Fpanasonic&oq=+CF-29+and+Ubuntu++site:forum.notebookreview.com%2Fpanasonic&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=serp.12...260843l343839l0l346873l7l6l0l0l0l1l215l915l0j5j1l6l0.frgbld.&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=877d999dc4530baa&biw=1280&bih=603

Let me teach you to easily search this site! Replace the word "TEST" for your search! ​

 

Also remember if you think on one you want to play some and get a little more speed you can try xubuntu, lubuntu, kubuntu and couple of others. They are basically Ubuntu but with a lighter weight desktop. I have also seen where you can swap from unity to the newer GNOME 3 desktop but haven't tried it yet to see if I would like it.

 

I tried x, l and k didn't care for them much. On my desktop I've done the swap from unity to G3. The new Gnome is nice, but I really don't use all the highspeed flashy stuff. Heck, my windoze side of the HD is barebones stock, all areo stuff is off and the classic theme in place. So far, Arch is my favorite distro, but I simply don't have the time to compile what I need/want properly so I stick to the "run of the mill" linux for "everyone" distro.

 

I was gonna jump in there but TAN set you on the right path.

I use 10.04 LTS and then upgrade to 10.10 and then grab the calibrate_touchscreen you found. Also I add the psmouse.conf file. (if necessary) Did you catch the change in where to store the x,-x,y,-y files? Namely /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/99-calibration.conf. As I understand it these (/usr) files are read before /etc files.

I backed off on writing on the new distros when the graphics outran my chosen instruments. (CF-29)

On another note the MK1 CF-30 is the limit or was a month ago. You had to disable ACPI in Mk2 CF-30 to get a screen. Annnd ACPI runs things like hotkeys, battery, lid switch and etc. So I dumped the MK2 and found my envelope. CF-29 (any) to CF-30 MK1.

The CF-28 guy is Klonsdale. He is partial to Mint.

Jeff

 

Yes sir, I was able to get all that plugged in just fine. I spent about 4 hours reading thru the massive threads lol

Anyhow, I think I may have gotten it to boot (11.10), touchscreen and all. I am trying to retrace my steps to make sure what I did will stick on each boot thereafter. I really like the Unity desktop for a touchscreen, very nice while mobile. I removed 11.10 form the non-touchscreen CF-29 and put 10.04 on there, and wow what a mess. After fixing the black screen, I updated to 10.10, and all heck broke loose - so much junk went wrong I dont have a whole week to tell ya about it. That will have to wait for some other time, as that is my backup. The priority goes to the TS one. I'll post back with results soon, it's time to SSS and hit the rack ~ early mornin.

Thanks again!

Just as a side note, I got 12.04 running on my desktop (wow is it zippy!), gonna tackle the touchscreen after work tomorrow. Different thread I know.

 

Read up on the intel upgrade. See if that fits. 855GM? Or is yours 845?? It's in that mess somewhere. The newest upgrades prolly include it.(sic)
I would load 10.04 with modeset=1 (maybe =0 maybe nomodeset)and let it load upgrades while installing. Then upgrade to 10.10 while it's still running. Re-boot and then add the configure_touchscreen. Or something like that.

That whole thing was a work in progress....trying to keep up with the upgrades etc.

All else fails I'll send you a copy of my 10.04. Works in any Mark. Along with a working TS in bezel. Making your non-touch a touch is a piece of cake. Keep your eye out for a TSPCB.

Jeff

 

I've been pondering turning it into a TS, budget has been a major problem recently. I'm going to give it another go this weekend with the 10.04->10.10. If I remember correctly, it is an 855.

 

Well, I couldnt sleep tonight, so I removed 11.10 and put 10.04, on. Then updated to 10.10. Ran the xinput calibration, but no matter what I do, it simply will not calibrate. Any suggestions?

 

Oo, forgot...

So I apparently have a French Canadian Keyboard.... no stickers left on the back of it, would anyone happen to know the make model of it so I can get all the keys in the appropriate place? The make and model list doesnt have a Panasonic so I am stuck using the 105 key layout... Not quite the right fit.

 

Probably a line of code missing. Spelling, punctuation etc.

Check out that Intel upgrade and we'll get together. PM if I don't answer.

J

 

I don't have a touchscreen on my CF29. Any reasons why I shouldn't try 11 or 12.04?

Andy

 

Touch or not Mark 4 and 5 were pretty good for 11. I don't know about 12 but it should be the same. The only thing to watch is the graphics these days are outrunning some of the hardware.
Mark 1,2,3 had graphics issues with 11 a while back but this may have changed.
Whatever mark check for intel upgrades. 845GM,855GM,865GM.
code:$lscpi #####will tell you what you are running. note: the ### is to separate the code from non-code. You probably knew that.

Jeff

 

Seems the code isnt found, im gonna go search for an intel update in the meantime.

 

'cause it's lspci. Try that.

Jeff...I'd be embarrassed but I do it all the time...pci,pci,pci

 

Here is an old thread of yours (Ubuntu 10.10) that some might want to check out http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/524581-ubuntu-10-10-toughbook-version.html

 

Maybe we should give it a bump.

The early part is a bit dated. Also for the MK1 and 2 the 10.04 thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/6422641-post1.html has some information. Again it was a work in progress.

 

Yup, that did it:

Code:

00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 82852/855GM Integrated Graphics Device (rev 02)

00:02.1 Display controller: Intel Corporation 82852/855GM Integrated Graphics Device (rev 02)

 

After a little bit of searching I found this:

10.10 - How to install Intel 82852/855GM driver? - Ask Ubuntu - Stack Exchange

Gave it a shot and all was peachey. Just for SnG I put 11.10 on, did all the updates, and used i915.modeset=0 and was able to boot just fine. Then I applied the update in the above link, and all is working fantastic. I'm going to be calibrating the touchscreen here soon and will post back on how well that is going to turn out.

 

Good show.

So you are verifying 11.10 on the Mark 2. A tweak report would be outstanding.

I tried posting earlier but the wind was whipping the antennas around a bit.

Thanks,

Jeff.....sending....

 

Hey guys! Long time no post. I'm back state side now - finally! internet!

Anyhow, I just wanted to post that I am able to get 12.04 working on the CF-29 in my signature working without any problems. That includes the Unity and Touchscreen stuff. I did remove 12.04 and put 10.04 Netbook Edition on and installed Unity 2D, which also works without a problem. All I did was use the xinput-calibrator to fine tune it.

Next up, getting the built in GPS working...

 

Ok, now that I am back stateside once again... I missed you guys! Anyhow,

I am still having a bit of trouble with the GPS. As of now, ubuntu doesn't see it at all. Should I start a new thread for this one? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

YES start a new thread.
A lot of people may skip a touchscreen thread while a GPS thread will get more interest.

 

Will do, thanks