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The Z62 series of barebone laptops all have the same chipset with minor differences. A barebone laptop is more flexible than normal laptops. It is designed for flexibility which means upgradability. With CPU, memory, wireless card, DVDRW all coming from standard components, it can be easily upgraded or repaired by the end-user.
This particular barebone was chosen for its compact size, light weight and long battery runtime. It is biased towards travel.
The following documents the changes made to integrate this laptop with the Debian GNU/Linux distribution system. This disclosure is made in the spirit of Free Software so that users can help themselves and their neighbours.
All material presented are licensed under The GNU Free Documentation License.
Please direct all questions to Contact US.
This product is no longer available for sale but the documentation remains for owner references.
Updated: 2009-12-14
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Although manufacturers have gone to great lengths to build safety into their products, there are a few common sense procedures end-users must adhere to.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe native resolution of the local panel display is 1280x800 @ 60Hz - this will give the sharpest display. Users can change the display resolution through GNOME Desktop. Select Desktop->Preferences->Screen Resolution to change the display resolution to a non-native resolution.
Further font display enhancement can be made within Gnome by selecting Subpixel smoothing (LCD)s
in Font Preferences Application under Desktop Preferences.
Additional Font packages can be installed to enhance readability in web-browsers. A popular set of web fonts are from Microsoft, it is a gift from Microsoft and Bill Gates. Although it is non-free it enhances readability in many websites.
Funny thing is, the Intel® 945GM integrated graphics controller's native resolution does not include 1280x800. In order to display clearly, the video bios must be patch. The 915resolution is the package for the job. It can be down loaded onto the laptop from synaptic package manager or via apt-get.
The older version of 915resolution needed to be set manually with modes and resolutions.
But the newer version will fetch the panel-size from the VBE Bios with mode=auto
in /etc/default/915resolution
.
See below for Dual Independent Head Display and TV out display.
Read documents in /usr/share/doc/915resolution
for further details.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe Intel® 945GM Express integrated graphics card on board this laptop has the ability to display on both the local panel and an external monitor at the same time or to an external monitor or an external TV.
To switch from one display mode to another, the user must logout of their current session and be sitting at the Xorg login prompt.
From the Xorg login prompt, hold down the <Fn> button and press <Monitor> button (is is <F8> Z62F laptop).
Each time that combination of button is pressed, it will cycle through one of the display modes.
There are four display modes defined in xorg.conf
.
To achieve this effect, acpid/acpi-support needs to be installed. In addition, a local acpi event was defined with asus-display-switch, asus-display-switch.sh and a custom xorg.conf file. The scirpt files are in the patchset for ASUS laptop. The patchset can be found in downloads section and the source can be found in the repository.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe IEEE1394 Firewire port is a popular device used by video cameras. Kino will require this interface enabled to download video clips.
The raw1394 device can created by loading the appropriate module. To load the module,
# modconf
kernel/drivers/ieee1394and press the Enter key;
raw1394and press the Enter key;
Exitto leave ieee1394 options, select
Exitagain to leave modconf.
exitto leave the Root Terminal
The controller was R5C552 IEEE1394 (rev 08) made by Ricoh Co. Ltd. Check Hardware Compatibility List for your device. For details on IEEE1394 go to www.linux1394.org.
The firewire port was tested with Kino and Cannon ZR200 video camera. Controlling of the dv camera did not work, but the capture was ok. Testing was conducted with Debian Etch - custom kernel 2.6.18-3_10.01, Kino 0.9.2, dvgrab 1.8-4, libraw1394-5/8 ver. 0.10.1-1.1/1.2.1-2, libdc1394-13 1.1.0-3+b1
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe build in microphone on top of the LCD panel, to the right side of the camera can be enabled as below using GNOME ALSA Mixer. The setting should be set as follow for recording or audio conferencing.
GNOME ALSA Mixer can be found on GNOME Desktop. Select Applications->Sound & Videos->GNOME ALSA Mixer;
Users of Z62Fm needs to uncheck the External Amplifier
.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe fax modem driver for the integrated modem is commercially distributed and supported by Linuxant. Users must get the HSF driver and installation instruction from Linuxant. The free version of this driver limits the modem to 14.4Kbps with restricted fax capabilities. The proper license key to open up maximum capabilities is only available from Linuxant commercially. A worthwhile purchase if travelling extensively with your laptop. Distribution of the free version is withheld due to errors in testing.
The internal modem is a software modem, it integrates with the Intel HD Audio and has a Conexant chip on ASUS Z62F and Z96F laptop (82801G/ICH7).
Testing was successful with some errors using Debian Etch - custom kernel 2.6.18-3_10.01, Gnome ppp version 0.3.23-1, hsfmodem driver hsfmodem_7.47.00.05full_i386.deb.zip from Linuxant.com. There are some conflicts with the existing distribution. e.g. Distribution of the free version of this software is withheld from distribution.
Assistance form Linuxant is available through support@linuxant.com
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe build in camera has a resolution of 320x240, it can be use to take digital still photos, video conferencing with friends or make short video clips.
Digital photos can be taken with Camorama. Simply select Applications->Graphics->Camorama Webcam Viewer from the GNOME desktop.
Press the Take a Picture
button to take a snapshot, save the file into local directory.
Here, my niece's friend is put to work.
There are a couple of video conferencing tools, Ekiga (formerly Gnome Meeting) or KOpete. KOpete will work with Yahoo and MSN.
To record a short video clip with sound. You will need to :
$ streamer -q -c /dev/video0 -f rgb24 -r 24 -C /dev/dsp -F mono16 -t 01:00 -o ~/Desktop/filename.avi
This captures in avi format, you can convert it to DV in Kino and do editing. Add clips together to make a videogram or put your rantings on YouTube and have the entire planet ignore you.
The integrated camera that came with the ASUS laptop was made by Vimicro/Z-Star Microelectronics Corp. It can be identified with
# lsusbAfter the Bus # Device #:
ID 0ac8:0321.
The latest experimental driver can be downloaded from our friends at http://mxhaard.free.fr/. The GSPCA drivers is the only one available to work with this camera. The SPCA5xx driver will work with many other external cameras.
The driver version gspca-20061216 from the web-site works well.
Updated: 2006-12-28
Back to topThe blue mail light can be use by Mail Notification. To set this up:
echo -n 1 > /proc/acpi/asus/mledThe command for all mail read is :
echo -n 0 > /proc/acpi/asus/mled
This will turn on the blue mail light when mail arrives and turn it off when all mail has been read. The benefit of this feature is the saving of virtual desk space; it can also be used to monitor how much spam you get per minute - exciting! Note: this only works when the laptop is turned on and connected to the Internet.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe touchpad preference allows the user to change properties of the touchpad such as enable tapping or scrolling. If the user finds the touchpad tapping is too sensitive, the tapping can be disabled; the left and right buttons below the touchpad still works.
The touchpad preferences can be found on the GNOME Desktop via Desktop->Preferences->Touchpad.
The technical notes on touchpad support was done in /etc/X11/xorg.conf
. A new section was added as below:
section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizScrollDelta" "0"
Option "SHMConfig" "true"
EndSection
The Server layout also needs to have an extra line added ...
Section "ServerLayout"
...
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
...
EndSection
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe application shortcut keys just above the keyboard are programmable. To program it:
Launch web browserand press the browser shortcut button.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe laptop battery needs to be re-calibrated every half year or so. It tells the machine when to expect the battery to run out. This is because the battery potential changes as it ages. Once the battery recalibration begin, you will not be able to interrupt it, it will run for a few hours depending on how strong your battery is.
Powerscreen and select
Recalibrate batteryto begin.
Do not purchase battery as a spare unless you intend to use it. Batteries sitting around unused will leak charge so even though it wasn't being used will still loose effectiveness.
Lastly, do not use a battery with a cracked case - it is a fire hazard. Always dispose of batteries in a recycling facility.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe wireless service on this laptop consist of four components: the wireless card, the wireless kill switch, the ipw3945 driver and the Network Manager. The wireless kill switch is for turning off the wireless card to save battery when travelling.
 | The default setup turns the wireless card off during boot up and resume; you can tell by the wireless light on the bottom right of your laptop. To turn on the wireless card - hold down the <Fn> key and press the <wireless> button. |
To join a wireless network, left click on the signal strength in the notification area of the top panel and join an existing network or connect to a new wireless network. Fill in the pop-up dialog box as below and after a minute or so, a message should indicate you have successfully joined or failed.
Once successfully joined, a password will be asked to save the wireless profile. The profile is retrieved each time wireless network detected.
Kernel driver for the ipw3945 was compiled and installed for your custom kernel.
A hack is also available to automatically turn on the wireless card. It is called ipw-wled and is available in the download section.
It can be placed in the /etc/init.d/
directory.
To enable the wireless card during resume form hibernation, add the following line in /etc/hibernate/common.conf
:
RestartServices ipw-wled
Also comment out the following service.
# RestartServices acpi-support
Lastly, place it in the Startup Programs
in GNOME.
This can be found in Startup Programs
tab of Desktop->Preferences->Sessions.
Details on the hack - it checks the /sys/bus/pci/drivers/ipw3945/0000:02:00.0/rf_kill
status and turns off the kill switch.
on.
on.
The wireless-tools are a great assets in trouble shooting.
Use iwconfig to find out the status of the driver. Do this from a Root Terminal.
# iwconfig
Something similar to the following should show.
lo no wireless extensions.
eth0 no wireless extensions.
eth1 no wireless extensions.
...
eth2 IEEE 802.11g ESSID:"oz"
Mode:Managed Frequency:2.417 GHz Access Point: 00:18:F3:3A:2A:FF
Bit Rate:54 Mb/s Tx-Power:15 dBm
Retry limit:15 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
Encryption key:6903-35A5-03CC-E5D8-9F30-A93A-6076-3438-7697-DC54-668E-C00F-8C2D-8D68-2867-4EFE Security mode:open
Power Management:off
Link Quality=75/100 Signal level=-59 dBm Noise level=-60 dBm
Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0
Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:84 Missed beacon:0
...
sit0 no wireless extensions.
If you don't see any network ESSID or Access Point information, it failed to negotiate a connection with a access point. If this happens, check the wireless light. If it is off, wireless kill switch is on and no connection is possible. If everything looks good then you should double check your access point essid key or password.
If you don't see any problems, then it is in the higher layer. Possibly a dhcp problem or a network problem from the access point onward. Check dmesg for any revealing messages.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe hibernation feature is one of the most significant feature in terms of productivity. It allows the user to open up multiple applications to work, hibernate and resume their work from where they stop.
Hibernation differs from suspend in that suspend to ram will consume battery while hibernation does not. The cost of hibernation is a small amount of time in the hibernating and resuming process. No suspend to ram is available on this machine.
 | To hibernate, simply hold down <Fn> key and press <hibernate> together (The hibernation button may appear on different function keys depending on model). It will save a image of ram onto the disk and power off. |
Resumption is simply the reverse process. Turning on the machine and writing the image back to ram.
|
| Warning: do not hibernate in one version of the kernel and resume from another - it is a sure way of corrupting the system. |
Hibernation on this machine is setup with Software Suspend2. Aside from the usual in kernel compile, additional customization was developed to make it more convenient and reliable. The following is the list of customizations, the complete source is available in the repository:
echo > /sys/power/suspend2/do_resume
# choose older algorithm for reliability echo 1 > /sys/power/suspend2/full_pageset2
More details can be found in suspend2.html.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe bootsplash screen can be changed by the user. The instructions for creating a custom bootsplash are a little elaborate and a novices may feel more comfortable with using a image from bootsplash archive.
bootsplash-themeand download the theme.
# dpkg-reconfigure bootsplash
Automatically configure your bootloader,
Update your initramfs images,
The bootsplash screen resolution is 1024x768. This is because when the bootsplash screen is displayed the system is still running from the initramdisk and 915resolution video patch had not been loaded. So if a image is loaded without some hacking, it will appear distorted and unfocus because 1280x800 resolution is not available.
To create a bootsplash screen with the proper proportion:
/etc/bootsplash/themes/current/imagesdirectory with a file name of
silent-1024x768.jpg.
silent-1024x768.jpgis the image displayed with the progress bar and
bootsplash-1024x768.jpgis the terminal screen with all the messages.
# update-initramfs -u
Aside from the standard kernel patch, the kernel parameters added in /boot/grub/menu.lst
under the grub section is the following:
# defoptions=vga=791 splash=silent ... # altoptions=(single-user mode) single vga=791 splash=verbose ...
A custom patch was also applied to /etc/init.d/rc
to support the progress bar.
Animation is not supported.
The custom patch is called rc.patch and is available in the Downloads section.
To apply the patch manually, run the following from a root terminal:
patch -i rc.patch -p0 -b /etc/init.d/rc
Replace the rc.patch
with the actual path of the file. The patch will create a backup in case something goes wrong.
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThe following are the list of changes made to the standard Debian kernel source:
/etc/initramfs-tools/scripts/init-premountdirectory. Once the compilation is completed and an kernel image is created, suspend2 script must be removed from the afore mentioned directory prior to installing the new kernel.
 | The .config file can be downloaded from the Downloads section for peer review. |
Updated: 2006-11-17
Back to topThis is a barebone laptop with interchangeable parts. See upgrading below for details.
| Display | 14" WXGA (1280X800) |
| Graphics Controller | Integrated, Intel® 945GM with DIH capabilities. |
| Camera | Built-in .35MP Camera. Vimicro/S-Star chipset. |
| Networking |
|
| Processor and Cache Memory |
|
| RAM | DDR2-533/677 MHz up to 2048MB , 2 x SODIMM Dual Channel Slots |
| Audio Output | Intel® 82801G High Defn. Audio. Built-in stereo speakers and microphone S/W Volumn up/down. The sound is high fidelity but the speakers are a little weak, best with headphones. |
| Telecom | Azalia compliant MDM Fax/ Modem , Integrated MDC Fax/Modem , Modem supported 56K/V.90 and universal PPT. Conexant chipset (software modem). Additional purchase is neccessary for full modem/fax functionality. |
| Input Device | Keyboard , Touch Pad |
| Chipset | Intel® 82801G ICH7-M |
| LED Status Indicator | Power-on/Suspend , Battery Charging/full/low , Storage device access , Email, WLAN Connectivity , Caps Lock, Num Lock |
| Interface |
|
| Keyboard | Desktop-Like Ergonomic Full-Size 87/88key, 3mm Travel with Win Function Key |
| Power Management |
|
| Battery Pack and Life | Li-Ion 6 cell 4800mAh, 64W/Hrs , Built-in gauge IC , Real life run-time 2.5hrs with M410 processor and wireless card. |
| AC Adapter | Output---19 V DC, 4.74A, 65W , Input---100240V AC, 50/60Hz universal |
| Dimensions WxDxH | 13.15x9.9x1.00~1.4 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Supplied Accessories | Carrying bag |
| Security | AMI 4MB Flash EPROM, PMU, Plug and Play , Boot from IDE ODD and USB FDD , Intel OSB Requirement , Support Touch-Pad Lock Function |
| Dimension and Weight | 13.15 x 9.9 x 1.00 to 1.4 inches (WXDXH) , 5.5lbs w/ 6-cell battery |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 Year |
lspci produces the following output:
00:00.0 Host bridge: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/PM/GMS/940GML and 945GT Express Memory Controller Hub (rev 03) 00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GMS/940GML Express Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 03) 00:02.1 Display controller: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GMS/940GML Express Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 03) 00:1b.0 Audio device: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) High Definition Audio Controller (rev 02) 00:1c.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) PCI Express Port 1 (rev 02) 00:1c.1 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) PCI Express Port 2 (rev 02) 00:1d.0 USB Controller: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB UHCI #1 (rev 02) 00:1d.1 USB Controller: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB UHCI #2 (rev 02) 00:1d.2 USB Controller: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB UHCI #3 (rev 02) 00:1d.3 USB Controller: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB UHCI #4 (rev 02) 00:1d.7 USB Controller: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB2 EHCI Controller (rev 02) 00:1e.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 82801 Mobile PCI Bridge (rev e2) 00:1f.0 ISA bridge: Intel Corporation 82801GBM (ICH7-M) LPC Interface Bridge (rev 02) 00:1f.1 IDE interface: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) IDE Controller (rev 02) 00:1f.3 SMBus: Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) SMBus Controller (rev 02) 02:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (rev 02) 03:01.0 CardBus bridge: Ricoh Co Ltd RL5c476 II (rev b3) 03:01.1 FireWire (IEEE 1394): Ricoh Co Ltd R5C552 IEEE 1394 Controller (rev 08) 03:01.2 Generic system peripheral [0805]: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C822 SD/SDIO/MMC/MS/MSPro Host Adapter (rev 17) 03:01.3 System peripheral: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C592 Memory Stick Bus Host Adapter (rev 08) 03:07.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL-8169 Gigabit Ethernet (rev 10)
Updated: 2007-01-17
Back to topThe Z62 series of ASUS laptops are upgradable. This include the CPU, harddisk, wireless card, memory modules and the DVDRW drive.
This upgradability will allow your laptop to grow with your needs and stay out of landfill longer.
|
|
Warning: Always unplug the power cord, remove the battery and discharge any static electricity prior to opening the case. |
Here are some instructions for common upgrades.
Updated: 2006-11-17
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