[tlinux-users 00221] Re: Toshiba Satellite U400-138 and ACPI issues

[Jonathan Buzzard]

Jakub Ondrusek wrote:
> I'm not nearly as skilled in hardware issues as you but this seems to be
> interesting. So do you mean that I could somehow "sniff" what calls 
> are being
> issued so that the LEDs light up?
Yes, the vast bulk of the Toshiba support has been gathered in that 
fashion, initially by myself. Back then it involved lots of single 
stepping with debuggers and some disassembly. These days it is *much* 
simpler.

> Could you please provide more info on the program you're using or any 
> links?
>
I will as soon as I get access to the computer on which it is stored. 
Currently it is some 160 miles away and I fluffed a broadband move on 
Friday, so until I engage my out of band management solution (aka a 
sister and a mobile phone) I don't have access anymore.

However basically it hooks the ioctl's on a device (the TVALD and 
probably the TVAP). You then prod what laptop features you want to 
change and look at what is shown in the ioctl's. It is then just a 
question of working out which calls it is doing and then using the 
appropriate kernel modules to replicate them.

It is my understanding that the U400 is actually a Compal job (at least 
the U200 and U300 where) and that it will be using the Omnibook module. 
Exactly how this works I am not sure as I have never owned a Compal 
based Toshiba notebook. All mine have been "pucker" Toshiba designed and 
built (Satellite Pro 400CS, Tecra 780DVD, Libretto 50CT, Tecra 8200 and 
Tecra M5).

JAB.

-- 
Jonathan A. Buzzard                 Email: jonathan (at) buzzard.me.uk
Fife, United Kingdom.