ThinkWiki - User contributions [en]

Category talk:T61

2007-05-16T21:07:37Z

2bithacker: Turbo Memory in MiniPCI Express slot 2?

== Turbo Memory in MiniPCI Express slot 2? ==

Lenono's online configuration tool allows only the Turbo Memory feature or the EV-DO card, not both. I suspect the Turbo Memory is installed in MiniPCI Express slot 2. Can anyone confirm this?

--[[User:2bithacker|2bithacker]] 23:07, 16 May 2007 (CEST)

Installing Ubuntu 6.06 on a ThinkPad T43

2006-10-26T23:43:42Z

2bithacker: Cleaned up links and some minor grammer

Installation Log of {{Ubuntu}} 6.06 on a {{T43}}

__TOC__

==Overview==
Worked right out of the box
* 1400*1050 resolution
* Battery Management
* Ultra Nav (Trackpoint and synaptic touchpad)
* WLAN (Atheros, IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II)
* Hibernate and Standby
* Fn keys (switch between monitors untested)
* Audio Keys
* ThinkLight

Was easy or required some work
* easy ubuntu (includes skype and some codecs)
* middle key of Ultra Nav (Trackpoint)
* ATI 3D Acceleration (Mobility Radeon X300)
* Xgl / Compiz

Still TODO
* Fingerprint reader
* Forward/Backward keys, Access IBM Key

Untested
* Bluetooth (light indicates working)
* Modem
* IrDA
* TV out, VGA out

Failed / still requires work
* Active Protection System

==Installation==

===Recovery copy of data===

Before installing a new OS you should create a security copy of your old system. As the IBM Rescue and Recovery tool quit with an error message I used the Ubuntu live CD, mounted and cd'ed into my external hard drive and ran the following command:

$ cmduser|sudo dd if=/dev/sda1 | gzip | dd of=./sda1.img

where /dev/sda1 is the device with my windows partition and sda1.img the gzipped security copy.
In case of problems one can now restore lost information using

$ sudo dd if=./sda.img | gzip -d | of=/dev/sda1

After creating the recovery copy we are ready to resize the existing windows partition. This article assumes you want to keep your IBM Rescue and Recovery Partition, shrink in size, but keep your windows partition and create a new partition for Dapper Drake.

===Resizing Partitions===

Probably the best choice is now to boot from the alternate CD (read [http://gawrysiak.org/corvus/?p=4] to know why) and use it to resize the existing NTFS partition. Unfortionately in my case it didn't work. So I booted the Live CD, but gparted and parted refused to resize my Windows, too. If the same happens to you, use the example [http://crashrecovery.org/CrashRecoveryKit/iso/2.4.21/HOWTO.ntfs.html here] to know how to resize it "manually" using ntfsresize and fdisk.

After resizing your windows partition you should reboot window to check everything's in order. It probably will run checkdisk and reboot two times - according to experieces you can read in the web, you should better let windows do that.

===Installation of Ubuntu===

Now it's the time to install Ubuntu. I used the alternate CD for that because I chose to install grub into the Linux partition and not into the Master Boot Record ([http://gawrysiak.org/corvus/?p=4 read why]). The graphical LiveCD installer automatically installs grub to the MBR. If you want to use grub in the MBR read [[Rescue and Recovery]]. There is a description of what you have to do in order to still be able to use the IBM R'n'R partition.

* remember that you're installing GRUB to an '''sda''' mount, not an hda mount like the GRUB installer will prompt you for what you should enter after you tell GRUB not to install in the MBR will be something like this:

/dev/sda3

After the installation is finshed it will reboot your system. Now windows should start. In my case it didn't, but playing around, booting into the R'n'R partition, starting PC Doctor and doing some Diagnostics (no changes) somehow and surprisingly made windows boot again.

To boot you freshly installed Linux you have to reboot the LiveCD one last time. Use

$ sudo dd if=/dev/hda3 of=ubuntu.img bs=512 count=1

to copy the first block of grub into an image file and use e.g. an usb flash drive to transfer it to your newly booted windows. Copy paste the image to C:\ and add the following line to your C:\boot.ini:

C:\ubuntu.img="Ubuntu Dapper Drake" $

At the next restart the windows boot manager should now welcome you with the choice to boot windows or ubuntu. Choose ubuntu to (finally ;-) boot your newly installed linux for the first time.

==Configuration==

===Easyubuntu===

[http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/ Easyubuntu] is a helpful tool to install Skype, codecs, ATi 3D drivers and further things that can make your live easier.

===Keyboard Layout===

My T43 has a German keyboard layout. Most worked just fine, but some keys (in my case the "at" and the "tilde" among others) just didn't. If the same happens to you, just go to the Gnome System Preferences menu and choose the right layout for your keyboard (probably named after your language and something like eliminate-dead-keys or no-dead-keys)

===3D Acceleration and Xgl/Compiz===

If you have an ATI Radeon X300, use [http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Dapper_Installation_Guide this explanation] to make your hardware 3d acceleration work.

To test if it works type

$ glxinfo | grep rendering

The answer should be: "direct rendering: Yes". If it says "No", you don't have 3D acceleration.

If you want to install Xgl/Compiz like me, [http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?id=389 here] is a great installation help for ATI cards (use way two.)

If you have another card you might find a good explanation [http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=148351 here].

===Active Protection System===

The T43 has a great system to protect your hard disk, the Active Protection System APS. [[How to protect the harddisk through APS]] describes how you can use it.

{{WARN|Only follow these instructions if you know what you are doing!}}

If you didn't until now you will have to install make, libc, gcc, ... Best is you use

$ sudo apt-get install build-essentials

Determine your kernel version using

$ uname -a

You should see somthing like

Linux ibm 2.6.15-26-386 #1 PREEMPT Thu Aug 3 02:52:00 UTC 2006 i686 GNU/Linux

Install the kernel sources "linux-source" e.g. using Synaptic.
Download the right kernel patch from [[HDAPS#Applications]] according to your kernel version and system (I chose "sata/ide disk protection patch for 2.6.15")
adapt following steps to your needs:

$ cd /usr/src/
$ sudo su
# bunzip2 linux-source-2.6.15.tar.bz2
# tar -xf linux-source-2.6.15.tar
# cd linux-source-2.6.15
# patch -p1 -l < /home/silvan/hdaps_protect.20060118.patch

You should see several lines with the word "suceeded". If you see many "failed" instead you probably chose the wrong patch for your kernel. You can use the --dry-run option to try it out first. If you get errors in the following steps you should better stop unless you know what you are doing.

# make clean
# make oldconfig # use old config, ask for new items, only
# make clean
# make # takes quite a long time, several minutes
# make modules
# make modules_install

Afterwards use the debian sources mentioned in [[How to protect the harddisk through APS]] to install the user space deamon hdapsd and the gnome applet gnome-hdaps-applet, e.g. using Synaptic.

If this worked for you, you can find some nice applications at [[HDAPS#Applications]] which make use of the APS.

{{HELP|For me unfortunately it didn't work as making the patched kernel failed. Please update ths section if you have different experiences and a better, more detailed working explanation.}}

===Track Point Middle Key Scrolling===

In my case the track point worked out of the box, but the middle mouse button for scrolling did not. [[How to configure the TrackPoint]] explains how to solve this. The steps you need to follow are in section "Using the X server (kernel 2.6.11+)".
However you don't need to follow the steps in "EmulateWheelTimeout temporarily broken (-> fix for Ubuntu Dapper)" as this is fixed already if you have all your packages up-to-date.

Follow the instructions in the sections "Configure firefox for using trackpoint horizontal scrolling" and "Configure Opera for using trackpoint horizontal scrolling" as well, if you are using one of the two browsers.

===Fingerprint Reader===
{{Todo|Needs editing}}
Look at [[How to enable the fingerprint reader]] if you want to use your fingerprint reader.

===Forward / Backward Keys, Access IBM===
{{Todo|Needs editing}}
You'll find more here: [[How to get special keys to work]]

===IrDA===
{{Todo|Needs editing}}
Find information here: [[How to make use of IrDA]]

Hope this helped anyhow :-)

Greetz

tec

==References==
* [http://gawrysiak.org/corvus/?p=4 Dapper Drake on T42]

==External Sources==
* This guide is listed at the [http://tuxmobil.org/ibm.html TuxMobil Linux laptop and notebook installation survey (IBM/Lenovo)].

Installing Ubuntu 6.06 on a ThinkPad T43

2006-10-26T21:53:53Z

2bithacker: /* Installation of Ubuntu */

Installation Log of {{Ubuntu}} 6.06 on a {{T43}}

__TOC__

==Overview==
Worked right out of the box
* 1400*1050 resolution
* Battery Management
* Ultra Nav (Trackpoint and synaptic touchpad)
* WLAN (Atheros, IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II)
* Hibernate and Standby
* Fn keys (switch between monitors untested)
* Audio Keys
* ThinkLight

Was easy or required some work
* easy ubuntu (includes skype and some codecs)
* middle key of Ultra Nav (Trackpoint)
* ATI 3D Acceleration (Mobility Radeon X300)
* Xgl / Compiz

Still TODO
* Fingerprint reader
* Forward/Backward keys, Access IBM Key

Untested
* Bluetooth (light indicates working)
* Modem
* IrDA
* TV out, VGA out

Failed / still requires work
* Active Protection System

==Installation==

===Recovery copy of data===

Before installing a new OS you should create a security copy of your old system. As the IBM Rescue and Recovery tool quit with an error message I used the Ubuntu live CD, mounted and cd'ed into my external hard drive and ran the following command:

$ cmduser|sudo dd if=/dev/sda1 | gzip | dd of=./sda1.img

where /dev/sda1 is the device with my windows partition and sda1.img the gzipped security copy.
In case of problems one can now restore lost information using

$ sudo dd if=./sda.img | gzip -d | of=/dev/sda1

After creating the recovery copy we are ready to resize the existing windows partition. This article assumes you want to keep your IBM Rescue and Recovery Partition, shrink in size, but keep your windows partition and create a new partition for Dapper Drake.

===Resizing Partitions===

Probably the best choice is now to boot from the alternate CD (read http://gawrysiak.org/corvus/?p=4) to know why) and use it to resize the existing NTFS partition. Unfortionately in my case it didn't work. So I booted the Live CD, but gparted and parted refused to resize my Windows, too. If the same happens to you, use the example (http://crashrecovery.org/CrashRecoveryKit/iso/2.4.21/HOWTO.ntfs.html) to know how to resize it "manually" using ntfsresize and fdisk.

After resizing your windows partition you should reboot window to check everything's in order. It probably will run checkdisk and reboot two times - according to experieces you can read in the web, you should better let windows do that.

===Installation of Ubuntu===

Now it's the time to install Ubuntu. I used the alternate CD for that because I chose to install grub into the Linux partition and not into the Master Boot Record (read why (http://gawrysiak.org/corvus/?p=4), same article as above). The graphical LiveCD installer automatically installs grub to the MBR. If you want to use grub in the MBR read http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Rescue_and_Recovery . There is a description of what you have to do in order to still be able to use the IBM R'n'R partition.

* remember that you're installing GRUB to an '''sda''' mount, not an hda mount like the GRUB installer will prompt you for what you should enter after you tell GRUB not to install in the MBR will be something like this:

/dev/sda3

After the installation is finshed it will reboot your system. Now windows should start. In my case it didn't, but playing around, booting into the R'n'R partition, starting PC Doctor and doing some Diagnostics (no changes) somehow and surprisingly made windows boot again.

To boot you freshly installed Linux you have to reboot the LiveCD one last time. Use

$ sudo dd if=/dev/hda3 of=ubuntu.img bs=512 count=1

to copy the first block of grub into an image file and use e.g. an usb flash drive to transfer it to your newly booted windows. Copy paste the image to C:\ and add the following line to your C:\boot.ini:

C:\ubuntu.img="Ubuntu Dapper Drake" $

At the next restart the windows boot manager should now welcome you with the choice to boot windows or ubuntu. Choose ubuntu to (finally ;-) boot your newly installed linux for the first time.

==Configuration==

===Easyubuntu===

On http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/ you can find a helpful tool to install skype, codecs, ati 3d drivers and further things that can make your live easier.

===Keyboard layout===

My T43 has a German keyboard layout. Most worked just fine, but some keys (in my case the "at" and the "tilde" among others) just didn't. If the same happens to you, just go to the gnome system preferences menu and choose the right layout for your keyboard (probably named after your language and something like eliminate-dead-keys or no-dead-keys)

===3D acceleration and Xgl/Compiz===

Search at thinkwiki.org for help on your graphics card. If you have an ATI Radeon X300 like me, use this explanation how to make your hardware 3d acceleration work:
http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Dapper_Installation_Guide

To test if it works type

$ glxinfo | grep rendering

The answer should be: "direct rendering: Yes". If it says "No", you don't have 3D acceleration.

If you want to install Xgl/Compiz like me, here is a great installation help for ATI cards (use way two): http://www.compiz.net/viewtopic.php?id=389
If you have another card you might find a good explanation here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=148351

===Active Protection System===

The T43 has a great system to protect your hard disk, the Active Protection System APS. An Howto http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_protect_the_harddisk_through_APS describes, how you can use it. I try to explain it a little more in detail, but
{{WARN|only follow these instructions if you know what you are doing!}}

If you didn't until now you will have to install make, libc, gcc, ... Best is you use

$ sudo apt-get install build-essentials

Determine your kernel version using

$ uname -a

You should see somthing like

Linux ibm 2.6.15-26-386 #1 PREEMPT Thu Aug 3 02:52:00 UTC 2006 i686 GNU/Linux

Install the kernel sources "linux-source" e.g. using Synaptic.
Download the right kernel patch from http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/HDAPS#Applications according to your kernel version and system (I chose "sata/ide disk protection patch for 2.6.15")
adapt following steps to your needs:

$ cd /usr/src/
$ sudo su
# bunzip2 linux-source-2.6.15.tar.bz2
# tar -xf linux-source-2.6.15.tar
# cd linux-source-2.6.15
# patch -p1 -l < /home/silvan/hdaps_protect.20060118.patch

You should see several lines with the word "suceeded". If you see many "failed" instead you probably chose the wrong patch for your kernel. You can use the --dry-run option to try it out first. If you get errors in the following steps you should better stop unless you know what you are doing.

# make clean
# make oldconfig # use old config, ask for new items, only
# make clean
# make # takes quite a long time, several minutes
# make modules
# make modules_install

Afterwards use the debian sources mentioned in http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_protect_the_harddisk_through_APS to install the user space deamon hdapsd and the gnome applet gnome-hdaps-applet, e.g. using Synaptic.

If this worked for you, you can find some nice applications at http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/HDAPS#Applications which make use of the APS.

{{HELP|For me unfortunately it didn't work as making the patched kernel failed. Please update ths section if you have different experiences and a better, more detailed working explanation.}}

===Track Point middle key scrolling===

In my case the track point worked out of the box, but the middle mouse button for scrolling did not.Track point(http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_configure_the_TrackPoint) explains, how to solve this, the steps, you need to follow are in section "Using the X server (kernel 2.6.11+)".
However you don't need to follow the steps in "EmulateWheelTimeout temporarily broken (-> fix for Ubuntu Dapper)" as this is fixed already if you have all your packages up-to-date.
Follow the instructions in the sections "Configure firefox for using trackpoint horizontal scrolling" and "Configure Opera for using trackpoint horizontal scrolling" as well, if you are using one of the two browsers.

===Fingerprint reader===
{{Todo|needs editing}}
Look at this Howto (http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_enable_the_fingerprint_reader) if you want to use your fingerprint reader.

===Forward / backward keys, Access IBM===
{{Todo|needs editing}}
You'll find more here: http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_get_special_keys_to_work

===IrDA===
{{Todo|needs editing}}
Find information here: http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/How_to_make_use_of_IrDA

Sorry for the bad formatting of the links :-(
Hope this helped anyhow :-)

Greetz

tec

=External Sources=
*This guide is listed at the [http://tuxmobil.org/ibm.html TuxMobil Linux laptop and notebook installation survey (IBM/Lenovo)].

ThinkPad Dock II

2006-08-18T16:14:01Z

2bithacker: /* Quality DVI & Widescreen support */

{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="0"
| style="vertical-align:top;" | __TOC__
| style="vertical-align:top;" | <div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF; align:right;">
== IBM ThinkPad Dock II ==
The IBM Dock II (Model 2877) is the most feature-packed dock IBM sells. In addition to supporting all the features of the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]], the expansion capability of the Dock II can transform a regular Thinkpad into a full blown workstation with multiple monitors (PCI video card), higher fidelity audio (PC Card audio), and additional storage [[UltraBay|Ultrabay 2000]]. These expansion features are not supported by all Thinkpads, therefore the Dock II does not support as many Thinkpads as the [[ThinkPad Port Replicator II|Port Replicator II]] or [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]].

=== Features ===
* everything the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock]] has
* 1x half-size PCI card slot
* 2x Type II (or 1x Type III) [[CardBus slot]]
* 1x [[UltraBay|Ultrabay 2000]] slot

===Pros & Cons===
* Positives: Expansion capability
* Negatives: Cost ($399), internal fan is loud, large, less compatible
* Compatibility: X20/30, T20/30/40, R50/R51 and A20/30 Series notebooks.(does not support the A21e/22e, R40/40e/50e/51e or X40/41).
* Warranty: One Year
</div>
* [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&langId=-1&storeId=1&partNumber=287710U IBM Website for Dock II]
* [ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/92p1836.pdf ThinkPad Docking Solutions HMM (February 2003)] (248,638 Bytes)
|}

==PCI Slot==
Note this is a full height/half size and not a 'low profile' slot (the PCI card on the pictures below is "low-profile", but "half-size" cards also fit in the Dock II). Separate brackets are required for low profile PCI cards. Normal cards will not fit.

Many use the half-size PCI slot for peripherals like secondary video cards, TV tuners, audio cards, etc. This is considered by many to be the highlight of the Dock II, and is a feature that few other docks have. The Dock II does not support AGP or PCI Express. The Ultrabay 2000 slot can be used to connect other IBM peripherals, such as second hard disks or CD/DVD drives.
Potential owners of the Dock II are often concerned about compatibility and recommendations of video cards. See the [[#Compatible Video Cards|compatible video cards]] list below for more information.

''Dock II owners: anybody tried to shoehorn a larger card in? ''

Dimensions are up to 18 x 12 cm:
{{gallery_start}}
{{thumb|ThinkPad-DockII.jpg|PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (bottom view)}}
{{thumb|ThinkPad-DockII-rear.jpg|PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (rear bottom view)}}
{{gallery_end}}
In order to use a larger than "low-profile" card with the Dock II you can use a PCI riser. This means you might have to build a hollow support base for the dock, but it will allow you to connect any card. These PCI risers can be found at places such as [http://mini-itx.com/store/?c=8#p1908].

===Video Cards===
The PCI slot is most often used for installing video cards to allow for multiple monitors. This feature is especially useful for anyone that requires visualizing a large amount of information, including stock brokers, artists, etc. Due to the slow PCI bus, gaming is generally not improved much by external cards.
One of the chief concerns of low profile video cards is whether they support the monitor setup you desire. As more monitors these days are LCDs, quality DVI support is essential. Additional concerns include driver support, ability to hot-swap (add or remove the thinkpad without rebooting), and noise/heat.
====Quality DVI & Widescreen support====
One way to work around the [[Problem with DVI throughput|limitations]] of the docks DVI pass-through port is to use a PCI graphics card which features a DVI port. Note that while this probably will work, the performance of the PCI graphics accellerator will be poor because of the limitations of the interface.

Also the newest ATI video drivers for both Linux and Windows are known to not have limited resolution support on the external DVI port anymore.

====Hot Swapping====
'''It is unknown whether hot swapping is fully supported.'''
Check the [http://forums.thinkpads.com/ thinkpads.com forum] for more information.

====Noise/Heat====
Since the [[Dock II]] has been reported to be a bit noisy, some people have taken to unplugging the fan inside (or possibly replacing it). While this likely voids your warranty, it may be necessary if you really want it quiet. Adding a video card increases the heat inside the dock, and may likely have a fan on board as well, meaning it will increase the noise level. While adding one of the below video cards is likely well within the thermal limitations of the dock, you should take into consideration the noise and heat it may add.
<BR><BR>
'''Anybody care to add some anecdotal information about this here?'''
====TV Tuners====
{| cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0"
|- style="text-align:left;"
!Card !! Chipset !! A/V Ports !! HDTV !! Price
|-
|[http://www.ati.com/products/tvwonderpro/index.html ATI TV Wonder Pro]
|PCI
|Yes
|No
|$59.99[http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&product_code=315276&Pn=TV_Wonder_Pro_PCI_TV_Tuner_and_Video_Capture_Card]
|-
|}

====Compatible Video Cards====
This is a list of the most popular low-profile PCI video cards used with the IBM ThinkPad Dock II.
{| cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0"
|- style="text-align:left;"
!Card !! Chipset !! RAM !! DVI Ports !! Max DVI Res !! [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TMDS TMDS] !! Compatibility !! Price
|-
|[http://www.matrox.com/mga/workstation/audio/products/pseries/p650_low_profile.cfm Matrox Millennium P650 Low-Profile]
|P650
|64MB DDR
|2x
|1920x1200
|Unknown
|Unknown
|[http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321649&affiliate=yahoo $219.95]
|-
|[http://www.matrox.com/mga/corp/insurance/products/g450mms_quad.cfm Matrox G450MMS Quad PCI]
|G450
|128MB DDR
|4x
|4x1280x1024
|Unknown
|Unknown
|~$500
|-
|[http://www.pny.com/products/quadro/nvs/280Nvspci.asp PNY Quadro NVS 280 PCI]
|Nvidia Quadro 280
|64MB DDR
|2x (reqs cable)
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Unknown
|[http://www.computerbrain.com/applications/search/itemdetails.asp?sku=VCQ4280NVSPCIBK&sc=frg $157.99]
|-
|Nvidia GeForce MX 4000
|GeForce 4 MX 4000
|64MB DDR
|1x
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Unknown
|
|-
|[http://www.naplestech.com/pages/xentera_gt2_pci-dvi.htm NTI Xentera GT2]
|ATI Radeon 9000
|64MB DDR
|2x
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Unknown
|[http://www.provantage.com/buy-7colc00h-xentera-2-pci-profile-screen-dvi-video-adapter-colorgraphic-communications-612532-shopping.htm $213.91]
|-
|[http://www.naplestech.com/pages/xentera_gt4_pci-dvi.htm NTI Xentera GT4]
|ATI Radeon 9000 x2
|64MB DDR x2
|4x
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Unknown
|[http://www.axiontech.com/prdt.php?src=FG&item=49218 $448.95]
|}

===Audio Cards===
===Other PCI Cards===

==Ultrabay 2000==
In contrast to the Full Dock I the Full Dock II has a full featured (= hotswap capable) [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] slot.

Note to T4x owners: [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] is an older Ultrabay technology, not compatible with the [[UltraBay|UltraBay Slim]] in the T40/T41/T42/T43 lineup. Many [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] accessories are available on [http://search.ebay.com/ultrabay-2000 Ebay].

The docks IDE interface is a CMD 648, so you should enable the according kernel option (compile it into the kernel if loading as a module doesn't work), if you want to use anything else than a floppy in the docks UltraBay.
Note that the interface will most likely be ide2 and ide3 then, so the docks UltraBay drive will be hde.

==PC Card Slots==
Nothing special: 2 additional Type II slots. This may be helpful if you need a certain PC Card only while docked (e.g. a second GBit NIC), or if you have 2 PC Cards that physically won't fit into one pair of slots at the same time (e.g. 2 WLAN cards or 2 [http://www.villagetronic.com/e_pr_vtbook.html Villagetronic VTBook Video cards] ).



==DVI pass-through==
LCD monitors are getting larger and higher-resolution. Currently, DVI based on 165MHz TDMS transmitters can only (officially) support 1600x1200x32 at 60Hz, which is the resolution of your average 20" non-widescreen LCD. IBM's driver support for this resolution through DVI ports on docks has been inconsistent. Also in Linux you might experience [[Problem with DVI throughput|problems]] even with this resolution and IBM officially states that the pass-through DVI port only supports resolutions up to 1280x1024. Read [[Problem with DVI throughput|our page]] of information on how to solve these troubles.

Please be aware that not all Thinkpad models will support DVI output with a Dock. Apparently, X and T2* models do not. Please add other models if you know about them to not support DVI.

== Supported ThinkPads ==
* {{A20m}}, {{A20p}}, {{A21m}}, {{A21p}}, {{A22m}}, {{A22p}}
* {{A30}}, {{A30p}}, {{A31}}, {{A31p}}
* {{R30}}, {{R31}}, {{R32}}
* {{R50}}, {{R50p}}, {{R51}}, {{R52}}
* {{T20}}, {{T21}}, {{T22}}, {{T23}}
* {{T30}}
* {{T40}}, {{T40p}}, {{T41}}, {{T41p}}, {{T42}}, {{T42p}}, {{T43}}, {{T43p}}
* {{X20}}, {{X21}}, {{X22}}, {{X23}}, {{X24}}
* {{X30}}, {{X31}}, {{X32}}

Problem with DVI throughput

2006-08-18T16:10:06Z

2bithacker: /* Linux */

Information about the DVI throughput problem on port replicators and docks with ThinkPads from approximately 2000.

==Problem description==
All ThinkPad port replicators and docking stations officially support a maximum resolution of 1280x1024 on the replicators/docks DVI port. Resolutions above were not supported in standard drivers at all for a long time and may lead to random screen corruption if used with modified or alternative drivers.

Unofficially, good DVI transmitters can support resolutions like 1600x1200 or 1920x1200 at 60Hz used in modern TFT monitors. However, not all DVI transmitters can push this resolution, due to poor signal quality from cheap manufacturing or weak TDMS transmitters.

Random screen corruption means that approximately 1 out of 5 times you will have a lot ot flickering blue and green pixels (roughly gathered to vertical stripes) on your DVI driven display. It is not entirely clear so far if the screen corruption problems are a driver or hardware problem.

You may also discover the phenomena of a blurred picture when having automatic picture expansion enabled on a higher resolution display. Switching this off should recover the picture quality.

==Affected Models==
*ThinkPad {{A20p}}, {{A21p}}, {{A22p}}, {{A30}}, {{A30p}}, {{A31}}, {{A31p}}
*ThinkPad {{R40}}, {{R40e}}, {{R50}}, {{R50e}}, {{R50p}}, {{R51}}, {{R52}}
*ThinkPad {{T30}}, {{T40}}, {{T40p}}, {{T41}}, {{T41p}}, {{T42}}, {{T42p}}, {{T43}}, {{T43p}}

*all port replicators and docking stations for these models

==Affected Operating Systems==

*Linux, all flavours
*Windows, all flavours

==Status==
IBM knows about this and has included this limitation into the specs of all these docking solutions.

It is, however, possible to run higher resolutions on the DVI port. Linux supports this natively. The Windows drivers were limited in to 1280x1024 for a long time, but with the newest releases this limitation is gone for certain models. However, depending on your display you can still experience the phenoma of random screen corruption.

The {{T42}} with the ATI 9600 chip is reported to be able to drive the Dell 24" 2405FPW at 1920x1200 using DVI by using ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows.

Recent IBM drivers (e.g. 2005 Aug 11 release, version 8.133.2-050525a-024243C-IBM) are also known to support resolutions of 1600x1200 ({{T41p}} with NEC 2180UX) and 1920x1200 ({{T42p}} and {{T41p}} with Dell 2405FPW) at 60Hz through the dock DVI port. This has been reported to not be the case with {{T40}}, {{T40p}}, and {{T41}} models. For these models, use alternate drivers in the 'Solutions' section.

If you experience flickering, try using a better or shorter DVI cable.

If your transmitter cannot push this resolution, try fiddling with the 'reduced blanking' option (through your video card driver) or create a custom timing (with a lower refresh rate) in [http://www.entechtaiwan.com/ps.htm PowerStrip]. Note that both ways can reduce performance especially in fast refresh-sensitive work (reduced blanking less so though). For more information on TDMS transmission, see the [http://www20.graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041129/ DVI Compliance Testing article] at [http://www.tomshardware.com/ Tom's Hardware].

Very high resolution displays like the [http://www.apple.com/displays Apple 30" Cinema Display], with a 2560x1600 resolution, requires what is known as Dual-Link DVI [http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041129/tft_connection-06.html], a technique of piggybacking 2 DVI connections into one physical DVI plug. This is not to be confused with a card having 'Dual DVI', or two physical DVI ports. Very few video cards support Dual-Link DVI, and they are usually very expensive. No known PCI cards exist that support Dual-Link DVI. There is hope for users of large displays though - newer TDMS transmitters, such as the [http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=4 SiI 1172], can push 225MHz and above through a single link, which is enough to drive 2560x1600 at 55Hz. These transmitters have not yet made it to many video cards - only the ASUS V9999GE card is known to use one.

==Solutions==

===Linux===

Under Linux, you can in theory make use of higher resolutions. (This is currently limited by the inability of drivers to use the DVI port.) If screen corruption should occur, you can try fixing it by changing from X to the console and back. Doing this often helps.

===Windows===
For certain models, the problem is solved with the newest video drivers from IBM. Just update.

For other models ({{T40}}, {{T40p}}, and {{T41}}), you must use alternate drivers to enable the higher resolutions. You can use patched ATI driver sets like [http://www.dna-drivers.nl/ DNA-ATI] or [http://www.omegadrivers.net OMEGA] drivers, or you can download the latest drivers from www.ati.com and patch them with Patje's Mobility Modding tool found [http://www.driverheaven.net/patje/ here]. This tool solves the problem when used with Catalyst drivers from version 5.6.

If you experience trouble getting the ATI Control Center to come up correctly when using these patched drivers, you can make a shortcut to the CLI.EXE file (ie. \program files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.EXE) to open it directly.

The remaining problem with Windows is that IBMs practical Presentation Director utility still doesn't support the higher resolution. This issue is solvable by doing some manual modifications to Presentation Directors registry entries. If you don't want to tweak your registry you can use multi-res (packaged with the OMEGA drivers) instead of Presentation Director.

If you want to use Presentation Director, follow this procedure:
* Add a profile with VGA output and set it to 1600x1200.
* Then you also add a profile with DVI output and set it to 1280x1024.
* After finishing the wizard you open regedit.
* Look for the Presentation directors key structure (HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/IBM/NPdirect/Data/Common/Presentation/Schemes) and
* copy the resolution value from the VGA profile to the DVI profile. (So if your VGA profiles name is VGAprof and the DVI profiles is DVIprof, you copy the Resolution keys value from HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/IBM/NPdirect/Data/Common/Presentation Schemes/VGAprof/01 to ....../DVIprof/01.)
* Close regedit (and eventually reboot) and restart Presentation Director.
* You should be have the wanted resolution in the properties of your DVI profile.

If you have a non-standard resolution monitor (like Dell 2005FPW), you can manually calculate the correct value for the registry key. The keys look like this in hexmode: 0x0???0???. The first four numbers are the lower part of the resolution (600 in 800x600) and the last four numbers is the higher part. To calculate the correct values open up the calculator (start->run->"calc"), choose View->Scientific. This will enable you to use hexnumbers. Right below the result-area, choose "Dec" for decimal numbers. Now enter the lower part of your decired resolution. For instance in 2005FPW case, you'd enter "1050". Now choose "Hex" to convert that value to hexnumber. In our case, we'll see "41A" in the resultarea. Now you just add a zero before that number ("041A") and you have the first half of your key. Repeat this for the second part (for 2005FPW you'd enter 1680 and get 690 as result, meaning "0690" is the second part"). Now put them together and you have the complete key - "041A0690". This is the value you enter in regedit as the value of the "Resolution"-key.

You can also have Presentation Director automatically call a batch file that calls the multi-res application. The batch file will use multi-res to switch to one of the higher resolutions not supported by the Presentation Director. Mult-res can be found [http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/multires.shtm here].

Batch file example:
multires.exe /1920,1200,32,60 /exit

Alternate solution: Use a VGA (not DVI) cable from the docking station to the TFT display, if available. This works on the combination of T41 and Dell 2405FPW display.