Ubuntu Edgy and the Dell 2007FWP Display

[LoRdMaUL]

According the manual that came with the display, it lists the following data for Resolution and Preset Display Modes....is it going to be hard to get X to display at the native 1680 x 1050? I am betting it will be difficult or will it just be a matter of adjusting the xorg.conf file and adding the higher resolutions? Any input would be appreciated.


Resolution
Horizontal scan range 30 kHz to 81 kHz (automatic)
Vertical scan range 56 Hz to 76 Hz, exception 1680 x 1050 at 60 Hz only
Optimal preset resolution 1680 x 1050 at 60 Hz

Highest preset resolution 1680 x 1050 at 60 Hz


Dell™ guarantees image size and centering for all preset modes listed in the following table.

Preset Display Modes
Display Mode Horizontal Frequency (kHz) Vertical Frequency (Hz) Pixel Clock (MHz) Sync Polarity (Horizontal/Vertical)
VGA, 720 x 400 31.5 70.1 28.3 -/+
VGA, 640 x 480 31.5 59.9 25.2 -/-
VESA, 640 x 480 37.5 75.0 31.5 -/-
VESA, 800 x 600 37.9 60.3 40.0 +/+
VESA, 800 x 600 46.9 75.0 49.5 +/+
VESA, 1024 x 768 48.4 60.0 65.0 -/-
VESA, 1024 x 768 60.0 75.0 78.8 +/+
VESA, 1152 x 864 67.5 75.0 108.0 +/+
VESA, 1280 x 1024 64.0 60.0 108.0 +/+
VESA, 1280 x 1024 80.0 75.0 135.0 +/+
VESA, 1680 x 1050 (Digital) 64.6 59.9 119 -/+
VESA, 1680 x 1050 (Analog) 65.3 60.0 146.25 -/+

[dkeav]

that resolution works just fine with xorg, i have 2 21in displays at that resolution

[LoRdMaUL]

Welp....I am still just able to run at 1024 x 768....I am not sure what I need to add to my xorg.conf to be able to run at 1680 x 1050 @ 60 Hz. Here is the obligatory xorg.conf.....:)

# /etc/X11/xorg.conf (xorg X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the /etc/X11/xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man /etc/X11/xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "Files"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/misc"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/cyrillic"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/100dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/75dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/Type1"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/100dpi"
FontPath "/usr/share/X11/fonts/75dpi"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/misc"
# path to defoma fonts
FontPath "/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "i2c"
Load "bitmap"
Load "ddc"
Load "dri"
Load "extmod"
Load "freetype"
Load "glx"
Load "int10"
Load "type1"
Load "vbe"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "CoreKeyboard"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
Option "XkbOptions" "lv3:ralt_switch"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Driver "wacom"
Identifier "stylus"
Option "Device" "/dev/wacom" # Change to
# /dev/input/event
# for USB
Option "Type" "stylus"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4" # Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Driver "wacom"
Identifier "eraser"
Option "Device" "/dev/wacom" # Change to
# /dev/input/event
# for USB
Option "Type" "eraser"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4" # Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Driver "wacom"
Identifier "cursor"
Option "Device" "/dev/wacom" # Change to
# /dev/input/event
# for USB
Option "Type" "cursor"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4" # Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "ATI Technologies, Inc. RV370 5B60 [Radeon X300 (PCIE)]"
Driver "ati"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Generic Monitor"
Option "DPMS"
HorizSync 28-51
VertRefresh 43-60
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "ATI Technologies, Inc. RV370 5B60 [Radeon X300 (PCIE)]"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 1
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 4
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen "Default Screen"
InputDevice "Generic Keyboard"
InputDevice "Configured Mouse"
InputDevice "stylus" "SendCoreEvents"
InputDevice "cursor" "SendCoreEvents"
InputDevice "eraser" "SendCoreEvents"
EndSection

Section "DRI"
Mode 0666
EndSection


Any help would be appreciated...:)

[dkeav]

as long as you have the modelines right, the proper driver, and maybe even horiz/vert frequenices set, it will work just fine

here is my xorg.conf (http://dkeav.homeunix.org/xorg.conf)

ignore the twinview stuff, and metamodes that is for dualhead

[LoRdMaUL]

Oddly enough...I decided to try and see if Fedora Core 6 would detect the native resolution right out the box and it did...coolness...:)

[dkeav]

see you were all worried for nothing ;)

[LoRdMaUL]

yeah...I guess I did...I still would loved to been able to get Edgy displaying at 1680 x 1050...I guess I can try again some other time...thanks your help though...it is much appreciated...:)

[psych-major]

It's weird that this gave you an issue, as my Dell Latitude D820 supports that res, and Kubuntu Edgy defaulted to it out of the gate.
I have an nVidia GeForce Go 7300 using the generic 'nv' driver.
When I installed the official nVidia driver, I had all kinds of weirdness, but when I switched back to 'nv' it went back to 1680x1050 on it own.

However, I am unable to drive an external monitor via the docking station...

[psych-major]

I owe nvidia an apology...
When I actually read the output from trying to install the driver, it informed me about a checksum error, and how to fix it.
I followed the instructions and now have the nvidia driver loaded, and the ability to use my docking station and CRT monitor, as well as the laptop LCD display. SWEET!

[psych-major]

At home I'm using Earthlink DSL via a WRT54G router.
At work it's T1 via whatever switch/router they're using.

I have wireless working but I can't seem to authenticate to my SSID with the WPA/AES encryption scheme I'm using.

There were a couple of oddities, but no real serious issues with my setup. Everything except the WPA, and skype mic input has been resolved with just a few minutes of internet searching here and on the ubuntu forums.

I have dual monitors (one via docking station) and dual mouse input, touchpad and USB wheel mouse.
Overall the install was quite smooth, and my Windows XP installation is intact so I can dual-boot via grub.
I even have mp3 and DVD working! w00t!

[Metaljaz]

thanks for the reply.
i have a dell inspiron 8200 with a linksys wpc11 v4 pcmcia card and was thinking of making the switch to ubuntu. i have tried fc 5 and knoppix and have been unsuccessful with ndiswrapper. i am a newbie, still learning and dont mind trying because i continue to learn.

[psych-major]

Isn't that a pretty old 802.11b card? If so, either Mepis or Ubuntu should pick it up.

On mine, I had to run online update one time to get the wireless card driver.

I would definitely recommend Ubuntu, just choose your flavor, download the alternate install CD, and install!

[dkeav]

best way of dealing with those rtl8180 cards is to throw them in the trash and get a decent one of ebay or something, i suggest atheros chipset or ralink, though the ipw and bcm chipsets are fairly well supported now, the others however do not require icky firmwares

[psych-major]

I've had good luck with Atheros cards, and the ipw cards have drivers available directly from Intel, if they aren't already compiled into your distro. (both are with Ubuntu, Mepis and SuSE)

Keep an eye on www.geeks.com for reasonably priced computer stuff, including wifi cards. I got a bunch of Atheros cards there about a year ago for $10 apiece!

[Metaljaz]

will try purchasing a Atheros card. thanks for the help

[rlatemp]

I owe nvidia an apology...
When I actually read the output from trying to install the driver, it informed me about a checksum error, and how to fix it.
I followed the instructions and now have the nvidia driver loaded, and the ability to use my docking station and CRT monitor, as well as the laptop LCD display. SWEET!

psych-major,

I have a Latitude D820 running SuSE 10.1. I happen to have 2 dell port replicators - one that is running the Dell 2007WFP via DVI-D at work (runs great!), and one that I'd like to run a CRT monitor on through the VGA port at home. I'm running the latest nVidia driver.

For some reason I have never been able to get a dual-monitor configuration through the VGA port on either the laptop or the port replicator. Whenever I try, only one can work at a time - either the CRT or the LCD on the laptop, but never both together in a multi-monitor way (different content on each display). I have been able to get a clone-view to work (If I'm remembering correctly).

Would you mind sharing your xorg.conf file and any other knowledge that might help me? I would love to get dual-display working both without the port replicator and with it through the VGA connectors.

(Also, come to think of it... if you have any tips on undocking/docking with the Dell hardware, that would be great too. The D820 will freeze after 2-3 hot undock/redocks).

Thanks!
-rlatemp

[ladoga]

yeah...I guess I did...I still would loved to been able to get Edgy displaying at 1680 x 1050...I guess I can try again some other time...thanks your help though...it is much appreciated...:)

There are several ways you could make 1680x1050 to work. A is the easiest and least educative, B is the usual and recommended way, C needs some work but gets everything out of your display. If one way doesn't give results you want, then try another. :)

Way A. Copy over the /etc/X11/xorg.conf from your FC6 install to Ubuntu


Way B. Edit your /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Replace:
Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Generic Monitor"
Option "DPMS"
HorizSync 28-51
VertRefresh 43-60
EndSection

With:
Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Generic Monitor"
Option "DPMS"
HorizSync 30-81
VertRefresh 56-60
EndSection

Note that we use 60 as max vertical referesh rate as according to dell 1600x1050 mode doesn't support 76Hz. You can try 76Hz there too and see if other modes work then.


Now we set modes by changing:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "ATI Technologies, Inc. RV370 5B60 [Radeon X300 (PCIE)]"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 1
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 4
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "720x400" "640x480"
EndSubSection
EndSection

to:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "ATI Technologies, Inc. RV370 5B60 [Radeon X300 (PCIE)]"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 1
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 4
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 15
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1680x1050"
EndSubSection
EndSection

After trying out that 1680x1050 works fine you can add other resolutions in ""s after it.


Way C. You can adjust individual resolution setting with modelines. Currently Xorg should fetch all the needed settings from yout displays EDID and only setting modes is needed, but sometimes you might need to override that automatic stuff and then this comes into play.

Insert needed specs (preferred resolution, refresh rates and pixel/dot clock from table you posted in your first message) to modeline calculator. One can be found here: http://xtiming.sourceforge.net/cgi-bin/xtiming.pl

It will give you modelines you can then add to your xorg.conf to get wanted performance from each mode. Note that you can exceed safe values with this so if you are not careful it can be dangerous with older CRTs. On the other hand you can sometimes get better performance than offical display specs would guarantee. For example I could run my Nokia 447Xpro at 1152x960 at 95Hz, which was not supported by offical resolution table.