How-to get S3/VIA UniChrome Pro graphics/video to work in Mepis 6 !
Posts: 59
I have "S3 UniChrome" Pro graphics video built into my cheap motherboard, and Mepis6 didn't detect it, so it defaulted to type "vesa" with no 3D acceleration; I tried changing /etc/X11/xorg.conf from "vesa" to "via", as some others have done, but it didn't work.
The following OpenChrome.org driver worked great for me on Mepis6!
[UPDATE] They have removed the easy .deb so you now must compile it yourself. See...
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/OpenChrome
It has an easy .deb package (already compiled binary for kernel 2.6.15-26-386, run with "dpkg -i x.deb", or you may compile your own); be sure to read the easy readme...
http://gamesplace.info/opensource/openchrome/dapper-binaries/
To compile your own (if you upgraded your kernel)...
When asked to type "./autogen.sh" you really need to type: ./autogen.sh --prefix=/usr/
If you use the gui/window to copy files to a system folder it will need Write access; so, be sure to open the "To" window from your root terminal prompt by typing "konqueror".
su
apt-get install subversion build-essential automake1.9 libtool pkg-config xserver-xorg-dev libxvmc-dev x11proto-gl-dev libglu1-mesa-dev x11proto-core-dev libxvmc-dev xserver-xorg-dev x11proto-gl-dev libgl1-mesa-dev cvs
http://wiki.openchrome.org/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=Compiling+the+source+code
also read...
http://help.ubuntu.com/community/OpenChrome
http://gamesplace.info/opensource/openchrome/dapper-binaries/README
kwrite /etc/X11/xorg.conf and change "vesa" to "via".
kwrite /boot/grub/menu.lst and add or change the version to match your new kernel
I just upgraded my kernel to 2.6.15-27-686 and the compile instructions worked flawlessly; however, it wasn't noticably faster than the pre-compiled 386 version, according to command: glxgears -printfps
After you get it working (test with "glxinfo" indicating direct rendering, "glxgears -printfps", and TuxCart 3D game), I recommend locking this xorg package and the matching kernel in synaptic until you're ready for future upgrades. If your video breaks and you can't vi then boot the Mepis CD and fix the video by clicking K->System Configuration->System Administration->Mepis Utilities. Mepis developers, please add this to future Mepis releases.
Enjoy, -pc
Oh my. I may still have a
Posts: 59
Oh my. I may still have a copy on a disconnected hard drive, which should still work if it matches your kernel (you haven't upgraded the kernel)... will report after searching. I also noticed that the latest beta versions of Mepis, Ubuntu, and many other distros still do not work properly with Unichrome Pro built-in video. I wonder why it's so difficult for distro maintainers to get this driver working properly with Unichrome Pro motherboards? If all else fails, I do have an Acronis backup image with the driver already compiled and installed into Mepis 6.0 (686 kernel) which I could host if you own Acronis and downloading 7GB isn't a problem.
unichrome pro on mepis
Posts: 25
thanks for your help.
unfortunately i do not have acronis, so i am hoping that you can find the package. a flickering screen is quite a nuisance.
i will wait with bated breath to hear from you.
stuart
flickering screen
Posts: 25
thnx for the suggestion.
unfortunately that was not the fix.
cheers
stuart
You could try to use the
Posts: 190
You could try to use the driver from ViaArena:
http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=420&OSID=25&CatID=2580&SubCatID=163
-one is an installer type .bin - you will no doubt need the kernel-headers installed to get this working -i haven't tried it yet other than to see if it runs -it does and offers 32 or 64 bit installation options...
via unichrome video drivers
Posts: 25
thanks for the suggestion.
i do not feel confident or have enough time to go through the convoluted process to install the driver in this manner. i am really looking for a deb package or something similar.
thanks anyway.
PCLinuxOS has the Unichrome
Posts: 190
PCLinuxOS has the Unichrome (and OpenChrome) drivers available in the config panels (select 'by vendor' rather than 'xorg') - worth trying out to see if it works - then try in Mepis...
unichrome drivers
Posts: 25
thanks very much for pointing me in this direction.
i downloaded the latest version of pclinuxos and booted up.
it does indeed support unichrome cards and it completely removed the flicker from my monitor hooray !!
unfortunately it seems that more than just replacing the relevant bits of xorg.conf is needed. when i tried that i could not get graphics mode.
incidentally i was very impressed with the look of pclinuxos. i hope the next version of mepis has similar qualities.
cheers
stuart
S3/VIA Unichrome Graphics
Posts: 25
hi
i would be grateful if pcatiprodotnet would make the openchrome driver deb package referred to in your post on Mon, 09/25/2006, available to others. it is no longer available at the site mentioned.
alternatively you could send it directly to me at (email address removed by moderator)
much appreciated
stuart