LinuxQuestions.org - Blogs - GlennsPref

nvidia-installer -A Solved

GlennsPref — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:36:57 GMT

Thank you Didier, nvidia-installer -A, shows the advanced options.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennsPref

Thank you Didier, that's it.

Code:

 -K, --kernel-module-only
      Install a kernel module only, and do not uninstall the existing driver.
This is intended to be used to install kernel modules for
additional kernels (in cases where you might boot between several 
different kernels).
To use this option, you must already have a
driver installed, and the version of the installed driver must match
the version of this kernel module.

Thanks heaps, Glenn

Change heading for lookups and searches from "Solved" non-descriptive title. gw

nvidia graphics, 2 kernels, 2 window managers is it possible?

GlennsPref — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:35:26 GMT

nvidia graphics, 2 kernels

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennsPref

Hi, I have 2 kernels, one RT, the other is not.

The newer kernel (2.6.28.x.x mdv) is my main desktop, for normal every day tasks,

but the other, RT kernel (2.6.26.x.rt mdv), is specifically for Real-Time

monitoring of Audio when Recording sound (Multi-track) on my system.

I have more system info available if required, But

My main question is...

Can I have 3d graphics acceleration installed on both kernels?

I use the nvidia proprietary driver module, 177.82, but if I try to

install it for the other kernel, nvidia-installer un-installs the

current one.

What I want to do is cut back on desktop fx when using the recorder by

having a separate user, "music" with xfce, but still keep my usual set-up

for everyday use without having to install the graphics all the time.

I can get around this by editing the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file each time

I change tasks, but I don't get the benefit of the hardware GPU and

memory using vesa.

I'm new to this kind of hacking, but I'm sure one of you

know how to do it.

I wrote a tute for setting up RT monitoring,

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...irole.-699233/

and am familiar with some of the configurations, but this is new to me.

I use kde4 for everyday bling and computer work,

like web-browsing and doc writing etc.

Any tips?

Thanks heaps, Glenn

Heads-up, nVidia proprietary drivers with kde4 you may not need the options tweaks!!

GlennsPref — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:31:44 GMT

Here is a test comparison, between rt (configured for audio, and my current kernel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennsPref

music@GamesBox:~$ startxfce4

Code:

music@GamesBox:~$ glxgears                                        (05-02 20:08)
62825 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12564.875 FPS
62331 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12466.195 FPS
63293 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12658.508 FPS
63464 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12692.744 FPS
63393 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12678.479 FPS
63259 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12651.711 FPS
63772 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12748.367 FPS
63624 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12724.737 FPS
63653 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12730.557 FPS
63435 frames in 5.0 seconds = 12684.970 FPS
music@GamesBox:~$ uname -a                                        (05-02 21:31)
Linux GamesBox.GlennsPref.net 2.6.28-Preempt-0.rc8.1mnb #2 SMP PREEMPT Fri Jan 30 09:33:45 EST 2009 x86_64 AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+ GNU/Linux

Whooo Weee.

Just double checking the RT kernel...

Code:

music@GamesBox:~$ uname -a                                        (05-02 21:50)
Linux GamesBox.GlennsPref.net 2.6.26-music.8-1.rt13.1mdv #3 SMP PREEMPT RT Wed Jan 14 20:45:45 EST 2009 x86_64 AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+ GNU/Linux
music@GamesBox:~$ glxgears                                        (05-02 21:51)
46823 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9360.805 FPS
45941 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9180.539 FPS
45441 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9073.050 FPS
45150 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9018.174 FPS
45083 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9011.763 FPS
44879 frames in 5.0 seconds = 8975.763 FPS
45421 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9076.420 FPS
45611 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9122.151 FPS
44756 frames in 5.0 seconds = 8938.974 FPS
44224 frames in 5.0 seconds = 8827.179 FPS
45469 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9093.735 FPS
music@GamesBox:~$                                                 (05-02 21:52)

Hope this helps some of you....

Regards, Glenn

Heads-up, nVidia proprietary drivers with kde4 you may not need the options tweaks!!

GlennsPref — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:28:45 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennsPref

Heads up ppl.

If you use the nvidia proprietary drivers with kde4 you may not need the options tweaks previously used in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.

post #6 by txf
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=126835

When I saw this last night, I could not believe it, Did I really need to # out about 10 lines of options,

Well, glxgears is the only benchmark I used, but the improvements were devastatingly positive!

/etc/X11/xorg.conf (Newly modified, I did not think it would even start!)

Code:

# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig:  version 1.0  (buildmeister@builder58)  Tue Nov  4 17:18:57 PST 2008

# File generated by XFdrake (rev 247269)
# File generated by XFdrake (rev 247269)

Section "ServerLayout"
    Identifier     "Layout0"
    Screen      0  "Screen0" 0 0
    InputDevice    "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
    InputDevice    "Mouse1" "CorePointer"
    InputDevice    "Mouse2" "SendCoreEvents"
EndSection

Section "Files"
    FontPath        "/usr/share/fonts/default/Type1"
EndSection

Section "Module"
    Load           "dbe"
    Load           "extmod"
    Load           "type1"
    Load           "freetype"
    Load           "glx"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    Identifier     "Mouse1"
    Driver         "mouse"
    Option         "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
    Option         "Device" "/dev/mouse"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    Identifier     "Mouse2"
    Driver         "evdev"
    Option         "device" "/dev/input/by-id/usb-Logitech_USB_Receiver-event-mouse"
    Option         "HWheelRelativeAxisButtons" "7 6"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"

    # generated from data in "/etc/sysconfig/keyboard"
    Identifier     "Keyboard0"
    Driver         "kbd"
    Option         "XkbModel" "pc105"
    Option         "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
#"DV177/SB"
    Identifier     "Monitor0"
    VendorName     "MEA"
    ModelName      "1280x1024 @ 50 Hz"
    HorizSync       31.5 - 64.3
    VertRefresh     50.0 - 70.0
    Option         "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Device"
    Identifier     "Device0"
    Driver         "nvidia"
    VendorName     "GigaByte"
    BoardName      "GigaByte GeForce 9800gt (GTX+)"
EndSection

Section "Screen"

    #Option "BackStoring" "True" #"1"
    Identifier     "Screen0"
    Device         "Device0"
    Monitor        "Monitor0"
    DefaultDepth    24
    Option         "PixmapCacheSize" "1600000"
    #Option         "AddARGBGLXVisuals" "True"
    Option         "DPMS"
    Option         "BackStoring" "0" #"True" #"1"
    #Option         "OnDemandVBlankInterrupts" "true"
    #Option         "DisableGLXRootClipping" "True"
    #Option         "DamageEvents" "1"
    #Option         "AllowSHMPixmaps" "0"
    #Option         "TripleBuffer" "1"
    #Option         "RenderAccel" "True"
    #Option         "UseEvents" "false"
    Option         "HWCursor"
    SubSection     "Display"
        Depth       24
    EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Extensions"
    Option         "Composite"
    Option         "RENDER" "Enable"
EndSection

Test results, comparison...
using glxgears...

Code:

NoPat glxgears.

without nopat, normal xorg.conf  (I thought this was the best I could get, lol)
glenn@GamesBox:~$ glxgears                        (25-01 15:26)
19355 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3870.968 FPS
20132 frames in 5.0 seconds = 4025.476 FPS
19408 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3881.587 FPS
19533 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3898.408 FPS
18845 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3768.947 FPS
18656 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3731.070 FPS
18741 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3748.169 FPS
18556 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3707.013 FPS
18442 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3688.389 FPS
18633 frames in 5.0 seconds = 3726.489 FPS
glenn@GamesBox:~$


With nopat kernel boot param.  Nice improvement, but a bit jumpy/jittery

glenn@GamesBox:~$ glxgears                                                                                                      (25-01 15:34)
29822 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5963.993 FPS
32055 frames in 5.0 seconds = 6410.964 FPS
28150 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5629.852 FPS
28034 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5606.756 FPS
33237 frames in 5.0 seconds = 6647.276 FPS
32036 frames in 5.0 seconds = 6407.151 FPS
29417 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5882.160 FPS
27982 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5596.388 FPS
28162 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5632.326 FPS
27887 frames in 5.0 seconds = 5577.261 FPS
glenn@GamesBox:~$                                                                                                               (25-01 15:37)


with most mods removed from xorg.conf without nopat

music@GamesBox:~$ glxgears
47174 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9434.789 FPS
44911 frames in 5.0 seconds = 8980.790 FPS
46844 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9361.882 FPS
47305 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9460.989 FPS
48113 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9622.578 FPS
47165 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9432.910 FPS
47554 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9510.770 FPS
47433 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9486.521 FPS
47155 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9430.994 FPS
47329 frames in 5.0 seconds = 9465.761 FPS
music@GamesBox:~$                                                 (04-02 23:27)

Just goes to show ya, that real improvements are being made.

It has not fixed the resizing freeze, ie. grabing the corner of a window and draging to a different size.

But new stuff is comming out all the time.

By the time mandriva releases kde4.2 (not kde4.2mdv, which is 4.1.x in reality, see the errata of 2009.1rc) correct me if I'm wrong, please, I've read so much I might be confused,lol.

It should be better. I guess that means mid year release of Mandriva 2010.0.

Cheers, Glenn

But wait, there's more...

Real-Time Audio part 4, final.

GlennsPref — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:16:38 GMT

Get set_rlimits...(set_rlimits is only one of a few programms that enables this type of functionallity)

http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~...mits-1.3.0.tgz
http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~jwoithe/

Quote:

�This file sets the maximum priorities which set_rlimits can set for
a given program when executed by a given user or group.
The program specified must include an absolute path.�

Uncompress it with...
tar xf *

Run...

make clean && make

and when your ready to install it, run...
make install

Now get ready with you favourite editor, with root privileges

to edit some system files...

vi is a good one. ;-)

usually /etc/set_rlimits.conf

We want access to the @audio group and any of it's members (or a username),
Note: you should be a member of that group.

The next is the absolute address to the binary, then the nice level, real-time priority,
and memlock for the binary to run in.

/etc/set_rlimits.conf

Code:

@audio /usr/bin/jackd nice=-1 rtprio=80 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/qjackctl nice=-1 rtprio=79 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/ardour nice=-1 rtprio=78 memlock=400000
#@audio /	=-1	rtprio=		memlock=
@audio /usr/bin/hydrogen nice=-1 rtprio=76 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/rosegarden nice=-1 rtprio=75 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/vkeydb nice=-1 rtprio=74 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/qsynth nice=-1 rtprio=73 memlock=100000

/etc/security/limits.conf (if ardour complains about memory limits)

Code:

@audio - rtprio 99
@audio - memlock 500000
@audio - nice -10

/etc/sysctl.conf for �

Code:

#checking inotify max_user_watches... too small. For Real-time Audio...
#** /proc/sys/fs/inotify/max_user_watches is smaller than 524288
#** increase it by adding 'fs.inotify.max_user_watches = 524288' to /etc/sysctl.conf and rebooting
#   For more information, see http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=system_configuration#sysctl.conf
fs.inotify.max_user_watches = 524288

and any others mentioned in the perl script, like tmp fs listing.

Set up the server path in qjackctl to read, set_rlimits jackd

I also preceded the music programs commands with this as well, by editing the icon properties.

Type in set_rlimits jackd to start the server from a prompt.

Check with the video and perl script to check everything is as it should be. There are references to
some of the pages I have trolled through to assemble this document, and you can check those for
configuring the kernel, Alsa, and checking the hardware.

Repeated links from above...
Kernel http://proaudio.tuxfamily.org/wiki/i...owto_RT_Kernel

Alsa http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-908845.html
Contributed to by the Ubuntu community and Blablack in particular

Note: The UA-4FX page has more command line utility examples for debugging.
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Edirol_UA-4FX

Which links to the previous ua-25 page.
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Edirol_UA-25
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Edirol_UA-25EX

Outcomes
Before starting with jackd

jack with 64 frames per second and a buffer of 4 periods, at 44.1kHz 16bit
latency is about 5.6msec but jack has drop-outs in the audio chain,
X runs... :(

After set_rlimits jackd

jack with 64 frames per second and a buffer of 2 periods, at 44.1kHz 16bit
gets about 2.6msec, with no x runs
(x runs = audio-processing lock-ups causing drop-outs, caused by resource scheduling).

I try to get in a habit of using one resolution most of the time,
after all, CD quality is still 44.1kHz/16bit.
:-)

Check for basic system sounds, configure kernel for virtualBox and nVidia Graphics re-installation

After going through all of this, you won't want Mandriva Automatically Upgrading
your kernel for you.
To change this behaviour for urpmi (and drakrpm?) go to /etc/urpmi/skip.list
Use the config help in that file, /^kernel*/ you need to be root to save it.
Smart has a version lock, where you can lock packages by version from the smart GUI, nice.

So we have not covered installing the programs, but I figure there's other documents about that already.

I used Audacity to check the audio recording and playback systems during the kernel configs.
(without jackd running)

Thank you to the contributors of Alsa, Ubuntu, Linux Journal Magazine, www.atomicmpc.com.au
and www.LinuxQuestions.org and you too (for reading).

I have tried to reference others work where I could, and give credit where it is due.

I apologise for any omissions, and accept any useful criticism, amendments will be made as they
become available and or relevant.

Thank you
Regards Glenn (GlennsPref) 27/01/2009

Real-Time Audio part 3

GlennsPref — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:15:36 GMT

Next is the rt kernel patch...
Note: You only need to do this if you have not installed the rt kernel source from the rpm,
as mentioned above, if you did you can skip this Patching section and continue on to the
configuring the kernel section of this document.

Patch the kernel with the RT patch

manual patch method,

from the video. (includes applications rt permissions and access with set_rlimits)...
http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/hy...al-time-kernel

download and patch any rt diffs.
I could not find a real-time patch for the new 2.6.28.x-kernel at...
http://rt.et.redhat.com/download/

You might find that you need to revise what kernel .ver you need to use, as I did,
Once I realised this I used the rpm method instead. Same versions, less work and the
�Mandriva tweaks and proprietary drivers�.

Download the patch (a .bz2 file in this case)to an appropriate place...
/usr/src/linux/patch-2.6.26.8-rt13.bz2 (or whatever version you require)

cd to the src dir (or where you saved the file to)...
cd /usr/src/linux

run bzip2 -d for the .bz2 file to unpack it in the src directory...
bzip2 -d patch-2.6.26.8-rt13.bz2

Now patch the kernel by running...
patch -p1 < patch-2.6.26.8-rt13

Now you're ready to configure the kernel, which will bring the patches to fruition
and allow for making other changes (the perl script suggestions).

Configuring the kernel

We'll need to configure further, We'll integrate the patch, type...
cd /usr/src/linux

running make oldconfig will only ask NEW questions not answered in the old (current) config
file.(/boot/config)...
make oldconfig

say yes to the real-time preemption question, preempt_rcu and preempt_rcu_Boost and any deps
(none I noticed).

You can say no to the others or leave them as dynamic loading modules. (depending on the age of
this document, Jan2009)

Some questions may be debugging apps, but generally you really won't want a lot of low level
apps running taking notes and writing reports while you're trying to record and sequence sounds.
So you can probably leave the debugging and kernel hacking out or unchanged if you like.
I turned off �Kernel_Debugging� as a whole.

This Gentoo guide is concise, (ignoring distro centric commands and) look for the selections to change in the kernel.
http://proaudio.tuxfamily.org/wiki/i...owto_RT_Kernel

Once that is finished, you can run the build sequence...

Another way to do this is with with a GUI, make xconfig or make menuconfig you can get right
down to the nitty gritty of selections, with a search function, with your mouse and you can
browse around. :-)

cd /usr/src/linux

Note: I would run �make oldconfig� first, answering the questions then save. Then...
make xconfig or make menuconfig.

check to see if rt has been enabled,
Search for �real-time preemption� and �preempt_rcu� and any deps (preempt_rcu_Boost),

you can probably leave the debugging and kernel hacking out or unchanged if you like.

Make sure the snd_usb_audio module is loaded in the config.[USB_AUDIO]

I also look for spcaxxx module for my webcam, and option module for usb_storage
�usb hdspa modem�.
I check to see if the agpgart modules are dynamic not static for my amd/nVidia combo.
I also check for write access to ntfs file systems.

Save your config then exit the xconfig app.
make sure you save the config file with the save button/icon and exit xconfig program.

That should save the config file to the default place... /usr/src/linux/somewhere.
You'll see on the shell, �saved config file to....�(Be sure you know where it is).

Config complete.

Compiling the kernel
Note: The rolling of the kernel (compiling) takes longest, up to 2 hours on most machines
It has been recommended to me not to run any other memory or filesystem intensive
applications on the system while the compiling is being carried out.

Otherwise type...
make all && make modules_install && make install

Note: make all, this does... make dep && make clean bzImage modules

Reboot selecting the new kernel, should be automatic with grub2 Mandriva system...
Shutdown -r now

Note: If you want this to run during the night, let say, and to shut down automatically
when the process is complete, type this instead...
make all && make modules_install && make install && shutdown -h now

Then go to work, or bed and check it when you return.

If you get errors, or stoppages, please ask before you reboot to the new kernel, you can always
fall back to the old kernel if you have booting problems.

Other than the package manager references, this is a good guide for any distro...IMO
Gentoo guide...
http://proaudio.tuxfamily.org/wiki/i...owto_RT_Kernel

Compile complete.

I got this from a Linux-Journal video tutorial(.flv) called

Hyper_Low-Latency_Audio_with_a_Real-Time_Kernel_Linux_Journa.flv
ref. http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/hy...al-time-kernel

To configure the system applications use the alsa examples...
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Ed..._system_rights

Real-Time Audio Part 2

GlennsPref — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:10:18 GMT

and added the Edirol patch to the RT kernel....

vi is a handy editor, We need admin rights to �save these files here�...

su (enter root password)

vi /usr/src/linux/Makefile

Quick vi tute

Code:

vi is operated in a shell, like Konsole or term

	Quick keys...

	I = insert �edit mode�
	Esc = exit mode/s
	:w = write
	:q = quit
	:wq! = force write quit (does not always over-ride the admin permissions)

/usr/src/linux/Makefile (Only showing the top 5 lines or so)...

Code:

	VERSION = 2
	PATCHLEVEL = 6
	SUBLEVEL = 26
	EXTRAVERSION = -music.8-1.rt13.1mdv
	NAME = GamesBox.GlennsPref.net

uname -a reveals the details of the running kernel (reflected from the installed kernel),
I don't want them all named �x.x-x-custom-x.x�,
I like task names more than reference numbers in my boot loader,
less geeky, more task oriented.

uname -a

Code:

	glenn@GamesBox:~/bin$ uname -a                                                                  (22-01 13:33)
	Linux GamesBox.GlennsPref.net 2.6.26-music.8-1.rt13.1mdv #3 SMP PREEMPT RT Wed
	Jan 14 20:45:45 EST 2009 x86_64 AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual CoreProcessor 5600+
 	GNU/Linux glenn@GamesBox:~/bin$

Patch the kernel with the Edirol patch.

Copy the lines from the code box below to a file named /usr/src/linux/sound/usb/Edirol
-patch.diff

Change to the directory and run the patch...

cd /usr/src/linux/sound/usb
sudo patch < Edirol-patch.diff

Note:
When tested (25-01-2009, 12:09), the response was �patching file usbaudio.c
Reversed (or previously applied) patch detected! Assume -R? [n]�
I [ctrl+c] to kill the process (exit). I believe the process of how and where to patch the
kernel is concise now.

The Edirol UA-25EX Patch code...
ref. http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-908845.html

Copy all text in the next frame...(except the words, code ;-)

Code:

Add Alsa support for Roland Edirol UA-25EX in Advanced mode
(for MIDI support and sample rates of 48 kHz and 96 kHz)
usbquirks.h
================================================== =================
diff -u sound/usb/usbquirks.h.00 sound/usb/usbquirks.h
--- sound/usb/usbquirks.h.00 2007-11-28 02:15:11.000000000 -0700
+++ sound/usb/usbquirks.h 2007-11-28 02:17:51.000000000 -0700
@@ -1311,6 +1311,37 @@
}
},
/* TODO: add Edirol MD-P1 support */
+{ /*
+ * This quirk is for the "Advanced" modes of the Edirol UA-25EX.
+ * If the switch is not in an advanced setting, the UA-25EX has
+ * ID 0x0582/0x00a4 and is standard compliant (no quirks), but
+ * offers only 16-bit PCM at 44.1 kHz and no MIDI.
+ */
+ USB_DEVICE_VENDOR_SPEC(0x0582, 0x00e6),
+ .driver_info = (unsigned long) & (const struct snd_usb_audio_quirk) {
+ .vendor_name = "EDIROL",
+ .product_name = "UA-25EX",
+ .ifnum = QUIRK_ANY_INTERFACE,
+ .type = QUIRK_COMPOSITE,
+ .data = (const struct snd_usb_audio_quirk[]) {
+ {
+ .ifnum = 0,
+ .type = QUIRK_AUDIO_EDIROL_UA700_UA25
+ },
+ {
+ .ifnum = 1,
+ .type = QUIRK_AUDIO_EDIROL_UA700_UA25
+ },
+ {
+ .ifnum = 2,
+ .type = QUIRK_AUDIO_EDIROL_UA700_UA25
+ },
+ {
+ .ifnum = -1
+ }
+ }
+ }
+},
{
/* Roland SH-201 */
USB_DEVICE(0x0582, 0x00ad),

Tip:
Always leave a blank line at the end of config files, so the shell program (zsh, bash, etc)
knows it's a valid end of file (eof). Ensure when you compile your kernel to activate the
module snd_usb_audio [USB_AUDIO]. When you lsmod, it should be in the list.

If you have the RT kernel-source installed, your free to build the kernel, you may need to do
this again, it's ok, it's just time. I had to do the config twice or more before I completed the
exercise, but I think we'll just install each part once. You should still be in the /usr/src/linux
directory.

Type...
make xconfig
go to Device Driver->Sound->Alsa->USB devices and activate the module USB-Audio
(by blablack)

Check with the perl script to be sure...

Quote:

reference pages...
Patch the kernel with the Edirol patch if required, by blablack,
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-908845.html
The kernel patch Edirol FA-4x and UA-25ex From the Ubuntu forums...
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=855327
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-855327.html
links to this alsa wiki page...
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Edirol_UA-4FX
Which links to the previous ua-25 page.
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Ed...ce_information

Making Real-Time Audio with Linux v0.3 part 1

GlennsPref — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:05:34 GMT

Making Real-time audio with
Mandriva Linux and Roland's
Edirol UA-25ex (usb powered sound card), using
jackd, qjackctl, Ardour, Hydrogen, Rosegarden and fluidsynth.

Topical Index

Code:

	Objective
	Current system Hardware
	Find appropriate Kernel
	rpm's info and choice
	I used a perl script to check my system, ref. http://arnout.engelen.eu/files/dev/linuxmusicians/realTimeConfigQuickScan.pl
	Patching the kernel
		Preparations.
		Manual (diy) Edirol Patch by blablack, ref. http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-908845.html
		Manual (diy) RT Patch(Linux Journal video)ref. http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/hy...al-time-kernel
	Configure the kernel, (use Gentoo guide...)http://proaudio.tuxfamily.org/wiki/index.php?title=Howto_RT_Kernel
	Compile and install the Kernel
	Give apps real time access, install and configure set_rlimits
	Run perl script check edit files to comply with script
	Reconfigure and compile if required.
	Test recording in Ardour with Hydrogen Drums controlled by jackd (not documented yet, but it works for me)

Objective

To achieve real time monitoring of multi track sound recording on a personal computer with
Open Source Software. We will probably have to compile twice or more, until all the
requirements are met, so don't worry if you miss something the first time through.

Current System Hardware

My system, Mandriva 2009.0 official release kde4.1.3(mdv)
Asus M3n78-EH AM2 motherboard,
2x 1gig kingston 800mHz DDR2, AMD64x2 5600+,
Edirol UA-25EX (24/96) usb sound.
nVidia 9800gt 512Mb ddr3 (pci-e x16), Zalman ZM750-HP PSW
numerous usual storage devices.

Find appropriate Kernel, rpm's info and choice

First thing I had to do was get a kernel that supported the new usb audio card.

http://www.edirol.net/products/en/UA-25EX/index.html

I started with the newest available, from Mandriva cooker, 2.6.28 rc...x86_64.(2009.1)

Once I turned off the on-board sound chip in bios, this kernel allowed the device to work out of
the box. (start-up music found it's way to the speakers, without configuring)

But I want Real-Time support!

The new kernel has the Edirol devices already installed. But I want Real-Time support.
I could not get a real-time patch for the new kernel, and to make one is out of my league.

Mandriva has RT type kernels available in .rpm packages from the contrib
and contrib/updates repositories. The real-time patched vanilla kernel...
kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv

The tmb kernel has Mandriva patches and third-party drivers I generally use so I'll start there as a
configuration basis, kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv

Then I will patch the rt-kernel-source with the Edirol patch to get the usb-audio module to
recognise my new sound card.

rpm's info and choice...

The RT kernel is vanilla and has no Mandriva tweaks, so to keep the tweaks I configured the RT
source from the old tmb config file. The versions overlapped in the right order.

kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv.

Code:

kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv - The source code for the Linux kernel                                                                                                                        
The kernel-rt-source package contains the source code files for the Linux kernel. The source files
are only needed if you want to build your own custom kernel that is better tuned to your particular
hardware. 
NOTE: This kernel has no Mandriva patches and no third-party drivers, only Ingo Molnar 
-rt (real-time) series patches applied to vanilla kernel.org kernels.

kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv.

Code:

kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv - Linux Kernel for desktop use with x86_64                                                                                                                        
The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux 
operating system.  The kernel handles the basic functions of the operating system:  memory
allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for desktop 
use, single or multiple x86_64 processor(s)/core(s), using voluntary preempt, CFS cpu scheduler
and cfq i/o scheduler. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp
mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, 
use the "nosmp" boot parameter. 
The tmb kernels is an experimental kernel based on the kernel.org kernels with added patches.
Some of them may/will never end up in the main kernels due to their experimental nature. 
Some refer to this kernel as a 'hackkernel' ... Use these kernels at your own risk !!

you can do this (install) on a Mandriva system with smart or urpmi, if you have a current rpm
and urpmi database...(for smart too?) Smart is a package manager, like synaptic,
available from the MDE repos. Ref. http://www.mde.djura.org/index.html (I like it a lot)

Code:

smart install kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv

Code:

urpmi kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv

Note: I did not install the rt-kernel rpm, just the tmb-kernel and rt-kernel-source rpms,
to save on downloads and to keep the �Mandriva tweaks and proprietary drivers�.

Quote:

RT= to bring hard real-time scheduling capabilities to the Linux Kernel,
with worst case latency and code execution in the tens of micro seconds.

(Linux Journal video)ref. http://www.linuxjournal.com/video/hy...al-time-kernel

Note: I use the video also in manually patching the kernel with an rt patch and
setting rt access for the programs. I used that video and this perl script (next) to set up
my system for jackd.

I used a perl script to check my system,

By following this perl program, I found what I needed to change for optimum Audio Response

Check the system with �realTimeConfigQuickScan.pl� (found here)...

http://arnout.engelen.eu/files/dev/l...igQuickScan.pl

perl script to report if you need to adjust ticks, or smp, etcetera.

you can run it from another shell terminal, (Konsole has tabs like firefox)
and it just reports to screen what needs to be done. Beautiful!

You can use the shift+PageUp or shift+uparrow to scroll back up the page.
Make a list, although they wont all be kernel config changes, It checks for several things,

Quote:

Checking for Ingo Molnar's Real-Time Preemption, Checking for tick less time support
Checking for 1000hz clock, Checking for High Resolution Timers,
Checking filesystem types, Checking tmpfs mounted on /tmp
Checking filesystem 'noatime' parameter, Checking the ability to prioritize processes
with (re)nice, Checking whether you're in the 'audio' group, Checking for multiple 'audio' groups
Checking sysctl settings (inotify max_user_watches), Checking for resource-intensive background
processes, like kpowersave.

We'll run this check again later to be sure we have everything in it's list. �to be sure, to be sure!�

Patching the kernel...

Preparations.
Patch the kernel with the Edirol patch.
Patch the kernel with the RT patch.

Preparations

Before I configured the kernel it needed to be patched and hacked a bit,

I edited the lines in the new Makefile to reflect the name I wanted to use for my kernel...

Making Realtime audio, with Mandriva Linux and Rolands Edirole UA-25ex (usb powered s

GlennsPref — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:02:47 GMT

Making Realtime audio, with Mandriva Linux and Rolands Edirole UA-25ex (usb powered sound card), using Ardour, Hydrogen, Rosegarden, jackd and qsynth.

First thing I had to do was get a kernel that supported the new usb audio card.

I started with the newest available, from Mandriva ccooker, 2.6.28 rc...x86_64.

This kernel allowed the device to work out of the box, once I turned off the onboard sound chip in bios.

But I could not get a realtime patch for the new kernel, and to make one is out of my league.

By following this perl program, I found what I needed to change,

I found this wiki very helpful...Suggested reading,
http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku....al-time_kernel

realTimeConfigQuickScan.pl

http://arnout.engelen.eu/files/dev/l...igQuickScan.pl

Make a list, they wont all be kernel config changes.

It checks for several things,
Checking for Ingo Molnar's Real-Time Preemption, Checking for tickless time support, Checking for 1000hz clock, Checking for High Resolution Timers,
Checking filesystem types, Checking tmpfs mounted on /tmp, Checking filesystem 'noatime' parameter, Checking the ability to prioritize processes with (re)nice, Checking whether you're in the 'audio' group, Checking for multiple 'audio' groups, Checking sysctl settings (checking inotify max_user_watches), Checking for resource-intensive background processes.

So, I went back to the last version of the Mandriva RT kernel, and to get the mandriva settings I installed the tmb flavour, 2.6.26.3-1(mdv) via rpm, and restarted the system with that tmb kernel.

then I installed the source for the RT kernel

2.6.26.8-1rt13.1(mdv) (I edited the lines in the makefile to reflect the name I wanted to use)...

Code:

VERSION = 2
PATCHLEVEL = 6
SUBLEVEL = 26
EXTRAVERSION = -music.8-1.rt13.1mdv
NAME = GamesBox.GlennsPref.net

uname -a reveals the details, I don't want them named all �custom�

Code:

glenn@GamesBox:~/bin$ uname -a                                                                          (22-01 13:33)
Linux GamesBox.GlennsPref.net 2.6.26-music.8-1.rt13.1mdv #3 SMP PREEMPT RT Wed Jan 14 20:45:45 EST 2009 x86_64 AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual CoreProcessor 5600+ GNU/Linux
glenn@GamesBox:~/bin$

rpm's...

Code:

kernel-rt-source-2.6.26.8-1.rt13.1mdv - The source code for the Linux kernel                                                                                                                        
The kernel-rt-source package contains the source code files for the Linux kernel. The source files are only needed if you want to build your own custom kernel that is better tuned to your particular hardware. 

If you only want the files needed to build 3rdparty (nVidia, Ati, dkms-*,...) drivers against, install the *-devel-* rpm that is matching your kernel. 

For instructions for update, see: http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate 

NOTE: This kernel has no Mandriva patches and no third-party drivers, only Ingo Molnar -rt (realtime) series patches applied to vanille kernel.org kernels.

Code:

kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.26.3-1mdv - Linux Kernel for desktop use with x86_64                                                                                                                        
The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux operating system.  The kernel handles the basic functions of the operating system:  memory allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for desktop use, single or multiple x86_64 processor(s)/core(s), using voluntary preempt, CFS cpu scheduler and cfq i/o scheduler. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, use the "nosmp" boot parameter. 

For instructions for update, see: http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate 

The tmb kernels is an experimental kernel based on the kernel.org kernels with added patches. Some of them may/will never end up in the main kernels due to their experimental nature. Some refer to this kernel as a 'hackkernel' ... Use these kernels at your own risk !!

But the RT kernel is vanila and has no Mandriva tweaks, so to keep the tweaks I configured the RT source from the old tmb config file. The versions overlapped in the right order.

Change to the new source dir (link to actual kernel)

You will need to be root when you install the kernel, but until then as a normal user go through the config and make processes.

cd /usr/src/linux

2 ways to do this, either type �

make menuconfig and load the /boot/config as the starting place, make sure you save it...
or
make oldconfig (will only ask NEW questions not answered in the old config file. (/boot/.config)

say yes to the realtime preemption question, and preempt_rcu_Boost and any deps (none I noticed).

and no to the others or leave them as dynamic loading modules.
Some of it will be debugging apps, but you really won't want a lot of low level apps running while trying to record. So you can leave the debugging and kernel hacking out if you like.

Check with the http://arnout.engelen.eu/files/dev/l...igQuickScan.pl

script if you need to adjust ticks, or smp, x86_64, any graphics tweaks, etcetera.
And make sure the snd_usb_audio module is loaded in the config.

(I also look for spca561 support for my webcam, and option for usb hdspa modem)
I check to see if the agpgart modules are dynamic not static for my amd/nVidia combo.

make all && make modules_install && make install

Reboot to the new kernel.

I got this from a Linux-Journal tutorial (.flv) called

Hyper_Low-Latency_Audio_with_a_Real-Time_Kernel_Linux_Journa.flv

For the life of me, I can't find it on the web, it's about 16Mb, I have a copy here.

I'm going to split it to make 3 smaller clips and post it up on Google groups, unless I can find a link....

Get set_rlimits...

http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~...mits-1.3.0.tgz
http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~jwoithe/

Quote:

�This file sets the maximum priorities which
set_rlimits can set for a given program when executed by a given user or
group. The program specified must include an absolute path.�

Uncompress it with
tar xf *

Run,

make clean
make

and when your ready to install it, run
make install

Now get ready with you favourite editor, with root privleges

to edit some system files...

vi is a good one.

usually /etc/set_rlimits.conf

We want access to the @audio group and any of it's members (or a username), you should be a member of that group.

The next is the absolute address to the binary, then the nice level, realtime priority, and memlock for the binary to run in.

Code:

@audio /usr/bin/jackd nice=-1 rtprio=80 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/qjackctl nice=-1 rtprio=79 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/ardour nice=-1 rtprio=78 memlock=400000
#@audio /
@audio /usr/bin/hydrogen nice=-1 rtprio=76 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/rosegarden nice=-1 rtprio=75 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/vkeydb nice=-1 rtprio=74 memlock=100000
@audio /usr/bin/qsynth nice=-1 rtprio=73 memlock=100000

/etc/security/limits.conf

Code:

@audio - rtprio 99
@audio - memlock 500000
@audio - nice -10

Edit sysctl.conf for �

Code:

#checking inotify max_user_watches... too small. For Realtime Audio...
#** /proc/sys/fs/inotify/max_user_watches is smaller than 524288
#** increase it by adding 'fs.inotify.max_user_watches = 524288' to /etc/sysctl.conf and rebooting
#   For more information, see http://wiki.linuxmusicians.com/doku.php?id=system_configuration#sysctl.conf
fs.inotify.max_user_watches = 524288

and any others mentioned in the perl script, like tmp fs listing.

Set up the server path in qjackctl to read, set_rlimits jackd

Type in set_rlimits jackd to start the server.

You should see (and hear) some difference in how smoothly it ticks along.

Before starting with jackd

jack with 64 frames per second and a buffer of 4 periods, at 44.1kHz 16bit
latency is about 5.6msec but jack has dropouts in the audio chain,
Xruns...

After set_rlimits jackd

jack with 64 frames per second and a buffer of 2 periods, at 44.1kHz 16bit
gets about 2.6msec, with no xruns.

Try to get in a habit of using one resolution most of the time.

Check for basic system sounds, configure kernel for virtualBox and nVidia Graphics re-instalation.

Done.

About me.

GlennsPref — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:20:08 GMT

Currently studying maths and science at Griffith uni.(defered 6months)

I went to The Gap High school (Brisbane), among others, and left in 1978 to take up work at Better Brakes as a junior labourer.

I am divorced (2003 ) and have a lovely daughter who is currently 12yo.

I subscribe to a few forums, LQ of course and Atomicmpc (www.atomicmpc.com.au) magazine.
Before I found out about Atomicmpc, I used to sub to "boot" magazine from the US, which later became "MaximumPC" magazine, I soon dropped that sub, because atomicmpc was better, relevant to Aust. and easier to sub to. But the content and attitudes were very similar.

In the past I have worked in manufacture of transport air-conditioning, Building small (upto 18T) pick and carry cranes (I assembled and fitted the jib)

Also, in no particular order, as a storeman and packer (with fork ticket)

as show crew for high profile AudioVisual companies, SEQld (southeast Queensland)

as a lecturer at the School of audio engineering, Brisbane.

As a sound and lighting technician for several hotels and clubs around SEQld

As a radio tech at CHUBB, fixing fastfood drivethrough comms, or anything from high powered amplifiers to large mixing desks, to security pir's and cameras,
and pagers and pagerbase systems for hospitals and nursing homes.

I have also work in the manufacture of telemetry equipment, In case you don't know, this is the electronics used to open and close dam gates, valves and all sorts of monitoring devices remotely.

Got my first PC 1994, a packardbell 486sx with 8mb ram and a 256mb hd.

Started overclocking the A7v (with a soldering iron) I ended up having 5 of these, -m -e -133 ,

but it's no fun now, with easy bios settings.

I like to play counterstrike (css) against my bots on the pc.

I play and write with my guitars and what audio equipment I have left. I have a 1973 Fender Quadreverb (mods, black-face, valve insert send and return, 2 12" celestians 75W, and a reactive volume-reducer (which also gives a post amp line out, hp out and 3db pad.) also a switch to turn off half the output stage.

I have also designed and built a valve amp, called "DUALLY", 2 input sections (like a mesaboggie) and dual output stage (this is an AB amp, but also class A, by a switch). One real love, adrenaline pumping power, especially when the chasis is on the bench, and a DVM, signal generator and crow setup, to monitor a 400Hz square wave and watch how fast it heats up, with the soldering iron and a bag of caps and resistors at the ready.

I have a Black US 1991 fender stratocaster, with a monster switch (10 combinations, want a schem, pm me)
and a Maton cedar top EMJ-620c acoustic guitar.