[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

pellen · 10-19-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prikolchik

I've been procrastinating on homework and decided to spend time doing someing useful... I've figured out a way to lower the minimum brightness on Acer Aspire 1410/1810T

Actually, it could be done on almost ANY laptop

Currently, the available brightness levels on the laptop are 10 to 100% in 10% increments. I added 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% levels.
I've done it by extracting DSDT table, decompiling from AML to ASL, following ACPI Specification adding a few more brightness level values in _BCL list and patching _BCM method to accept brightness level values below 10%. I've also ended up fixing the DSDT warning messages that I got on recompile.
Then I added my custom DSDT table to Ubuntu and viola! It works!

Here is a comparison between default lowest (10%) and new lowest (1%):

I must say that using laptop in the dark with brightness at 3-5% is so much easier on the eyes...

I remember someone writing here on forums that it is possible to load custom DSDT table in Windows, but I can't remember where I've seen it. It is 4.30AM and I'm not looking for it

Please note: If you are going to use this DSDT table make sure you are using 3120 BIOS, otherwise it might not work. At your own risk

You can download original decompiled DSDT, fixed DSDT, and compiled DSDT here

and the funny thing is that it took me only 2 hours and I had absolutely NO IDEA what I was doing

If only all that energy was spent on my univ homework

I tried this tweak myself using moral hazard's attached guide and program and your fixed DSDT

I'm using Windows 7 and it works, but there is possibly a but

I followed your fixed DSDT, but my extracted DSDT had minor differences so I didn't do a straight ctrl+c, ctrl+v. This is how the part looks.

Code:

Method(_BCL, 0x0, NotSerialized)
{
	Return(Package(0x10)
	{
		0x64,
		0x1e,
		0x01,
		0x03,
		0x05,
		0x07,
		0xa,
		0x14,
		0x1e,
		0x28,
		0x32,
		0x3c,
		0x46,
		0x50,
		0x5a,
		0x64
	})
}
Method(_BCM, 0x1, NotSerialized)
{
	If(LAnd(LNot(LLess(Arg0, 0x01)), LNot(LGreater(Arg0, 0x64))))
	{
		Store(Arg0, BRTL)
		AINT(One, Arg0)
	}
}

So, to the eventual but. In Windows 7 I then change the brightness with the fn+left/right, and the 1% works for sure, but I'm not sure about the other. This because I can count 11 steps in the brightness, but shouldn't I have 14 steps? Have I missed something or is it supposed to be only 11 steps?

der_mali · 10-19-2009, 10:54 AM

This is really cool

I don't know what you are talking about, cause I'm a hardware guy and have no clue about programming. It would be nice if someone of you could post a howto or upload the modified files when the quirks have been ironed out and post an install guide for us n00bs

prikolchik · 10-19-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pellen

I tried this tweak myself using moral hazard's attached guide and program and your fixed DSDT

I'm using Windows 7 and it works, but there is possibly a but

I followed your fixed DSDT, but my extracted DSDT had minor differences so I didn't do a straight ctrl+c, ctrl+v. This is how the part looks.

So, to the eventual but. In Windows 7 I then change the brightness with the fn+left/right, and the 1% works for sure, but I'm not sure about the other. This because I can count 11 steps in the brightness, but shouldn't I have 14 steps? Have I missed something or is it supposed to be only 11 steps?

What differences did your DSDT have? What is your model? CPU? Can you upload your DSDT?

I realized that there might be some models incompatible with my DSDT table, so I will be posting patches/diffs.

Yea, I've noticed that too. I suspect it might have something to do with AcerLaunchManager driver that takes care of those keys in Windows, or it may also be something in DSDT that I've missed (such as Fn+Left/Right keys implementation) so I'll look into that. However, you CAN access all 14 levels if you use brightness slider in "Control Panel" -> "Power Options".

I think I could use all 14 levels in Ubuntu via Fn keys without a problem, but I've got to double-check.

pellen · 10-19-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prikolchik

What differences did your DSDT have? What is your model? CPU? Can you upload your DSDT?

I realized that there might be some models incompatible with my DSDT table, so I will be posting patches/diffs.

Yea, I've noticed that too. I suspect it might have something to do with AcerLaunchManager driver that takes care of those keys in Windows, or it may also be something in DSDT that I've missed (such as Fn+Left/Right keys implementation) so I'll look into that. However, you CAN access all 14 levels if you use brightness slider in "Control Panel" -> "Power Options".

I think I could use all 14 levels in Ubuntu via Fn keys without a problem, but I've got to double-check.

I've got the 1810T with the SU3500 and 3GB of ram, 250GB HDD etc. My DSDT is attached in the post

I was just checking briefly and noticed that in your DSDT it said for example:
"If (LAnd (LGreaterEqual (Arg0, One), LLessEqual (Arg0, 0x64)))"
while in my DSDT the same row said:
"If(LAnd(LNot(LLess(Arg0, 0x01)), LNot(LGreater(Arg0, 0x64))))"

I'm far from good at programming, and I assume that they do the same, but with different words :P
Since i knew that you're DSDT was from a 1410 I didn't want to take the risk replacing much in mine.

AcerLaunchManager isn't installed since I installed Windows 7, so that shouldn't be the problem, if windows update didn't install any drivers that I missed

Just tested the brightness slider in power options and I could count to 14 fully working steps

EDIT: .ASL didn't like being attached, renamed it to .txt

prikolchik · 10-19-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pellen

I was just checking briefly and noticed that in your DSDT it said for example:
"If (LAnd (LGreaterEqual (Arg0, One), LLessEqual (Arg0, 0x64)))"
while in my DSDT the same row said:
"If(LAnd(LNot(LLess(Arg0, 0x01)), LNot(LGreater(Arg0, 0x64))))"

I'm far from good at programming, and I assume that they do the same, but with different words :P
Since i knew that you're DSDT was from a 1410 I didn't want to take the risk replacing much in mine.

AcerLaunchManager isn't installed since I installed Windows 7, so that shouldn't be the problem, if windows update didn't install any drivers that I missed

Just tested the brightness slider in power options and I could count to 14 fully working steps

Ooh, I see. I know why they differ. It is because I used Intel ASL compiler/decompiler (IASL) on Ubuntu, which it is very strict to ACPI specifications (unlike MS ASL) and it also does optimizations to the code, like the one you mentioned.

I've read all the ACPI specifications I could find about brightness control and found a few more things to fix, but unfortunately, this does not solve the problem. The fix is mainly for XP and older + Linux: it enables cycling through those custom backlight levels lower than 0x0A (10%).

I've also experimented with Notification Values for Output Devices. I've tried to assign Cycle Brightness (0x85) (instead of Increase Brightness (0x86)) to the Fn+Up button and it does work, but doesn't cycle through all the 14 values, which, I think, narrows it down to Windows 7 hotkey brightness control driver. Not 100% sure though.

Here is the original code I was playing with:

Code:

                    Method (_Q8E, 0, NotSerialized)
                    {
                        Store (0x8E, P80H)
                        If (LLessEqual (OSYS, 0x07D2))
                        {
                            ^^^OVGA.DD03._BQC ()
                            Store (BRTL, Local0)
                            If (LLess (Local0, 0x64))
                            {
                                Add (Local0, 0x0A, Local0)
                                ^^^OVGA.DD03._BCM (Local0)
                            }
                        }
                        Else
                        {
                            If (IGDS)
                            {
                                If (LLess (BRTL, 0x64))
                                {
                                    Notify (^^^OVGA.DD03, 0x86)
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }

                    Method (_Q8F, 0, NotSerialized)
                    {
                        Store (0x8F, P80H)
                        If (LLessEqual (OSYS, 0x07D2))
                        {
                            ^^^OVGA.DD03._BQC ()
                            Store (BRTL, Local0)
                            If (LGreater (Local0, 0x0A))
                            {
                                Subtract (Local0, 0x0A, Local0)
                                ^^^OVGA.DD03._BCM (Local0)
                            }
                        }
                        Else
                        {
                            If (IGDS)
                            {
                                If (LGreater (BRTL, 0x0A))
                                {
                                    Notify (^^^OVGA.DD03, 0x87)
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }

Here is the fixed and commented version:

Code:

			/* this method deals with the hotkey Fn+Right. Increase brightness */
                    Method (_Q8E, 0, NotSerialized)
                    {
                        Store (0x8E, P80H)						//no idea what this does. Something with battery?
                        If (LLessEqual (OSYS, 0x07D2))				//if operating system is older than XP (inl. SPs) OR is Linux
                        {
                            ^^^OVGA.DD03._BQC () 				 //returns current brightness level and returned value is not used (???)
                            Store (BRTL, Local0)					//copies current brightness level to Local0 variable
				
                            If (LLess (Local0, 0x64))					//if current brightness is less than max 0x64
                            {
			        If (LLess (Local0, 0x0A))				//if brightness is less than 0x0A or 10%
				{
				    Add (Local0, 0x01, Local0) 			//incease brightness in step 0x01 or 1%	
				}
				Else								//if brightness is more or equal to 0x0A or 10%
				{
                                    Add (Local0, 0x0A, Local0) 			//incease brightness in step 0x0A or 10%	
				}
                                ^^^OVGA.DD03._BCM (Local0)			//call _BCM method to actually change brightness to Local0 value
                            }
                       }
                      Else									//if operating system is Vista or Windows 7
                     {
                            If (IGDS)							//(IGD state) I guess IGDS is true if the laptop has integrated graphics and false if not???
                            {
                                If (LLess (BRTL, 0x64))				//if current brightness is less than max 0x64
                                {
                                    Notify (^^^OVGA.DD03, 0x86)		//0x86 Used to notify OSPM that the output device brightness should be increased by one or more levels as defined by the _BCL object
                                }
                            }
                        }
                  }
			/* this method deals with Fn+left to Decrease brightness */
                    Method (_Q8F, 0, NotSerialized)
                    {
                        Store (0x8F, P80H)						//no idea what this does. Something with battery?
                        If (LLessEqual (OSYS, 0x07D2))				//if operating system is older than XP (inl. SPs) OR is Linux
                        {
                            ^^^OVGA.DD03._BQC () 				//returns current brightness level and returned value is not used (???)
                            Store (BRTL, Local0) 					//copies current brightness level to Local0 variable
                            If (LGreater (Local0, 0x01)) 				//if current brightness is greater than 0x01 (changed from 0x0A)
                            {
			        If (LGreater (Local0, 0x0A))
				{
				   Subtract (Local0, 0x0A, Local0) 		//if brightness level is greater than 10% (0x0A) reduce brightness in 10% (0x0A) increments
				}
                                Else
				{
				    Subtract (Local0, 0x01, Local0)		//if brightness level is less than or equal to 10% (0x0A) reduce brightness in 1% (0x01) increments
				}
                                ^^^OVGA.DD03._BCM (Local0)			//call _BCM method to actually change brightness to Local0 value
                            }
                        }
                        Else
                        {
                            If (IGDS)							//(IGD state) I guess IGDS is true if the laptop has integrated graphics and false if not???
                            {
                                If (LGreater (BRTL, 0x01)) 				//if current brightness is greater than minimum 0x01 (changed from 0x0A)
                                {
                                    Notify (^^^OVGA.DD03, 0x87)		//0x87 Used to notify OSPM that the output device brightness should be decreased by one or more levels as defined by the _BCL object. 
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }

I've also checked the method that actually sets the backlight:

Code:

                    Method (_BCM, 1, NotSerialized)
                    {
                        If (LAnd (LGreaterEqual (Arg0, One), LLessEqual (Arg0, 0x64)))
                        {
				//stores current brightness level in BRTL variable
                            Store (Arg0, BRTL)
				//actually changes the brightness
                            AINT (One, Arg0)
                        }
                    }

.....              //this method only includes parts of the code that are actually being used by BCM above
                Method (AINT, 2, NotSerialized)
                {
.....
                            Store (Divide (Multiply (Arg1, 0xFF), 0x64, ), BCLP)
                            Or (BCLP, 0x80000000, BCLP)
                            Store (0x02, ASLC)
.....
                    Store (Zero, LBPC)
                    Return (Zero)
                }

I guess this is as far as I will take it.

Also, I've checked on Ubuntu 9.04 and all of the brightness levels work correctly.

moral hazard · 10-19-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by der_mali

This is really cool

I don't know what you are talking about, cause I'm a hardware guy and have no clue about programming. It would be nice if someone of you could post a howto or upload the modified files when the quirks have been ironed out and post an install guide for us n00bs

i don't really know much programming either. But you don't need to for this.

I'v been messing with my dsdt table for a while and I have no problems so far.

If you make a mistake, just hold F8 and boot last known good config.
That will restore the good registry.

Here is everything you need to know:
http://www.acpi.info/spec.htm

also use the guide + program I uploaded in my last post.

I'm sure you will find how to do something really cool with this.
I'll be watching this thread to see what you come up with

der_mali · 10-20-2009, 04:39 AM

@moral hazard
Thanks!
Unfortunately I've not much free time right now so I'll leave to you experts

ecsw · 10-20-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevide

Just want to update on my Fn+brightness key problem:

updating the 1410 BIOS to version 3120 solves the problem. ^_^

lovin the 1410

They listened to my complain.

I email Acer support (around beginning of Oct) and suggest the XP FN brightness not working in BIOS level as it's on other ACER.

They emailed me and told me they don't support XP, but new BIOS fixed the brightness issue.

Good job Acer. Now I have to say you deserve the 2nd in North American market.

akrelav · 10-22-2009, 08:23 PM

Hi all, I am trying to flash the additional 2 gb SDRAM stick that I purchased to 800MHz, and browsing through Thaiphoon Burner, I am not sure which dump to flash it with as there are so many.

My original memory stick is Kingston PC2-5300, DDR2 2GB, Part# 99U5295-011.A00LF / Serial # 47066FFE / WEEK/YEAR- 33/08

I can find the Dump for the 677 which matches the exact description of my stick, but that pretty much it.

Any sort of help will be greatly appreciated.

der_mali · 10-23-2009, 01:36 AM

@akrelav
Be careful! Most of the Kingston 800MHz SPDs in the database are UDIMM dumps. I advice against flashing your Kingston module. Samsung modules are known to work, everything else is just speculation and might render the module useless.