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

[der_mali]

Hello, fellow ZH7 users!

This is the follow-up thread to Phil's great Timeline Tweaks thread.
I've decided to leave out 13"+ timelines for now and focus on the 11.6" models.
3810T, 4810T, 5810T and Travelmate users are welcome to create dedicated tweaks threads.
Some tweaks in this thread work for other timelines too, though.

This is a collection of tips & tricks contributed by members of this board.
Please help me to keep this thread updated with the newest info


Software

...Drivers:
......Chipset & SATA
......Graphics:
Update:
If you have problems installing the graphics drivers in Win7 x64 check these posts:
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

WinXP 32-Bit v14.38.10.5132 dated 10/06/2009
WinXP 64-Bit v14.38.10.64.5132 dated 10/06/2009

WinXP 32-Bit v14.38.9.5121 dated 09/17/2009

Update: 1986 Drivers are buggy, better use older ones.

Win7/Vista x86 15.16.2.1986 11/07/2009
Win7/Vista x64 15.16.2.64.1986 11/07/2009

Win7/Vista 32-Bit v15.15.6.1892 dated 09/08/2009
Win7/Vista 64-Bit v15.15.6.64.1892 dated 09/08/2009

Win7/Vista 32-Bit v15.15.5.1883 dated 09/01/2009
Win7/Vista 64-Bit v15.15.5.64.1883 dated 09/01/2009

Win7/Vista 32-Bit v15.15.4.1872 dated 08/20/2009 (Changelog)
Win7/Vista 64-Bit v15.15.4.64.1872 dated 08/20/2009 (Changelog)

......Wireless LAN(Attention: 1810TZ uses Intel Wifi Link 1000)
......Atheros LAN

Grab "AR8131_AR8132" from the "Atheros AR81Family Windows Driver x86/x64(Win7,Vista, XP, Server 2003)" category.

......Realtek Audio

Click - "Downloads" -> "High Definition Audio Codecs (Software)" -> "Vista, Windows7 Driver (32/64 bits) Driver only (ZIP file)"

...Recommended Tools:

1810tray
Tray utility to control your fan, power options and screen resolution
1810tray

Recommended by Der_Mali, not by Phil:
Battery Bar
Much more accurate than Vista's battery life predictions
http://osirisdevelopment.com/BatteryBar/

Phil had issues with Battery Bar on his 1810tz and advises not to install it. For more battery information use RMClock.

...New! Linux:

Installing Ubuntu + Tips&Tricks
Linux on Acer 1410, 1810TZ and 1810T

Windows tax refund
Windows tax refund for Acer notebook (Acer Aspire 1410/1810T)

...Tweaks:

Fn shortcut for brightness not working in XP
Flash to BIOS v3120 or above
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

Win7 30sec boot delay problem
Update: BIOS v3117 solves this problem
enable both AHCI and IDE mode in registry
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

How can I play 720p/1080p mkv / H264 files?
With MPC HC and Cyberlink Power DVD codec: H.264/AVC graphics acceleration in the series timeline.
Discussion on best software and image quality of DXVA: Is there anyone that can play this H264 clip on Timeline SU3500 without 100% CPU load?

How can I increase the volume of the internal speakers?
Apply the tweak described here: Found a way to boost volume

Custom resolution in Win7 without VGA dummy
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

How to disable the automatic fan activation when on AC power(Win7 only):
(this does not completely shut down the fan)
Acer Aspire 1410 and 1810T Timeline (single core) 11.6" Thread

Optimizing battery life and undervolting
Acer 1410, 1810, 3810, 4810, 5810 Timeline Drivers, Software, Tweaks and Settings FAQ
A more detailed guide from pirkolchik
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

Win7 drivers tweaking
How to reduce CPU load and maximize battery life:
Acer Aspire 1410 and 1810T Timeline (single core) 11.6" Thread

How can I enable two finger scrolling and three finger gestures for the touchpad?
Solution 1:

To enable gestures use the following synaptics driver:
http://files.laptopvideo2go.com/syna..._v13.2.6.1.exe

This will allow you to have two finger scrolling (and three finger application launch which I disabled).

To enable two finger right click and three finger forward/back (while browsing), you will also need to add this:
http://two-finger-scroll.googlecode....roll_1_0_6.zip

This program does give you both scrolling and right click, even if you don't use the synaptics driver above, but I found the scrolling not to be as smooth as with the driver.

Solution 2:

Also to enable 2,3 finger gestures in synaptics mouse driver, here's another way
1) Download the newest driver from laptopvideo2go
http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/top...ver-v13-2-6-1/
2)Download, right click the file, install
http://drop.io/syntp_sgs

Hardware

Datasheets

Clock generators:
ICS9LPRS365BGLF
SLG8SP513V undocumented register settings here
Chipset:
GS45
Processors:
Core 2
Vcore voltage regulator
ISL6261

How to identify your webcam model
Acer 1810T - Best webcam driver?

Dual core CPU features comparison
Acer Aspire 1410 and 1810 Timeline 11.6" Thread

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

How to enable virtualization on 1410/1810.
Update: Acer enabled VT in BIOS v3117
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...18#post5300618

Overlocking ZH7(1410/1810t/1810tz)
Update: Improved overclocking MOD created by inteks!
1810t TME MOD
Update: SLG8SP513V does not overclock successfully with SetFSB!
Acer Aspire 1410 and 1810T Timeline (single core) 11.6" Thread
(Benchmark results)

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

'Upgrade' your stock 2GB 667MHz RAM module to 800MHz for free
Update: Thaiphoon Burner does not work on 64bit OS!
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

If you need max performance in games buy 800MHz dual channel RAM!
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...76#post5268276

Bluetooth module info:
Users have reported that third party cables don't work. Please report back when you find something!

Looks like BCM92046NMD, BCM92045NMD, BCM92035NMD, etc. should all be compatible. With older models lacking some of the features, of course. The the 8-pin connector on the modules is the same, and the cables from Acer, HP, Dell, Lenovo all look very similar. Should be an easy retrofit. DELL J613H also fits.

I'm getting my 1410 today (if UPS don't screw up). Plannig to use a dealextreme sku.11825 adapter for now, since I already have it. If I decide to keep my 1410 I'll probably go for a BCM92046NMD in the future, hopefully they would be cheaper/easier to get.

Update:

For 1810T models which are missing Bluetooth module, the Finnish Importeur announced that the module is

BH.21100.004 MODULE.BLUETOOTH.T60H928.33

costing 30,49€ + shipping & handling 10,00€. Delivery in 2 weeks.

Update:

Someone here verified a BT module that DOES work in the 1410. Might want to add to the main post under the BT section.

Bluetooth retrofit assembly guide
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

Hi all,
I have noticed that we only need to open a little bit the bottom part of the case, by removing some screws near the part where the BT goes. No need to disassembly hard disk, touchpad or keyboard, just to have a precission clip (sorry for my english) and, after retiring the screws, open carefully the case with some help. Then pull off the white film on the carrier to access the adhesive film and place there the BT module, previously connected to the cable. After that we only need to be patient inserting the other end of the cable into the 5-pin plug located on the motherboard with the precission clip. The only left to be done is to allocate the cable inside the case and close with the screws.

Doing this, I only needed to retire 7 screws from the back of the case, and the 2 screws belonging to the hard disk cover, nothing else.

Now I have my bluetooth module working properly without risk of damaging the computer.

Ivan

Keyboard model info:

1410/1810t/1810tz compatible keyboards:
Aspire One 751h
Gateway LT31

Hardware MOD to improve fan quietness

[...]My first attempt at dampening the fan rattle failed... so I tried to find the real problem by running
the fan by itself and looking at sound levels.
Sound meter
It become obvious that Acer/Quanta messed up big time. There is metal-on-metal contact between the heatsink and fan housing.
They just aligned the two parts and taped the tops together... like they were intentionally trying to make a rattle!! So I put a few layers of electrical tape inbetween to make metal-on-metal contact not possible...
Wrapped part join
This made the sound much more reasonable... more like a normal fan, less like a diesel engine.[...]

Pix of disassembled 1410

[...]
Here's pics of the chassis:
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Usb/ethernet/audio board:
Pic 1
Pic 2
[...]
SSD pic
SSD score
pic of boot up test, no disk/keyboard/battery

See the original set of pics in cause you missed.

[...]
http://imgur.com/B5b1p.jpg
http://imgur.com/jW2qZ.jpg
http://imgur.com/aIHNu.jpg
No markings on either chip:
http://imgur.com/6Iifv.jpg
Floating corner for G45:
http://imgur.com/bYRzR.jpg
Heatsink shots:
http://imgur.com/po1C6.jpg
http://imgur.com/Qx9CA.jpg
http://imgur.com/xE7QR.jpg

Is webcam image quality lacking? Check this first:

Make sure you removed the plastic covering the lens. Mine didn't come off when I removed the plastic covering the bezel.

General tips and tricks

Installing Win7 without needing activation
[GUIDE] Clean install of Windows 7 on Acer
Acer Free Windows 7 Upgrade

How to install Windows 7 from a flash drive
The easy way: http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...60#post5329860
Alternative:http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...82#post5279482

Creating recovery ISOs if you don't own an external DVD drive:

http://www.virtualcd-online.com/ is the English page where you can get the 30-day trial of Virtual CD 9. I haven't burned the ISO's to DVD and tried to boot from them, but that program did create them just fine.

Basic process: I installed VirtualCD, set up a "virtual burner" drive, then selected the "create and insert blank medium" option in Virtual CD and selected "ISO DVD+R". Then I ran Acer eRecovery wizard. When it asked for another blank disk, I did "create and insert" again (in VirtualCD) and put another "ISO DVD+R". Same thing for the third (application/drivers) recovery option. At the end, I have 3 ISO's that appear to be the same size as the DVDs I burned using a friend's external drive. I can test them sometime in the near future and let you all know i f they burned and/or booted successfully.

Vista performance tips:

[...]
First things I did on unpacking and first power up was to go to the MS site and download Vista SP2, once installed, then use Windows update and download the latest service packs and patches.

Next is to update the drivers mentioned on a previous page of this thread in post #1133 - thanks DasFool for doing the work, invaluable.

Next is to "tuneup" Vista - if you want to know more, google Vista Tuneup.

With this done, remove all of Acer's little "extras", and load software. Do not load Apple Quicktime - despite requesting no install of Apples auto updater it installs it anyway and still sucks CPU cycles - get a superior player with minimal overhead - VLC.

Do the same for Adobe products as well, if already loaded, kill the process in task manager, remove the updater via programs in control panel, then kill it again in startup in msconfig. Adobe is one of the worst companies for loading up your startup config, most of it is entirely unecessary at best.

By now the system is lean and reasonably quick, at least as quick as it would arguably be under XP - you just have to be aware of what third party programs are unecessarily robbing from your cpu cycles and either remove them, or not install them in the first place.
[...]

How to check your RAM integrity

I've successfully made a bootable sd card with the newest version of memtest86+ on it using the utility here.

Once you get it to write to the boot sector properly (took me a few tries using vista x64. I finally got it to work by launching an administrator command prompt, navigating to the drive, and running the makeboot.bat) you can switch out the "memtest" file with the newest "Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary" version from memtest.org. Just make sure to extract it from the zip and rename it from "memtest86+-2.10.bin", or whatever name it has, to "memtest" (no extension) so it can be recognized.

BIOS recovery.
If you bricked your device, this might help. Works on 8471, other timelines should be similar. Warning!This is experimental! Please report back if it works for you!

bios recovery is similar to the aspire one recovery.
http://macles.blogspot.com/2008/08/a...-recovery.html
just download the correct bios for your unit, then the file must be named "jm31x64.fd"

yeah, it worked for a travelmate 8471 (and of course you need the correct bios for the TM8471)

but follow the instructions. make sure thumb drive is fat32, and rename the file exactly. you will also need the fla.exe on there as well. Edit: The forum's spamfilter removed a part of the flash program's filename, it's called f_l_a_s_h_i_t.exe

Accessories

Cases/Sleeves

For those who are searching for a nice fitting sleeve for the 1810T/1410:
It seems, that the most sleeves for netbooks up to 10,2" fit.
I've tested the following three different sleeves:
Belkin F8N140 10,2" (be careful, one user reported that this sleeve does not fit!)
Dismaq qSleeve 12"
Hama Notebook-Cover "Comfort" 8,9"-10,2" (which i have in use now, because it has an extra pocket)
All fit perfectly without any force.

I have this 11.1" sleeve. It fits the 1410 well, but offers little protection and no room for anything else.

http://www.jr.com/tucano/pe/TUC_BFXS111/

Another nice sleeve which fits perfectly: Dicota 11.3

Two pockets case:
[Acer Aspire 1410/1810t/1810tz] Timeline Tweaks (2)

Power adapters

Just a general advice:
The 1410's PSU is identical to the Aspire One A1x0 series' PSU so everything else power adapter related will fit as well.

Changelog:
Nov 28. - inteks' overclocking MOD added
Nov 25. - daigual's bluetooth retrofit guide added
Nov 21. - Kermee's webcam identification method added
Nov 15. - Linux section added
Nov 15. - New Win7/Vista graphics drivers added
Nov 10. - prikolchik's Win7 install guide(passes OEM activation) added
Nov 9. - RAM flashing update: Thaiphoon Burner does not work on 64bit OS
Oct 31st - "Acer Aspire 3935" removed from compatible keyboards list
Oct 31st - Dual core CPU features comparison added
Oct 26. - Chilko's bluetooth retrofit and general disassembly guide added
Oct 18. - XP Fn-brightness fix added
Oct 14. - Case added
Oct 12. - Sleeve added
Oct 10. - New XP graphics drivers added
Oct 10. - Atheros LAN driver link fixed
Oct 8. - ICS9LPRS365 datasheet link fixed
Oct 6. - Netbook sleeve added
Oct 6. - Netbook sleeve removed from accessories list
Oct 4. - New XP graphics drivers added
Oct 4. - Compatible keyboards info added
Oct 4. - prikolchik's undervolting guide added
Oct 3rd - Undervolting MOD added
Oct 3rd - ISL6261 datasheet added
Oct 2nd - BIOS v3117 VT info added
Oct 1st - Smartfan removed, 1810tray added
Oct 1st - 'Recommended Tools' category added
Sept 29. - Boot delay, AHCI/IDE mode in Win7
Sept 24. - 'Accessories' category added
Sept 23rd - New graphics drivers added
Sept 23rd - Bluetooth module info updated

Please help to expand by adding your own tips and tweaks

[dasfool]

I figured out that the correct Atheros LAN driver is the "AR8131_AR8132" one.

[der_mali]

I figured out that the correct Atheros LAN driver is the "AR8131_AR8132" one.

Thanks, I've fixed it

[zrbarnes]

@der_mali, when you are using SetFSB with the OC mod, is the processor still able to scale back automatically for power savings or does it stay at full power the whole time?

[moral hazard]

@der_mali, when you are using SetFSB with the OC mod, is the processor still able to scale back automatically for power savings

yes.
because setfsb overclocks the FSB.
while when you have intel speedstep to save power, it lowers the multi.

Overclocking the FSB will slightly raise your minimum frequency, but not by much since the multi goes way down.

[jackluo923]

There's a better way of installing windows 7 on a flash drive.
Using winrar,image mounter or anything that can open the disk image file, copy the contents to a flashdrive. Then boot from a flash drive to install windows 7. It's really that simple.

[zrbarnes]

yes.
because setfsb overclocks the FSB.
while when you have intel speedstep to save power, it lowers the multi.

SetFSB changes the FSB, that makes sense, haha. That program has been around for awhile. I remember it from a few years back.

So does the OC mod unlock more multipliers?

It's been a few years since I've messed with hardware mods, and my brain is hurting.

[der_mali]

@jackluo923
If you provide a link or post a step by step guide, I'll include it in the list

@zrbarnes
This OC doesn't unlock multipliers. Like moral hazard says, it just overclocks the FSB from 200 to 250(or any other value the RAM can handle) so the CPU speed rises from 7x200=1400 to 7x250=1750.

[zrbarnes]

@jackluo923
If you provide a link or post a step by step guide, I'll include it in the list

@zrbarnes
This OC doesn't unlock multipliers. Like moral hazard says, it just overclocks the FSB from 200 to 250(or any other value the RAM can handle) so the CPU speed rises from 7x200=1400 to 7x250=1750.

Ah, Thank you! I didn't realize FSB was hard-locked on these (I hadn't tried setFSB).

[moral hazard]

(I hadn't tried softFSB).

typo, you mean setfsb not softfsb.

Softfsb is really old software that I used like 6 years ago to overclock my 166mhz cpu to 220mhz.