Modular Linux kernel for the Gemini PDA with cut+paste fix
Using Debian with the Gemini PDA one can use cut and paste, for example in QTerminal, using the key combinations [Ctrl]+[Shift]+[c] and [Ctrl]+[Shift]+[v]. Unfortunately this did not work using the left Shift key. There is no need to fiddle with the keyboard configuration to fix this, since it is a kernel issue.
Again Adam Boardman has fixed one of the most annoying issues within the Gemini’s Linux kernel. His fix priorizes the mentioned useful keyboard combinations over the ghosted¹ versions. Again this fix is worth another kernel build. As usual, I want to share my kernel build below:
The kernel configuration is unchanged (with respect to the previous article), but included for completeness: gemini-3.18.41+-config.gz (940 downloads )
For the build, again the updated kernel source the from https://github.com/gemian/gemini-linux-kernel-3.18 has been used.
Again the kernel modules for the iptables MIRROR target (will not be usable with the default iptables version on the Gemini) and frandom are included. This time also the module for the awus1900 and similar usb wifi dongles (88XXau.ko) has been added.
Those who do not want to go through the build themselves can download my prebuild kernel from here:
Kernel Image:
linux_boot-gemini-3.18.41+.img (568 downloads )
Modules:
modules_firmware-gemini-3.18.41+.tar.gz (721 downloads )
(the kernel modules in the previous article should still work, however, the new build is included for completeness)
Instructions for flashing the image can be found on: support.planetcom.co.uk. Make sure to use a proper scatter file, in example the one that has been used for the initial flashing. Using the Download only mode of the flash tool is sufficient. Uncheck all partitions but boot (or boot1 or boot2, depending on your boot order). For the boot partition respectively the boot1 or boot2 partition select the downloaded kernel image.
Alternatively you can flash the kernel using dd:
dd if=linux_boot-gemini-3.18.41+.img of=/dev/block/disk/by-partlabel/boot
If Linux is not your primary operating system on the Gemini use boot1 or boot2 instead, depending on your partition layout.
After flashing, copy the modules archive onto your Gemini and extract it in your root directory:
cd /
tar -xzf /path_to/modules_firmware-gemini-3.18.41+.tar.gz
After rebooting the device, cut and paste using the keyboard combinations should work in QTerminal. Currently I am working on getting the modular kernel configuration into the main Gemini kernel. Hopefully we manage to get this done soon. If so, this might have been the last Gemini modular kernel post.
Jürgen
References:
1. oesf.org: keyboard ghosting
April 17th, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Hi mate,
i no longer can download linux boot img, struggling to get my gemini back working.. your previous img/modules have been perfect for me, can you help me out with a download link
Kind regards
Ashley
April 19th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Hi Ashley,
if I remember correctly, I have disabled the downloads a while ago because flashing the files bricks the system with the updated Gemian. But you should not need the files. As per https://www.mygnu.de/2019/04/modular-kernel-for-the-gemini-pda-available-from-the-gemian-repository/ the modular kernel is available from the repository. Unless some major things have changed since then, you should be able to get it running following the instructions there.
Mith