Getting Linux to run on the Averatec 5110H


Follow these steps to get Linux running on the Averatec 5100H with 1024x768 resolution and the Centrino.  I started with Redhat 9.0, updated the kernel to 2.4.23 and used an XF86Config file that someone posted on the web from Knoppix.

Kernel

As always, make a copy of your /boot/grub/grub.conf or lilo configuration files.  Also, make a bootdisk just in case something goes wrong.  Also, only build the kernel from a kernel that can build another kernel (and install modules).  If you're starting with Redhat 9.0, you're probably ok.
  1. Download your new 2.4.23 kernel from kernel.org
  2. Put the kernel sources into /usr/src/linux-2.4.23 and make symlinks to it from /usr/src/linux and /usr/src/linux-2.4.
  3. Copy this .config file into your /usr/src/linux directory
  4. Do a 'make dep' then a 'make bzImage modules modules_install install'
  5. If you're using grub, then the 'linux-2.4.23' menu item should automatically be added to your boot menu by the 'make install' in step #4 above.  If you use lilo, see the lilo docs.
  6. sync then reboot.
At this point, you should be in the 2.4.23 kernel and you can now setup your display and wireless network.

Display

You'll need XFree86 4.3.0-2.90.55 and this XF86Config file.   The XF86Config file is courtesy of Knoppix which correctly built the correct config file for the 855GM graphics chip.   I only made slight modifications to the keyboard section.

Do a 'startx' and you should be in 1024x768 mode.   I tried so many different configurations that I've now forgotten if I used the dripkg or not.  I think that with the 2.4.23 kernel and the above XF86Config file, things just worked.

Wireless

Now for the wireless.  I tried to take careful notes on this section so hopefully it's reproducible.

I used the Intel Pro Wireless driver from the sourceforge site and followed the instructions in the INSTALL file fairly closely.  There's a couple of caveats, though:

1 - You'll need the hotplug rpms in order to have the kernel install the firmware at bootup  
Get and install the following packages (try rpmfind.net):
hotplug-2004_03_29-1
hotplug-base-2004_03_29-1

2 - You'll also need the wlan script from the package ndiswrapper-utils-0.6.2.rh90.dag. This script will turn on the wireless radio.

3 - Now, follow the rest of the instructions in the INSTALL file (link above):
Use the instructions for 'MAKE EXTERNAL' to make the ipw2100 module external (instead of built into the kernel).  Follow the rest of the instructions in the INSTALL file, but ignore the /sys related instructions (i.e., don't bother changing your /etc/fstab and creating the /sys directory -- this must be 2.6 specific as everything seems to work fine with 2.4.23 without these things)

To briefly summarize the INSTALL file, you'll need to get and install the hostap driver, as well as the wireless_tools.27.pre22.tar.gz tools (for the updated iwconfig). 

4 - Once you perform the last step of the INSTALL file (ifup eth1 and add the default gateway) then things should be working.  Try ping 192.168.1.1 to test your wirless connectivity.

5 - Another catch is that I could only get the iwconfig to support Channel 1 to my wireless gateway.  Also, as noted by someone else on the web, you can add an ifcfg-eth1 to your /etc/sysconfig/networking-scripts directory that reads something like this one (replace the #### signs with your essid) 

6 - Add the following to your rc.local file in /etc/rc.d

/usr/sbin/wlan_radio_averatec_5110hx
modprobe ipw2100

Now you should be set!

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