The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

tl;dr: Do you want to help upstreaming the existing N9 drivers?

=======================================
Specification of the issue

Bibliography - in post #2

As you may know, there was an initiative to update the N9/N950 kernel. [1] While the project succeeded [2] (only the GPS driver was missing), the patches were never sent upstream. This happened due to various reasons. [2]

This means that we're stuck with a 3-year-old kernel on our devices. Some of the drivers depend on closed source blobs. (which of them are needed is not documented very well)

This is a blocker for some projects. Such an example is DebiaN900, an initiative to bring native Debian to N900. If the drivers were upstreamed, this initiative would've extended to N9/N950 a long time ago. [3] In fact, wicket himself said he would support the Harmattan devices if the kernel were properly upstreamed. [4]

Would you like to help us upstream the kernel? Some cases are easy (it's just the coding style that needs fixing), some cases may be challenging. If you don't have a physical device but would like to help anyway, let us know. Maybe we'll find something for you too :)

Tasks pending [stage 1]:

• create a table on elinux.org indicating which areas are possibly not covered by the upstream kernel [free for taking]
• contact N900 kernel hackers about what has already been done by the N900 folks [free for taking]
• add bibliography about switching to DeviceTree [free for taking]
• developing a testing procedure [community]

Future tasks [stage 2]:

• real kernel development [on hold]
• real testing (N9) - peterleinchen [ for taking, multiple people]
• real testing (N950) - marmistrz [for taking, multiple people]

Current team:

• marmistrz [working on the BH1770 driver]
• filip.pz [working on the N9 display]
• hedayat (will confirm once the work has started)
• danpio

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Bibliography:

[1] the N9 kernel update project: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=86971
[2] information from the N9 kernel update developer: http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=133
[3] wicket's post about N9/N950 support: http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=129
[4] wicket about upstream kernels (N9, N900): http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=131
[5] pali about upstreaming kernels: http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=134
[6] support for N9/N950 in current mainline kernel (DeviceTree): http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...64&postcount=5

-----------
DeviceTree:
[7] DeviceTree syntax example: http://elinux.org/Device_Tree_Usage

Mods are welcome to append useful information.

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Currently, I cannot take any responsibility (might be able to do so later). But, if the effort started, I'll try to help in some areas.

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Yes. Put me on testing for N9.

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Some device tree work has been mainlined within the last couple of years:

https://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/ke...s/omap3-n9.dts
https://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/ke...omap3-n950.dts
https://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/ke...3-n950-n9.dtsi

This commit seems to imply that the mainline kernel is actually bootable:

https://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/ke...737887fea9d46d

I think a good starting point would be to build a kernel from mainline and see if it boots on an N9 or N950. I would test it against either Nemo or Sailfish as it's more likely to be compatible with one of those rather than Harmattan. Of course you could also bootstrap a Debian system and try that. ;)

Anyone got a spare N9 for filippz?

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

No need for that. One of my N9s is functional - I jus't cant use CMT (ie no call, SMS, 3G). For some reason it just reboots after entering SIM pin (tried in Harmattan & Nemo), but everything else is fully operational.

Thanks anyway!

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Would realky love to see this developed further.
Please send me your details, and I will ship fully working N9/64G/black device to you.

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Still, it's a shame that your interest has been reduced and you're having to use Android (far from a pleasant experience :D). I think you deserve a fully working N9!

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Thanks nieldk, but as mentioned earlier - there is no real need for that. I can use my current N9 for development (and it's has already everything set up nicely - ubiboot/easyboot paired with Harmattan/ Nemo/Sailfish).

Fully working N9 would probably be used as daily driver, and not for development :) What can I say - I'm weak :o

Re: The N9/N950 Kernel Upstreaming Force
 

Feel free to use it that way :)
My offer stands still