The Narrative of Kurt & Becky

I am currently running Ubuntu on an HP Compaq tc4200. So obviously, one goal was to use the the Tablet pen as an input device in Ubuntu. Here’s how I did it.

These instructions are largely reproduced from Chan’s similar experiences on his page.

These instructions use the following packages to test the pen as an input device:
setserial
wacom-tools

Install them using apt-get:

apt-get install setserial
apt-get install wacom-tools

Now we need to configure the setserial program:

sudo gedit /var/lib/setserial/autoserial.conf

I selected manual edit mode. I’m not sure how to work it for the other options.

Now we need to connect the wacom tablet drivers to an open serial port.
Chan’s were connected to S2, but mine were on S0. We just need to try them one at a time until we get life signs from the pen.

setserial /dev/ttyS0 irq 6 port 0×0200

That connects S0. So lets test to see if the pen works. Use:

wacdump -f c100 /dev/ttyS0

That’ll bring up a page fill of numbers, if you get an error, we’ve got the wrong port. When you put your pen near the screen, the numbers should change. If they don’t, we’ve got the wrong port.

If S0 wasn’t right, then we need to try again with S1.

setserial /dev/ttyS1 irq 6 port 0×0200

Then test it:

wacdump -f c100 /dev/ttyS1

Rinse and repeat until the numbers move. Make note of that port.

Now install wacom-kernel-source:

apt-get install wacom-kernel-source

Now that the linux is picking up the pen input, we need to get X and GNOME to use the pen:

sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

We need to edit the sections labled
Section “InputDevice”
Identifier “Wacom Cursor”
and
Identifier “Wacom Stylus”
and
Identifier “Wacom Eraser”

in each of those sections, edit the line:
Option “Device” “/dev/ttyS0″

where the “/dev/ttyS0″ is the port number where you found the pen.

Now we should edit the serial configuration file so we don’t have extraneous connections that we don’t need.

sudo gedit /var/lib/setserial/autoserial.conf

Now only leave the line that contains the serial port you found the pen at.

Now reboot, and you should be all set!