Messages

1

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Gemian-planet Thinkglobally buster repository down error

« on: September 16, 2022, 02:20:12 am »

Do not follow these instructions. It's too big of a risk, and downgrading v4 Gemian WILL brick your device. The server should be back up soon, but Planet is very busy. Believe me, as a dev, we're not in the best position either. Kindly avoid downgrading v4 to v3, it uses a whole different foundation for the distro.

Thanks Shymega,

That's really useful info.  I've updated the instructions to include your concerns and to recommend uncommenting the rep again after an installation to avoid accidentally upgrading.

I'm not removing the instructions as obviously there is no timescale for the reps being back up and this is the only way to install Linux or apps at present, and for all we know the rep may be down for another year (or if we are very unlucky, forever).  I've installed the apps in my list without issues so I think the advice works, but thanks for clarifying the risks.

2

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 16, 2022, 01:58:33 am »

Just would like to point out, like I did in another thread - definitely don't uncomment the v3 mirror on Gemian. Even though you're not upgrading anything, the risk of it BREAKING v4 is extremely high. Accidents can happen. Definitely leave the APT config as-is - the server will be back soon.

Thanks for that Shymega.  I've updated the installation guide to reflect your concerns.
I would note that the planet reps have been down for three months with no timescale on being up again and there is no way to get any apps installed (or install a working linux) without the workaround in the meantime, so I've left the instructions up.
I've added advice to uncomment the repository name again to avoid accidental upgrades.

3

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Gemian-planet Thinkglobally buster repository down error

« on: September 14, 2022, 12:35:19 am »

If you are looking to update to install apps, then I have a workaround (see below).
Currently upgrading breaks the installation, which appears to be due to critical gemian apps being downgraded with update.
Working out which Gemian packages to hold prior to an upgrade is on my to do list.

UPDATE: See comment from Shymega below - he is concerned about the risks of this approach, which is understandable.  Note: this is currently the only way to install apps.  I recommend only installing apps that you know are going to be ok with this install method (see my install guide) or only installing apps on a Cosmo that you don't mind re-formatting if things going wrong. 
I recommend uncommenting the line again afterwards to avoid accidentally upgrading anything (which WILL break your installation).



See my linux installation guide for the Communicator:
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36822.msg298717#msg298717
----
#REPOSITORIES
#unfortunately deb https://gemian-planet.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main has been taken down by Planet, so we need to comment it out in the sources list.
#vi can be flaky and we can't install vim yet, so use nano to edit the file

Code: [Select]

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/gemian.list
#comment out the currently offline old V3 firmware planet repository

Code: [Select]

deb https://gemian.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main
#deb https://gemian-planet.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main#save the file and exit

Code: [Select]

sudo apt update#when asked about accepting that the repository has changed from stable to oldstable, select 'yes'
# IMPORTANT: DO NOT RUN sudo atp upgrade AT ANY TIME - THIS WILL BREAK THE INSTALLATION

4

Cosmo Communicator - Android / Restoring from Google drive backup

« on: September 10, 2022, 02:08:11 am »

How do you restore an android Google drive backup to the Communicator?

There is no option at boot when doing a sytem restore and no option within Google Drive or System Settings after first booting in.

5

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 08, 2022, 01:28:13 am »

That all looks like it's working fine.

What network are you on?
Are you able to try a SIM card from a different network?
What signal strength is showing when you click on the Networks icon in the bottom panel?
Is the cellular/mobile symbol ticked in the same panel?

I have checked.

6

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 06, 2022, 05:36:00 am »

That's strange.

- Is the SIM and phone working fine in Android?
- Is the SIM in slot 1 and you rebooted after adding the SIM?
- When you open Connman UI app (search from the Application Launcher) there is a status tab and a mobile tab.  What do they say?
- When you open Networks plasmoid from the widget bar is the mobile signal box ticked and the airplane mode box unticked?

EDIT: Is your SIM locked - see thread on locked SIMs
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36328.msg296537#msg296537

Fantastic！I will try it. The phone functions do not work on my cosmo :'(

I have tried and everything was fine except the phone functions (can not call or send message -- using phone app, said that there is current no network :'()

7

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 06, 2022, 02:09:51 am »

Part 3: Data

1. List of apps and packages that install ok


2. List of APN values for various mobile providers.


------------


#INSTALL THE FULL KDE DESKTOP PACKAGE
#minus a couple of items that are not working (see below)

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install firefox-esr thunderbird clementine yakuake calligra okular wget partitionmanager kup-backup autokey-gtk kcalc knotes vlc ark korganizer skanlite kblocks blinken bomber bovo granatier kanagram kapman kblackbox kblocks kbreakout kdiamond kfourinline khangman killbots kiriki kjumpingcube klickety kmahjongg kmines knavalbattle knetwalk kollision kpat kshisen ksquares picmi filelight kcharselect kcolorchooser kdenetwork-filesharing kompare krdc krfb kruler ktimer kalzium katomic kbruch kgeography kig kstars ktouch kwordquiz marble minuet parley step kturtle kapptemplate kdebugsettings kdesdk-scripts kdevelop okteta umbrello



#INTERNET

#Firefox installs and works fine

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install firefox-esr
#Thunderbird installs and works fine

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install thunderbird




#MULTIMEDIA
#Install all the KDE multimedia

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install clementine juk vlc
#Clementine installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install clementine
#Juk (the KDE jukebox player) also installs fine

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install juk
#VLC video player installs

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install vlc




#OFFICE
#Install all the KDE office packages

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install calligra okular kcalc knotes korganizer skanlite
#Calligra installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install calligra
#Okular the PDF viewer installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install okular
#Kcalc is a KDE scientific calculator that installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kcalc
#Knotes is a sticky notes applet that installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install knotes
#Korganizer is the calandar app for KDE and it installs and work

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install korganizer
#Skanlite scanning software installs fine

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install skanlite




#GAMES
#Install all the KDE games

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kblocks blinken bomber bovo granatier kanagram kapman kblackbox kblocks kbreakout kdiamond kfourinline khangman killbots kiriki kjumpingcube klickety kmahjongg kmines knavalbattle knetwalk kollision kpat kshisen ksquares picmi
#KBlocks is a tetris game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kblocks
#Blinken is a memory pattern game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install blinken
#Bomber is a single player arcade game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install bomber
#Bovo is a pictogram game for 2 players
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install bovo
#Granatier is a clone of the classic Bomberman game, inspired by the work of the Clanbomber clone
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install granatier
#Kanagram is a game based on anagrams of words
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kanagram
#kapman is a pac man clone
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kapman
#KBlackbox is a game of hide and seek played on a grid
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kblackbox
#KBounce is a single player arcade game with the elements of puzzle
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kblocks
#The objective of KBreakOut is to destroy as many bricks as possible without losing the ball
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kbreakout
#KDiamond is a single player puzzle game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdiamond
#KFourInLine is a board game for two players based on the Connect-Four game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kfourinline
#KHangMan is a game based on the well-known hangman game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install khangman
#Killbots - Strategy Game with Robots
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install killbots
#kiriki - Yahtzee-like Dice Game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kiriki
#kjumpingcube - Territory Capture Game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kjumpingcube
#klickety - Board game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install klickety
#Mahjongg Solitaire
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kmahjongg
#kmines - Minesweeper-like Game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kmines
#knavalbattle - battleships game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install knavalbattle
#knetwalk - Network Construction Game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install knetwalk
#kollision - A simple ball dodging game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kollision
#kpat - Patience card game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kpat
#kshisen - Shisen-Sho Mahjongg-like Tile Game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kshisen
#ksquares - Connect the dots to create squares
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install ksquares
#picmi logic game
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install picmi



#UTILITIES
#Install all the KDE utilities

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install yakuake ark wget partitionmanager kup-backup filelight kcharselect kcolorchooser kdenetwork-filesharing kompare krdc krfb kruler ktimer
#Yakuake installs and works as a drop down terminal

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install yakuake
#Ark is KDE's archiving utility whcih installs

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install ark
#wget is a program for downloading files over the internet in terminal that installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install wget
#KDE Partition Manager is a program for formatting disks (GUI and terminal) that installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install partitionmanager
#KUP is a backup app (it installs but I've not tested it in use yet)

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kup-backup
#Filelight is an application to visualise the disk usage on your computer
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install filelight
#KCharSelect is a tool to select special characters from all installed fonts and copy them into the clipboard
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kcharselect
#KColorChooser is a color palette tool, used to mix colors and create custom color palettes
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kcolorchooser
#Samba network SMB sharing package
#this installs ok

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdenetwork-filesharing
#Kompare is a GUI front-end program that enables differences between source files to be viewed and merged
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kompare
#krdc Remote Desktop Client
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install krdc
#krfb - Desktop Sharing (VNC)
#this installs

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install krfb
#kruler - screen ruler
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kruler
#ktimer countdown launcher
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install ktimer




#EDUCATION
#Install all the KDE education packages

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kalzium katomic kbruch kgeography kig kstars ktouch kwordquiz marble minuet parley step kturtle
#Kalzium is a program that shows you the Periodic Table of Elements
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kalzium
#KAtomic is a fun educational game built around molecular geometry
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install katomic
#KBruch is a small program to practice calculating with fractions and percentages.
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kbruch
#KGeography is a geography learning tool
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kgeography
#kig is an interactive mathematics software for learning and teaching geometry
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kig
#kstars desktop planetarium
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kstars
#ktouch - Touch Typing Tutor
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install ktouch
#kwordquiz - flashcard trainer
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kwordquiz
#marble - virtual globe
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install marble
#minuet music education software
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install minuet
#parley vocabulary trainer
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install parley
#step . ineractive physical simulator
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install step
#kturtle - Educational Programming Environment
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kturtle



#DEVELOPMENT
#Install all the KDE development apps

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kapptemplate kdebugsettings kdesdk-scripts kdevelop okteta umbrello
#KAppTemplate is an application to start development quickly using existing templates providing basic repeatedly written code and a proper structure.
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kapptemplate
#KDebugSettings edits which QLoggingCategory are displayed
#this installs ok

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdebugsettings
#This additional package enhances scripting and is part of the KDE SDK
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdesdk-scripts
#KDevelop is a Free and Open Source integrated development environment (IDE).
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdevelop
#okteta hex editor
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install okteta
#umbrello UML modeller
#this installs and works

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install umbrello







#####NOT WORKING

#digiKam is an advanced open-source digital photo management application
#this installs DOES NOT RUN

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install digikam
#Kdenlive is a non linear video editor
#this installs DOES NOT RUN

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install kdenlive



------------

2. APN
This is a list of code for the APN settings by mobile/cellular provider.

If your provider is not listed search for APN settings online.
Once you have inserted your SIM, you can see the list of access point data with this line of code:

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/list-contexts

UK PROVIDERS

EE - tested working on contract SIM
https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Mobile-Data/EE-APN-Settings-Where-to-find-them/td-p/1145404

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName everywhere
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username eesecure
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password secure#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1


Vodafone - not tested

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Name 'Vodafone Internet'
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username wap
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password wap
for contract customers:

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName wap.vodafone.co.uk
for PAYG:

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName pp.vodafone.co.uk
#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

02 - not tested

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Name 'o2 Internet'
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password password
for contract customers:

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username 02web
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName mobile.o2.co.uk
for PAYG:

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username payandgo
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName payandgo.o2.co.uk
#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

3 - not tested

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Name '3 Internet'
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName three.co.uk
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username ''/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password ''[/code]
#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

ASDA mobile - not tested

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Name 'ASDA Internet'
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName MY.INTERNET
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username wap
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password wap#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

giffgaff - not tested

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName giffgaff.com
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username gg
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password p#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

Lebara UK - tested working

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Name 'Lebara Internet'
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName uk.lebara.mobi
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username wap
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password wap#and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1

8

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 06, 2022, 02:02:51 am »

#Part 2 of installation of KDE Plasma linux on Planet Computers' Cosmo Communicator
#
#04.09.2022
#

################################################
#THESE SECTIONS ARE AREAS THAT I AM STILL EXPERIMENTING WITH.            #
#THEY MAY NOT WORK AND MAY BREAK THE INSTALLATION!                            #
################################################


#PLANNED
#1. Backup solution
#2. Firewall
#3. New user accounts SOLVED AND ADDED TO INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
#4. Bluetooth
#5. Key apps that won't install
#6. Upgrading
#7. USB Ports
#8. Printing SOLVED AND ADDED TO INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
#9. Fixing the Cosmo speaker phase hardware problem

#################
#####BACKUP######
#################


#Backup to a drive on the micro SD slot

#find the name of micro SD drive on the system

Code: [Select]

sudo fdisk -l
#mount the drive

Code: [Select]

sudo mount /dev/SD-DRIVE-NAME /mnt
#this rsync statement will make a backup snapshot of the entire linux installation
#NOTE: this will erase any other data on the drive!

Code: [Select]

sudo rsync -aAHXv --delete --exclude={"/dev/*","/proc/*","/sys/*","/tmp/*","/run/*","/mnt/*","/media/*","/lost+found"} / /mnt
#current issues:
# one folder of files won't backup due to security issues. Unclear if this will be a problem as I have not yet tried a restore.




######################
######FIREWALL########
######################


#I tried adding UFW with difficulty and once it was running a bunch of features on the phone were broken.
#Needs more work once the backup and restore feature is working.









#####################
#####BLUETOOTH#######
#####################

#Bluetooth is not really working - drops connections after they are made.




###################################
####KEY APPS THAT WON'T INSTALL###########
###################################

#Skype does not install

#Zoom does not install

#Libreoffice appears to cause issues if installed and breaks the installation
This post suggests installing Libreoffice then re-installing the message app will work but I found it broke the installation
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36320.0

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install libreoffice

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install messaging-app
#Dropbox won't install
There is a post here about possible solution
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36514.0

#VPN software
There is a post here about VPNs on the Cosmo:
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36512.0
and one on installing ExpressVPN on the Gemini which I followed - installed ok but won't connect
https://gist.github.com/martinbutt/a514621664dc17fcbd20d78f647bd14b




#######################
####UPGRADING###########
#######################

#Running an upgrade via the command line (sudo apt upgrade) or via the GUI seems to break the installation
#SEE COMMENT BELOW FROM SHYMEGA - THIS IS DUE TO THE PLANET REP BEING DOWN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS
#NO CURRENT TIME FOR IT BEING BACK UP
#SHYMEGA RECOMMENDS NOT EVEN TRYING UPGRADES IN THE MEANTIME

#The problems I ran into included the lock screen breaking (missing password window, meaning you can't unlock the lockscreen and need to force reboot by holding down ESC), cellular not working, the messaging app crashing and others.

#Problem is a long list of packages (67 when I last ran it) that will be downgraded, including the kernel and other
#packages that are essential for the Cosmo Communicator.

#This is likely linked to Planet Computers repository issues (they took their repository down when they released V4).

#Next step: I've gone through the packages adn listed those that are Gemian.
#Try marking these packages as not for upgrade and then upgrade

Code: [Select]

sudo apt-mark hold camera-app cameraplugin-aal cosmo-linux-kernel dialer-app drihybris gemian-system glamor-hybris gsettings-ubuntu-schemas history-service libandroid-properties1 libdbus-cpp5 libglibutil libgrilio libgsettings-qt1 libhardware2 libhistoryservice0 libhybris libhybris-common1 libhybris-utils libmce-glib libmedia1 libofono-qt1 libqt5feedback5 libqt5systeminfo5 libubuntu-application-api3 libubuntu-platform-hardware-api3 libubuntugestures5 libubuntumetrics5 libubuntutoolkit5 libwspcodec media-hub messaging-app ofono pulseaudio-module-droid qml-module-qtcontacts qml-module-qtfeedback qml-module-qtsysteminfo qml-module-ubuntu-components qml-module-ubuntu-components-labs qml-module-ubuntu-layouts qml-module-ubuntu-performancemetrics qml-module-ubuntu-test qtcontact5-galera qtdeclarative5-gsettings1.0 qtdeclarative5-ubuntu-history0.1 qtdeclarative5-ubuntu-telephony-phonenumber0.1 qtdeclarative5-ubuntu-telephony0.1 qtdeclarative5-ubuntu-ui-toolkit-plugin repowerd repowerd-data telephony-service tone-generator ubuntu-application-api3-test ubuntu-application-api3-touch ubuntu-sounds ubuntu-ui-toolkit-theme urfkill xkb-data xserver-xorg-video-hwcomposer

Code: [Select]

sudo apt upgrade
#Tried the above and that broke the CoDi, which remains broken after a re-install of the OS.






########################
##  USB  PORTS    ###########
########################

As mentioned in part 1, only the left port works.  The right port appears not to work.

Will a USB C hub allow charging while peripherals (eg: mouse) are attached?

Still to be tested.







###########################
## FIXING THE SPEAKER ISSUE #######
###########################

The Cosmo Communicator has a hardware error in that one of the speakers polarities was accidentally reversed.
This results in loss of base and a tinny sound quality,
This could be fixed by reversing the phase of one of the speakers using a sound utility
such as alsamixer in linux.

9

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Full installation guide KDE Plasma on Cosmo Communicator

« on: September 06, 2022, 01:58:30 am »

I've put together this guide for installing KDE Plasma on the Cosmo Communicator.  I've tested the stable part of the installation multiple times on two different Cosmo Communicators and it appears to work consistently.

Time required: 20-40 minutes (depending on the number of optional app packages you choose to install, download speeds etc..)

List of Contents
Part 1 (this post): Stable
1. What's Working
2. Installation Guide
3. Optional installation options
4. Notes

Part 2 (next post down)
What's not working / stable

Part 3 (post below that)
APN settings for mobile providers and other useful data



WHAT'S WORKING

• v4.4 firmware for the Communicator
• KDE Plasma Buster (10)
• WiFi
• Mobile phone incoming and outgoing calls
• SMS incoming and outgoing
• 4G mobile data, including roaming
• Camera (front and back)
• USB mouse
• Wired headphones
• Sleep / wake on opening and closing lid
• Codi as touchpad when open and info screen when lid is closed - time/date, battery / 4G / Wifi icons
• Full desktop instrallation (Firefox, Thunderbird, Calligra for office and a range of other apps) (updated 15.09.2022)
• Multiple users (updated 10.09.2022)
• Printing (updated 13.09.2022)

#
# INSTALLATION NOTES FOR LINUX ON COSMO COMMUNICATOR
#
# 03 SEPT 2022
#

#Start with a clean install of V4 firmware and KDE Linux by following the links and instuctions on the Planet website
https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Linux_for_Cosmo
#-install the latest cosmo firmware
#-install the latest KDE linux distribution


#before rebooting I recommend connecting a USB-C mouse to the left port, making sure the Communicator is fully charged

#boot into Linux and login as cosmo with default password cosmo.
#open the terminal program
#open the webbrowser to this page so you can copy and paste the commands into the terminal


#SECURITY
#Security step: change the password
#IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a password with a 'k' in it, as there is a bug in the Gemian screensaver and the K key does not work!

Code: [Select]

sudo passwd cosmo

#WIFI
#connect to a wifi network using the Networks plasmoid in the widgets bar
#you should select Classic Blowfish encrypted file to store the password and enter a password for the keychain

#REPOSITORIES
#Unfortunately deb https://gemian-planet.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main has been taken down by Planet
#and have been down for several months at the time of writing
#This means that you can't install any software (meaning you can't install a working Linux)

#My workaround to get software installed is to comment it out in the sources list.

#vi can be flaky and we can't install vim yet, so use nano to edit the file

Code: [Select]

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/gemian.list
#comment out the currently offline old V3 firmware planet repository

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deb https://gemian.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main
#deb https://gemian-planet.thinkglobally.org/buster/ buster main#save the file and exit

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sudo apt update#when asked about accepting that the repository has changed from stable to oldstable, select 'yes'
# IMPORTANT: DO NOT RUN sudo atp upgrade AT ANY TIME - THIS WILL BREAK THE INSTALLATION
#See comment from Shymega below who recommends not using this workaround, but note it is currently the
#only way to install Linux and there is no timescale for the reps to be back up.
#WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED INSTALLING APPS AND PACKAGES, REPEAT THE STEPS ABOVE TO UNCOMMENT THE REP AGAIN
#TO AVOID ACCIDENTALLY DOING UPGRADES THAT WILL BREAK YOUR INSTALLATION


#ADD A NEW USER ACCOUNT
#Install vim as a replacement for vi and unzip which we'll need later
#The GUI for users is missing from the Cosmo linux image, so install it from the command line at the same time

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sudo apt install vim unzip user-manager


#replace USERNAME below with your new user's username

Code: [Select]

sudo adduser USERNAME#IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a password with a 'k' in it, as there is a bug in the Gemian screensaver and the K key does not work!

#create a copy of the cosmo home folder as your new homefolder
#replace USERNAME with your new username in the lines below

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cd /home

Code: [Select]

sudo cp -Lvr cosmo USERNAME

Code: [Select]

sudo chown -R USERNAME USERNAME

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sudo chgrp -R USERNAME USERNAME
#for the Cosmo Communicator to work, the new user needs to be added to the same groups as the cosmo user
#(which we can see using the 'id cosmo' command)
#we use usermod -a (to append, otherwise the user will be removed from any other groups at the same time)

Code: [Select]

sudo usermod -a -G cosmo,dialout,sudo,audio,video,input,aid_system,aid_radio,aid_graphics,aid_audio,aid_media,aid_net_bt_admin,aid_net_bt,aid_inet,aid_net_raw,aid_net_admin,aid_wakelock USERNAME
#open the User Manager GUI via Application Manager (System Settings -> Account Details)
#and check your new login now has administration privileges (you can change your avatar at this point as well)

#now log out of the user cosmo and login to your user account


#RECONNECT WIFI
#connect to a wifi network using the Networks plasmoid in the widgets bar
#you should select Classic Blowfish encrypted file to store the password and enter a password for the keychain
#to avoid entering the password with each reboot search for and open the Connections app via the Application Launcher
#and select the WiFi Security tab for the network and select "Store Password for all users non encrypted" from the
#drop down list and apply changes.

#open the terminal application - you might need to set up a new profile and then change back to the default profile
#to get terminal working properly again.

#INCOMING CALLS

#Downgrading Droid Hybris with V3 is reqired to get incoming calls working
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36554.0
https://github.com/dnapla/droidhybris/blob/main/droid-hybris.zip

#Copy the Droid Hybris zip file to the desktop and open the zip

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cd ~/Desktop
unzip droid-hybris.zip
#change the permissions to root and move the files to /usr/libexec/

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sudo chown -R root:root droid-hybris
sudo cp -r droid-hybris/ /usr/libexec/


#SMS MESSAGING
#To get messaging working, replace libmtk-ril.so with the patched one dowloaded from github
https://gitlab.com/ubports/community-ports/android9/planet-cosmocom/planet-cosmocom/-/commit/16efbf31cb3d333add831107ba3f65d857572128

libmtk-ril.so

#download the file to the Desktop
#then copy the library to the correct location

Code: [Select]

sudo cp libmtk-ril.so /usr/libexec/droid-hybris/vendor/lib64/libmtk-ril.so
#we need to stop apt from upgrading codi-app and lxc-android later or they will break

Code: [Select]

sudo apt-mark hold codi-app lxc-android


#MOBILE DATA
#to get 4G working we need to switch to connman from network manager
https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Cosmo_Linux_Mobile_Data

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install connman
#installing Connman usually knocks out the wifi network, so open the wifi plasmoid from the widgets bar
#and tick the wifi box, then select your wifi network again. If you are struggling to get wifi going again, do a reboot.

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sudo apt install cmst mobile-broadband-provider-info ofono-scripts
#Do NOT unistall network manager as this seems to break parts of the installation
#NOT TO BE USED: sudo apt remove network-manager plasma-nm

#REBOOT the system

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sudo reboot

#OPTIONAL: if you ned to enable roaming, use this command

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/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-roaming-allowed
#set up the APN
#I've used EE as an example here, but I've listed the code for various other providers in a separate post below
#or search online for your provider's APN settings

#add the EE mobile APN settings and turn on the access point

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 AccessPointName everywhere
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Username eesecure
/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-context-property 0 Password secure
#Turn on mobile data

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1#NOTE you will usually need to turn on mobile data (and roaming, see above) after the Cosmo has been suspended or restarted
#you can set up an alias for this to make it simpler (see 'optional' section below)

#Check the mobile data status in the Connman app
#there is no connman plasmoid so you need to access the app by searching in Application Manager

#remember to set connman to start at system start in the startup section of the the system settings GUI.


#APPLICATIONS
#Gemian is a minimal KDE plasma distro with just a tiny number of apps pre-installed
#(This is not a bad thing, as KDE normally installs with a bunch of apps which can be hard to remove)
https://www.pragmaticlinux.com/2020/10/install-a-minimal-kde-on-debian-10-buster/

#OPTION 1: Install a full KDE Desktop suite of apps, games etc..

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install firefox-esr thunderbird juk yakuake calligra okular wget partitionmanager kup-backup autokey-gtk kcalc knotes vlc ark korganizer skanlite kblocks blinken bomber bovo granatier kanagram kapman kblackbox kblocks kbreakout kdiamond kfourinline khangman killbots kiriki kjumpingcube klickety kmahjongg kmines knavalbattle knetwalk kollision kpat kshisen ksquares picmi filelight kcharselect kcolorchooser kdenetwork-filesharing kompare krdc krfb kruler ktimer kalzium katomic kbruch kgeography kig kstars ktouch kwordquiz marble minuet parley step kturtle kapptemplate kdebugsettings kdesdk-scripts kdevelop okteta umbrello
#OPTION 2: Install my recommended minimal install of apps

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install firefox-esr thunderbird clementine yakuake calligra okular wget gparted kup-backup autokey-gtk kcalc knotes vlc ark
#OPTION 3: Install your own selection of apps
#See the post below for a list of individual apps that appear to install ok


#PRINTING
#Install printing packages

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sudo apt install libnss-mdns  printer-driver-all avahi-discover print-manager
#we need to add admin users to lpadmin otherwise they won't be able to make changes to print settings
#substitute your user name for USERNAME below

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sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin USERNAME
#You can now use the GUI Printer section in System Settings to add and modify printers
#NOTE I've had issues with network printers not printing, although this may just be par for the course in Linux printing







#OPTIONAL INSTALLATION OPTIONS

#add aliases to the .profile

Code: [Select]

vim ~/.profile
#append the following lines:
#(to edit a file in vim, remember to press the i key to enter 'input mode')
----------

Code: [Select]

#aliases
alias la='ls -la'
alias vi='vim'
alias roamon='/usr/share/ofono/scripts/set-roaming-allowed'
alias mobiledataon='/usr/share/ofono/scripts/activate-context 1'
alias backlight0='echo 40 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias backlight20='echo 41 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias backlight40='echo 42 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias backlight60='echo 43 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias backlight80='echo 44 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias backlight100='echo 45 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc'
alias blon=backlight100
alias bloff=backlight0---------
#save the file in vim by
hitting ESC
type in

Code: [Select]

:wqand hit ENTER

#this will allow you to use terminal aliases to set mobile data and keyboard backlight as the GUIs can be flaky
#for example: the backlit keyboard brightness is set via the battery plasmoid on the widgets panel
#and the 4G is set from the Connman UI setup app via the Application Launcher

#the backlit keyboard can now be controlled with commands from the terminal

Code: [Select]

source ~/.profile

Code: [Select]

backlight100

Code: [Select]

blon

Code: [Select]

bloff
#turn roaming and mobile data on from the terminal:

Code: [Select]

roamon

Code: [Select]

mobiledataon

#remember you'll need to source the profile file when you open a terminal app if you've not set it up to load it by default

Code: [Select]

source ~/.profile



###########IMPORTANT NOTES##############

#USB MOUSE
USB mice only work if connected before booting.  Once connected and working, they can be removed and reconnected without apparent issue until the next reboot (ie: you need to have it connected at the start of each boot cycle, but otherwise it can be removed and reinserted apparently as often as you like - which is good because you will need to remove it to charge the phone!)


#HEADPHONES
Note that when using wired headphones, you may need to search for "sound" on the application list and open Audio Volume app and then select "Output to wired headphone" from the dropdown list, otherwise the sound will also come out of the speakers. 
Sound can suddenly re-start on the speakers as well as headphones, for example when starting a video playback.
This does NOT always auto revert on removing the headphones, so to avoid missing telephone calls etc.. remember to check your speaker volume and manually re-select "Output to speaker" from the dropdown
list if needed when you remove your headphones!
If the sound from the speakers is very low even when turned up, use the sound control to reselect output to the speakers.



#SMS and PHONE CALLS
Phone calls will ring whether the phone app is open or not, and whether the phone is in sleep mode or not, open or closed lid etc..

However, the notification sound for the SMS is very quiet, and so I recommend keeping the SMS app open at all times.  I'm not even sure that SMS will be delivered if the app is not open.  Strangely the app has numbers of messages next to each sender, but those numbers don't change when you read messages so you can't rely on that to indicate a new message has arrived (unless you can remember what the previous number was!)

Note: removing and reinserting a sim card seems to require a reboot to take effect.

Troubleshooting:
If your SIM is locked, you should try to unlock it wth

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/ofono/scripts/enter-pin pin <pin_number>https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36328.0

Troubleshooting:
If cmst shows a working connection but you can't browse the Internet, it might be because the
#DNS has not been automatically populated. In this case you can set one using the following command:

Code: [Select]

sudo echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" > /etc/resolv.conf


#SCREEN LOCK SYSTEM SETTINGS PANEL
This panel is missing and can't be installed because Gemian has a custom screenlocker (presumably to allow the phone to work)
So altering the screen locker (eg: image) needs to be done via terminal
See instructions here:
https://linuxconfig.org/lock-screen-on-local-or-remote-linux-kde4-system-from-command-line



#USB C RIGHT SIDE
The left port works for charging or peripherals.  The right port does not function for either.
See section in PART 2.


#BLUETOOTH
Does not seem to connect to anything.
See section in PART 2.


#CHARGING
Linux will drain the battery faster than android - I find I need to charge the phone every few hours depending on useage.

#CRASHING WITH LID CLOSED
I've had issues where sometimes the phone has crashed when charging overnight requiring a reboot
This will obviously result in missed calls, loss of unsaved work etc..

#HANGING ON BOOT
Occassionally the boot will hang on the Debian logo screen.
If this happens force reboot by holding fn and esc down for several seconds until the phone vibrates.
It seems that pressing a key such as tab, space, / or enter during when the Debian logo reduces the chances of it hanging?


#HDMI
It seems that HDMI will not work in Linux, perhaps due to the Kernal being older.
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36441.0


#SECURITY· DELETING COSMO USER
It appear ok to delate the cosmo user and home folder, either in the command line or in the GUI.
This seems like a good thing to do from a security perspective as the username cosmo is publicly available
I would recommend making a copy of the home folder somewhere to use as a default home folder for any future users.
I also recommend adding an additional user using the instructions above as a backup admin user in case you lock yourself out


#FUNCTION KEYS
Installing autokey to allow mimicking of the function keys is discussed here:
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36507.0

#Note: the Fn key on the Communicator is hardwired and not accessable by autokeys

#If you did not do so already, install autokey (the KDE version is not listed in the repos, so I've used the GTK gnome version)

Code: [Select]

sudo apt install autokey-gtk
#Autokey allows mapping a key combination to eg· <f11> so that the fullscreen shortcut works in firefox





#####END OF STABLE SECTION######

#see below for PART 2 where I list installations and actions that are unstable.

10

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: mistakenly deleted the telephony config...

« on: September 02, 2022, 02:24:56 am »

I don't see any command paths in the GUI.  Just a pair of scripts (named Desktop file and Script file) without details and a list of running processes. 

Desktop session has various options for logout but they are self explanatory (top 2 ticked by default,  end current session, Restore previous session)