How to update webcam driver?

sambul13 · 2012-08-23 02:59:08

I've ArchLinux installed with v4l-utils 0.8.8-1 and gspca_zc3xx webcam driver v2.13.0 . The driver is installed as a kernel module, and I can detail it with modinfo gspca_zc3xx command. This driver version is now outdated, and it doesn't support correctly Auto Gain and Exposure controls in my webcam Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX. On the developer's site in Webcam GSPCA driver V4L version 2 section there is an updated version of this driver v2.15.18, and I found the thread gspca_zc3xx possible options in Mint lxde 12? claiming the above issues were fixed in it.

Can someone explain with code examples, how to update the webcam driver in my ArchLinux installation step by step? Webcam Setup ArchLinux Wiki lists various drivers, but come very short on explaining how to install them or update already installed driver. Is there a Wiki on how to install or update any device drivers in ArchLinux?

Last edited by sambul13 (2012-08-23 22:16:07)

graysky · 2012-08-23 07:38:55

You need to create a PKGBUILD for the git version in the link you supplied. Ask pacman to tell you which package provides it:

$ pacman -Qo /path/to/module

...I'm guessing it's the kernel package.

Last edited by graysky (2012-08-23 07:42:31)

sambul13 · 2012-08-23 11:54:34

/usr/lib/modules/3.1.10-12-ARCH/kernel/drivers/media/video/gspca/gspca_zc3xx.ko.gz is owned by linux 3.1.10-12

Does that mean, I have to rebuild the whole ArchLinux install? I'm new to Archlinux, and this driver update is needed for most webcam users, as gspca package provides drivers for most webcam models on the market. Can someone create an installable package from it? Still not sure, how to replace already installed driver, once the new driver install is ready?

Last edited by sambul13 (2012-08-27 13:45:17)

graysky · 2012-08-23 17:59:10

I think you should since the kernel owns the files. Also, the file you linked is beta, so it is likely no one will,add this to the official package for you. What I don't know is how best to handle this.

1) rebuild the Linux package except manually delete those files for the build prior to packaging.
Or
2) make a new PKGBUILD for just this new driver and somehow handle the file conflicts outside of pacman... Not recommended in my mind.

Perhaps someone else can offer and alternative solution but for now I think that option 1 is your best bet.

Last edited by graysky (2012-08-23 19:14:14)

sambul13 · 2012-08-23 22:21:07

I can manually delete the files belonging to the driver module. But what if some of these files were referenced by softlinks or inside other package or module config files, and such references need now being updated or deleted? How to find it out?

If the driver module (or another component) were owned not by the kernel, but by some package, what would be the correct update method for that component?

Last edited by sambul13 (2012-08-23 22:27:04)

graysky · 2012-08-23 22:31:34

To rebuild via ABS. You need to make a PKGBUILD for the new driver. You can do that and also modify the kernel package so it does not provide the current one. The two together should work just fine for you. I do not know of another solution that allows pacman to manage your system. Perhaps others will propose something else.

Start with the new driver... See what files it will provide and then consider modifying the linux package not to provide those.

Last edited by graysky (2012-08-23 22:34:16)

Arch Linux

#1 2012-08-23 02:59:08

How to update webcam driver?

#2 2012-08-23 07:38:55

Re: How to update webcam driver?

#3 2012-08-23 11:54:34

Re: How to update webcam driver?

#4 2012-08-23 17:59:10

Re: How to update webcam driver?

#5 2012-08-23 22:21:07

Re: How to update webcam driver?

#6 2012-08-23 22:31:34

Re: How to update webcam driver?

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