Automatic setup for RTL8188CUS based wifi adapters

[Montala]

I am running latest wheezy debian beta, fully updated using apt-get. I am also using the rpi-update utility.

I used your automated script from 20120617 (but I commented out the apt changes, custom dhcp client and rpi-config, since it breaks the wheezy repo, dhcp is working fine and I use rpi-update by myself). After that I connected my dongle (EDUP EP-N8508) and rebooted. The module loaded succesfuly during boot.

But I can't see any networks! During boot, dhcpdiscover on wlan0 failed, and `iwlist wlan0 scan` returns no results. Thers hould be at least 5 visible networks and my Pi is just about 2 meters away from my AP.

Any idea what might be wrong?

I am not the best expert on this subject, but I think you will find that there is a later version of the script (20120619) which should work fine with "wheezy".

[Pitel]

I am not the best expert on this subject, but I think you will find that there is a later version of the script (20120619) which should work fine with "wheezy".

Looking at install-wheezy-beta-rtl8188cus-20120619.sh, that's exactly what I did.

[metaljay]

Script worked perfect for me, thanks a bunch bro

[JulienV]

Thank you very much for your script it worked for my EW-7811Un with Debian Wheezy !

However, I have the same problem of wifi dongle that keeps switching power saving on and off :

Code: Select all

[  522.617972] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2
[  524.615380] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Busy Traffic , Leave 802.11 power save..
[  524.615709] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 0, SmartPS = 0
[  526.627696] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Save
[  544.616079] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Enter 802.11 power save mode...
[  544.618625] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Normal
[  544.618655] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2
[  592.617773] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Busy Traffic , Leave 802.11 power save..
[  592.618007] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 0, SmartPS = 0
[  592.638519] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Save
[  598.617936] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Enter 802.11 power save mode...
[  598.620515] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Normal
[  598.620546] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2

I tried to disable power saving using the following different methods but neither worked :

- In /etc/network/interfaces I added wireless-power off at the end of the file

- I tried with a command line :

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

Has anyone got rid of this power saving bug ?
Any ideas ?

[MrEngman]

I am not the best expert on this subject, but I think you will find that there is a later version of the script (20120619) which should work fine with "wheezy".

Looking at install-wheezy-beta-rtl8188cus-20120619.sh, that's exactly what I did.

In your previous post you said you used the script 20120617, and now 20120619 - so which one did you use? The wheezy beta script, install-wheezy-beta-rtl8188cus-20120619.sh, doesn't try and do apt-get anything or update dhcp which you said you commented out. The script referencing those items probably will not work although I haven't checked and haven't actually tried it on wheezy as I made a new one without them for wheezy, one for alpha and another for the beta.

Instructions to install the rtl8188cus driver on wheezy beta are a few posts back here, the script is here, and the driver is here. If you have a wired connection to the Pi then you don't need to download the driver as the script will download it automatically when it is run.

I have just tested the wifi install again a couple of times, with an ethernet cable and without, and everything worked fine on both new installs.

I would think the most likely cause of your problems may be a wrong driver version.

[MrEngman]

Thank you very much for your script it worked for my EW-7811Un with Debian Wheezy !

However, I have the same problem of wifi dongle that keeps switching power saving on and off :

Code: Select all

[  522.617972] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2
[  524.615380] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Busy Traffic , Leave 802.11 power save..
[  524.615709] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 0, SmartPS = 0
[  526.627696] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Save
[  544.616079] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Enter 802.11 power save mode...
[  544.618625] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Normal
[  544.618655] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2
[  592.617773] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Busy Traffic , Leave 802.11 power save..
[  592.618007] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 0, SmartPS = 0
[  592.638519] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Save
[  598.617936] rtw_set_ps_mode(): Enter 802.11 power save mode...
[  598.620515] rtl8192c_dm_RF_Saving(): RF_Normal
[  598.620546] rtl8192c_set_FwPwrMode_cmd(): Mode = 1, SmartPS = 2

I tried to disable power saving using the following different methods but neither worked :

- In /etc/network/interfaces I added wireless-power off at the end of the file

- I tried with a command line :

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

Has anyone got rid of this power saving bug ?
Any ideas ?

It's not a bug, just some debug stuff from the driver. I've recompiled so this doesn't output anymore. Download and re-install the driver.

Code: Select all

wget http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80256631/8192cu-20120617.tar.gz      <----- select link for file you need depending on kernel version you are using
tar -zxf 8192cu-20120617.tar.gz                                   <----- use filename you downloaded
install -p -m 644 8192cu.ko /lib/modules/3.1.9+/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/
depmod -a
/etc/init.d/networking restart

driver version/kernel version list.

Code: Select all

Driver tar file: 8192cu-20120617.tar.gz (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80256631/8192cu-20120617.tar.gz)
For kernel versions:
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #128 PREEMPT Thu Jun 21 01:59:01 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #125 PREEMPT Sun Jun 17 16:09:36 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #122 PREEMPT Sun Jun 17 00:30:41 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux


Driver tar file: 8192cu-20120611.tar.gz (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80256631/8192cu-20120611.tar.gz)
For kernel versions:
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #110 PREEMPT Wed Jun 13 11:41:58 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #107 PREEMPT Sun Jun 10 15:57:56 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux


Driver tar file: 8192cu-20120607.tar.gz (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80256631/8192cu-20120607.tar.gz)
For kernel versions:
Linux raspberrypi 3.1.9+ #101 PREEMPT Mon Jun 4 17:19:44 BST 2012 armv6l GNU/Linux

[alexeames]

I would think the most likely cause of your problems may be a wrong driver version.

PBKAS? The source of most computer problems (including mine).

[JulienV]

Thank you again and sorry to make you repeat yourself.

I will try this new version right now !

By the way, do you know why it is impossible to modify the power management like below ?

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

[MrEngman]

Thank you again and sorry to make you repeat yourself.

I will try this new version right now !

By the way, do you know why it is impossible to modify the power management like below ?

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

I've no idea.

[Lorian]

Thank you again and sorry to make you repeat yourself.

I will try this new version right now !

By the way, do you know why it is impossible to modify the power management like below ?

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

Because that functionaility is not implemented in the realtek driver. It is possibe to compile the driver with power management tuned off but that seems pointless unless it causes problems, seems better to just supress the messages.

[XavM]

@MrEngman : New version installed <- Every thing looks fine : syslog pretty quiet now about the dongle power saving.
Thank you again (and thank you Lorian for the help identifying the symbol to undefine before compiling)

Just one last doubt : Don't you think the frequency the power saving mode swaps from one state to an other is pretty quick <- Could it be hiding any other problem.
Is there any (compile ?) options to make its pace slower ?

[JulienV]

Thank you again and sorry to make you repeat yourself.

I will try this new version right now !

By the way, do you know why it is impossible to modify the power management like below ?

Code: Select all

 $ sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off
Error for wireless request "Set Power Management" (8B2C) :
    SET failed on device wlan0 ; Operation not permitted.

I've no idea.

I'd like to compile the driver myself to be able to experiment with it.

When I read the makefile I noticed that there is some kind of target platform selection "CONFIG_PLATFORM_" and I don't know which ARM to choose.

Code: Select all

CONFIG_AUTOCFG_CP = y

CONFIG_RTL8192C = y
CONFIG_RTL8192D = n

CONFIG_USB_HCI = y
CONFIG_PCI_HCI = n
CONFIG_SDIO_HCI = n

CONFIG_MP_INCLUDED = n
CONFIG_POWER_SAVING			=	y
CONFIG_USB_AUTOSUSPEND			=	n
CONFIG_HW_PWRP_DETECTION		=	n
CONFIG_WIFI_TEST						=	n
CONFIG_BT_COEXISTENCE				= n
CONFIG_RTL8192CU_REDEFINE_1X1 =n
CONFIG_WAKE_ON_WLAN				=	n

CONFIG_PLATFORM_I386_PC = y
CONFIG_PLATFORM_TI_AM3517 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ANDROID_X86 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_S3C2K4 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_PXA2XX = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_S3C6K4 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_RMI = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_RTD2880B = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_AR9132 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_RTK_DMP = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_PLM = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MSTAR389 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MT53XX = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_MX51_241H = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ACTIONS_ATJ227X = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TEGRA3 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TCC8900 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TCC8920 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_RK2818 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TI_PANDA = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_JZ4760 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_DMP_PHILIPS = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_TI_DM365	=	n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MN10300 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MSTAR_TITANIA12 = n

CONFIG_DRVEXT_MODULE = n

Could you upload a copy of your makefile or tell what changes are needed ?

[Lorian]

@MrEngman : New version installed <- Every thing looks fine : syslog pretty quiet now about the dongle power saving.
Thank you again (and thank you Lorian for the help identifying the symbol to undefine before compiling)

Just one last doubt : Don't you think the frequency the power saving mode swaps from one state to an other is pretty quick <- Could it be hiding any other problem.
Is there any (compile ?) options to make its pace slower ?

No option. it would be possible be to amend the code but I don't see there is a real need, and would be some effort. If you don't like power saving then set CONFIG_POWER_SAVING=N in the Makefile and recompile the driver. Personally I would rather have power saving, expecially as the Pi is a bit pushed for power on USB and many owners of these devices might be tempted to run them without a powered hub. I do.

I'm sure my windows PC using the same adapter switches power saving on and off a lot, just it's not permanantly telling you about it becuase it's not in debug mode.

[XavM]

Ok Thanks.

[MrEngman]

I'd like to compile the driver myself to be able to experiment with it.

When I read the makefile I noticed that there is some kind of target platform selection "CONFIG_PLATFORM_" and I don't know which ARM to choose.

Code: Select all

CONFIG_AUTOCFG_CP = y

CONFIG_RTL8192C = y
CONFIG_RTL8192D = n

CONFIG_USB_HCI = y
CONFIG_PCI_HCI = n
CONFIG_SDIO_HCI = n

CONFIG_MP_INCLUDED = n
CONFIG_POWER_SAVING			=	y
CONFIG_USB_AUTOSUSPEND			=	n
CONFIG_HW_PWRP_DETECTION		=	n
CONFIG_WIFI_TEST						=	n
CONFIG_BT_COEXISTENCE				= n
CONFIG_RTL8192CU_REDEFINE_1X1 =n
CONFIG_WAKE_ON_WLAN				=	n

CONFIG_PLATFORM_I386_PC = y
CONFIG_PLATFORM_TI_AM3517 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ANDROID_X86 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_S3C2K4 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_PXA2XX = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_S3C6K4 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_RMI = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_RTD2880B = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_AR9132 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_RTK_DMP = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_PLM = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MSTAR389 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MT53XX = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_MX51_241H = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ACTIONS_ATJ227X = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TEGRA3 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TCC8900 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TCC8920 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_RK2818 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_TI_PANDA = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MIPS_JZ4760 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_DMP_PHILIPS = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_TI_DM365	=	n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MN10300 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MSTAR_TITANIA12 = n

CONFIG_DRVEXT_MODULE = n

Could you upload a copy of your makefile or tell what changes are needed ?

I've made these changes.

Code: Select all

CONFIG_PLATFORM_I386_PC = n   <--change
CONFIG_PLATFORM_TI_AM3517 = n
.
.
CONFIG_PLATFORM_MSTAR_TITANIA12 = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_BCM2708 = y   <--add

CONFIG_DRVEXT_MODULE = n
.
.
.
ifeq ($(CONFIG_WAKE_ON_WLAN), y)
EXTRA_CFLAGS += -DCONFIG_WAKE_ON_WLAN
endif

ifeq ($(CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM_BCM2708), y)   <--add
EXTRA_CFLAGS += -DCONFIG_LITTLE_ENDIAN
ARCH := arm
CROSS_COMPILE := arm-linux-gnueabi-
KVER  := 3.1.9+
KSRC := /lib/modules/$(KVER)/build
endif

ifeq ($(CONFIG_PLATFORM_I386_PC), y)
EXTRA_CFLAGS += -DCONFIG_LITTLE_ENDIAN

You will need to cd into the driver source directory and compile from there otherwise the automatic install scripts will un tar from the original and over write it. You will need to run something like

Code: Select all

make clean
./make_drv
make

to compile, although I think it's all in the driver's documentation. You will also need a compiled version of the Linux source as it needs a couple of files from there as well. Take a look through this thread here for setting up and compiling the kernel. I found it quite helpful.

[Pitel]

My problem is solved! RPi is not capable of powering wifi dongle, keyboard and mouse. So now I use just keyboard and the dongle, and it works just fine. So I'll have to buy powered hub. FYI I am using 700 mA phone charger as PSU.

[pmk]

I am a complete novice with linux.......

I am running the lastest wheezey beta on and a WPA network at home. Will this driver work on this and how do I install it.

[MrEngman]

I am a complete novice with linux.......

I am running the lastest wheezey beta on and a WPA network at home. Will this driver work on this and how do I install it.

If your wifi adapter uses the rl8188cus chip take a look here.

[Arch1mede]

If your wifi adapter uses the rl8188cus chip take a look here.

@MrEngman

I have the Patriot Memory Wifi adapter thats listed from here, I used your driver. This is also listed as an approved device from here. Incidentally I had a warning placed on the script as it was made ONLY for squeeze, also I would think its bad to replace the sources.list and do a auto apt-get update, this should be a suggestion as most would have followed the instructions for the image which asks to do this.

I'm getting really wierd inconsistancies with it, when I am ssh'ed in after some time it will hang and I have to wait for it, if I ping my router I get what everone else is getting, between 5-20ms, if i ping to the pi i get from 5-200+ms.

I reviewed the drivers from there website and noticed it points to drivers with 8712/8188/8192SU, are the drivers that you provided the same? Or do you think it would be more benificial to compile what was in the support drivers?

@anyone

Also whats the deal with the rpi-update? I thought I read that the person who released it even said that the kernel and firmware was going to get updated via apt-get. No?

Can anyone tell me how to get the console to display any console messages? I would get them using raspbian but with this version I do not.

[pmk]

I am a complete novice with linux.......

I am running the lastest wheezey beta on and a WPA network at home. Will this driver work on this and how do I install it.

If your wifi adapter uses the rl8188cus chip take a look here.

Thanks, will give it a go tonight.

Does this work with WPA security ?

[MrEngman]

If your wifi adapter uses the rl8188cus chip take a look here.

@MrEngman

I have the Patriot Memory Wifi adapter thats listed from here, I used your driver. This is also listed as an approved device from here. Incidentally I had a warning placed on the script as it was made ONLY for squeeze, also I would think its bad to replace the sources.list and do a auto apt-get update, this should be a suggestion as most would have followed the instructions for the image which asks to do this.

I'm getting really wierd inconsistancies with it, when I am ssh'ed in after some time it will hang and I have to wait for it, if I ping my router I get what everone else is getting, between 5-20ms, if i ping to the pi i get from 5-200+ms.

I reviewed the drivers from there website and noticed it points to drivers with 8712/8188/8192SU, are the drivers that you provided the same? Or do you think it would be more benificial to compile what was in the support drivers?

@anyone

Also whats the deal with the rpi-update? I thought I read that the person who released it even said that the kernel and firmware was going to get updated via apt-get. No?

The latest script now only changes the sources.list for the debian6-91-04-2012 release.

As far as performance is concerned this is not a quad i7 but an Arm so something even as simple as a ping can have extremely variable results. This is also probably due to some extent on the USB drivers as all I/O is done through USB. The core USB drivers are not the best so I understand.

The driver I use is the latest from Realtek. The one available from Patriot is an older version and is for 8192CU not 8192SU. The current one works fine for a lot of people.

rpi-update does not use apt-get. rpi-update is used to update the firmware used by the BCM2708/Pi and some of the software. apt-get is the Debian package manager and is used to update the Linux applications and install new ones if you want them.

Can anyone tell me how to get the console to display any console messages? I would get them using raspbian but with this version I do not.

Don't know what this is about? and what is "this version"?? Would be better asked in a more appropriate place

[Mentazm]

Trying to run this script on the debian build on the downloads page but it just flashes between something about illegal operation and invalid response and locks up winSCP.

Any ideas why?

[metaljay]

run the script prior to running the 'startx' command.
In other words after logging in

[MrEngman]

Trying to run this script on the debian build on the downloads page but it just flashes between something about illegal operation and invalid response and locks up winSCP.

Any ideas why?

Because you haven't read the instructions?

[Mentazm]

run the script prior to running the 'startx' command.
In other words after logging in

Ah, I can't do that as after I have installed a linux distribution to my SD card, my win 7 laptop thinks the card needs formatted and shows no writeable area, anyway around it? TBH I'm really trying to get this -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004 ... 00_s00_i00

Working with it. Someone said they had it working no problem plugged directly into the pi, with the debian script. What I want to do is use that script with RaspbMC as that's the one I really want on my pi permamently.

Any ideas how to go about it? I am a complete linux noob and everything I've found on google over the past week has either contradicted other stuff or confused me. Any chance someone could give me a step by step line (accessing raspbmc using winSCP with putty) commands I should be sending to it?