Linux Format forums

[spaceyhase]

I wrote one. Well, kind of? I thought I'd have a play around and using Essential Linux Device Drivers as a reference (I admit to only flicking through it; it's a tough read!), along with kernel source, I've got something that works.

But like I said, "kind of". It is nice and stable, picks up the device, disconnects properly (etc) but it doesn't show me anything useful. It does, however, read... something but I'm not entirely sure what. I've had a play with the code and I've come to the conclusion it is reading some encoded information in a single 8 byte block (see, I figured it was a double but no, that doesn't work either).

So now I want to approach the manufacturer. Has anyone 'ere done the same? Would they may take my hardware probing as something illegal? How best to word a letter/email to them asking for hardware information? And while Linux support for the device isn't going to set the world alight, just idle curiosity on my part, I'd like to show willing and finish it off... kudos for the manufacturer if they help?

Advice welcome!

[Dutch_Master]

Ask the FSF guys. They've done that a couple'times before

[nelz]

It might be worth asking on the LKML too, people like Grehg K-H have some experience with this.
_________________
Unix is user-friendly. It's just very selective about who it's friends are.

[johnhudson]

Greg Kroah-Hartman is the kernel guy responsible for device drivers. Approach him.

[spaceyhase]

Aye, will do. I need a minor for my driver </rhyme>. FSF site is interesting too, there's a lot of stuff there I'd be willing to contribute to. Consider it done!