#3 support for the SummaSketch tablets
Hi, I've discovered the possibilities using tablets with Gimp and Inkscape within linux. I'm only a 1-year- ubuntu user and I'm really fascinated. It would be pretty nice if I could use my old serial SummaSketch tablet through inputattach.
It's a pity that it's own module doesn't work within new kernels. Right now I'm using it within inputattach and his "MicroTouch (3M) touchscreen" protocol (option -mtouch), but this protocol is not right enough for the tablet, it's only similar and doesn't work properly (obviously a tablet is not a touchscreen). So I think the protocol can be very easily to implement. I also think that nowadays this kind of hardware keep on quite expensive because it also lasts a lot. Many users would feel better by working again with this old hardware and I'm sure that they will also feel more confident about linux.
Thanks for your great work guys. Love you.
Hi,
When you say "It's a pity that it's own module doesn't work within new kernels.", do you mean that older kernels had a module for this tablet?
What kind of tablet-specific features does your tablet support? Is it pressure-sensitive?
Regards,
Stephen
Yes, I think so, I found the latest version of the "summa" module, but it wasn't actualized, I don't know if it's a problem of kernel or a problem of X-org. But module was forgotten because this kind of hardware is obsolete. Well, I think this point made useful the existence of utilities like imputattach among others. Surprisingly, I made my tablet work "as a tablet does" within "Mtouch touchsceen protocol"
Now some specifications:
Manufacturer description:
"Genius offers the NewSketch 1212HR - an ergonomic input device, which increases your work synergy. Professionally designed with 4-button puck and stylus sketch tablet supports Windows 3.1 and DOS operational systems. Genius NewSketch 1212HR offers 12" x 12" working area with high accuracy and high resolution, smart and friendly user interface. Compatible with AutoCAD R10, R11, R12, R13 this tablet is the ultimate tool for CAD/CAM projects."
Specifications:
* Manufacturer: Genius
* Model: NewSketch 1212 HRII
* Technology: Electromagnetic
* Communication protocol: Summagraphics MM/UIOF serie compatible
* Work area: 12"x12"
* Pointer devices: 2 buttons (stylus); 4 buttons (puck)
* Power supply: external +5V DC
* Precision: +/- 0,001 inch
* Movement Resolution 2540.0 lpi
* Communication rate: 150-19200 BPS (UIOF protocol) and 9600 BPS (MM protocl) (Baud/second)
* Wired connection: DB9 hembra, RS232 serial port.
* it isn't pressure sensitive. Just click.
* Tablet can work as a emulated mice with options -bare and -msc within inputattach.
Some links:
Thread: with no summa-module support.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347000
Module abandoned.
http://packages.qa.debian.org/x/xserver-xorg-input-summa.html
Lastest module release:
http://packages.debian.org/source/oldstable/xserver-xorg-input-summa
module on demand.
http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=262859
It's crazy, but do you think it's possible to clone the 3M touchscreen protocol and change buttons behavior in order to make summa sketch tablets work?
I recently started a thread requesting some help. You can see the behavior with the -mtouch protocol.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1784259
Thank you.