Succeed to install a 12.1" SXGA+ LCD for thinkpad x40 / x41

[charles.atcher]

That's very, very interesting. It's only a 6 bit panel (is the standard X32 one 8 bit?) but the resolution makes it very attractive. 89 degrees viewing angle is a bit extreme for a laptop, normally it is lower for privacy.

It appears that the cable just plugs in to the new display. I can't find any pictures of the connector though so I'm not 100% certain. Two sets of pins need to be shorted as a kind of "option jumper" for SXGA.

A BIOS mod is then required to get the display to work properly. From what I can decipher it seems that you need to take the OPROM0 and OPROM1 from a T40 BIOS and overwrite the ones in the X31/X32 BIOS with them. That enabled detection of an SXGA panel and everything then works fine. 16MB video RAM is a bit low of SXGA but acceptable.

There is some useful info here: http://forum.51nb.com/thread-576766-1-2.html

Unfortunately it does not state exactly what panel is used, but it seems to be the HV121P01-100.

If I can find a suitable screen cheaply enough I will buy one.

Yep, basically what I gathered from reading the posts over there. I'm still working on my copy of BIOS for the X32.

I think the cable jumpering is only for the SXGA on the X6x models.

[mojo-chan]

I think the cable jumpering is only for the SXGA on the X6x models.

It looks like you have to jumper for the X32 as well. The VGA BIOS from the T4x has the code to detect the jumpers.

[charles.atcher]

It looks like you have to jumper for the X32 as well. The VGA BIOS from the T4x has the code to detect the jumpers.

Gotcha. I'll keep that in mind then.

[charles.atcher]

What I'm currently stuck on/ trying to decide, is if I can just exchange the OPROMx files from the T40 from the X32. Or do I need to dig into the roms and copy the code from the T40 into the X32. I can't imagine that it's as easy as just swapping out the rom from one to the other.

[mojo-chan]

From what I can make out from the comments in English and using machine translation for some Chinese, you just need to exchange them.

The T40 has a Mobility Radeon 7500. The X32 has a Mobility Radeon 7000. The 7500 is very similar to the 7000, basically just a die shrink with a few minor architectural changes that are almost transparent from a software point of view.

It is likely that the T40 BIOS has code which supports both the 7000 and 7500, in fact it's probably just generic modules supplied by ATI and the T40 simply has a newer version with code that can detect the option "jumpers" (really just GPIOs tied to ground). In all probability, the modules in the X32 BIOS have simply never been updated.

[fasterbybike]

OPROM0 (ATI M6 / Mobility Radeon code) and OPROM1 (ATI M7 / Mobility Radeon 7500 code) are exactly the same for x31/2 (X3*) and T40/1/2 (T4*) BIOS.

OPROM3 (x3*) and OPROM5 (t4*) are the same with Boot Agent GE code

OPROM4 (x3*) and OPROM6 (t4*) are the same with Boot Agent PXE code

So that leaves the OPROM2, OPROM3 and OPROM4 code from the T4* BIOS to look at.
OPROM2 contains ATI Radeon 9000 code, OPROM3 (T4*) contains ATI Radeon 9600 code, OPROM4 contains more boot agent code.

There are also minor differences in the DISPLAY.ROM code between the 2 BIOS. Without investigating further I'm wondering this may be the difference in the pointer to the driver part of the BIOS, or it may correspond to why the X3* has the XGA resolution hard coded and the T4* does not.

I'd suggest looking at the LCD cables though prior to making any changes to the code. A bricked mobo is no use to anyone

And if you do go the route of reassembling a new BIOS, don't forget to update the checksum.

[microwave]

From what I can make out from the comments in English and using machine translation for some Chinese, you just need to exchange them.

The T40 has a Mobility Radeon 7500. The X32 has a Mobility Radeon 7000. The 7500 is very similar to the 7000, basically just a die shrink with a few minor architectural changes that are almost transparent from a software point of view.

It is likely that the T40 BIOS has code which supports both the 7000 and 7500, in fact it's probably just generic modules supplied by ATI and the T40 simply has a newer version with code that can detect the option "jumpers" (really just GPIOs tied to ground). In all probability, the modules in the X32 BIOS have simply never been updated.

For X31/X32 sxga+ modification, you should not flash T40 bios image code. As though you flash T42 bios image code into x32, there are lots of problem. For example,

Thermal sensing error, CDROM/DVDROM of X31/X32's docking station is not normally operated..... For perfect modification, you should modify oprom0.rom for supporting

sxga+ ( The oprom0.rom of X31/X32 is the same as that of T42 ....)


In my modification, All the function of X31/X32 inclduing docking station is normally operated ).....


You should understand bios code for perfect bios modification.

[charles.atcher]

Hmm, alright more to consider then.

I am no code engineer. Never tackled anything like this before. Since there is a working bios for this modification out there, I can assume that it is doable. Since that bios will never be released to anyone, I'll just have to experiment on my own, and maybe brick some laptops.

Price that I have to pay for what I want.

edit: Thanks for your insight microwave, and showing that it can be done.

[mojo-chan]

microwave, can you tell us why you will not release the modified BIOS code?

What you say makes no sense. You say we must modify the oprom0.rom to support SXGA. You also say that the X32 and T42 have the same oprom0.rom, but the T42 supports SXGA detection via GPIO. Either they are the same or they are not, which is it?

You also don't say what you modified. The other threads say that the oprom0.rom and oprom1.rom where simply copied from the T42 BIOS. There is no mention of modifying the BIOS code, merely replacing these modules in the X32 BIOS with the T42 versions.

I am still looking for a source of suitable LCDs at reasonable prices.

[microwave]

microwave, can you tell us why you will not release the modified BIOS code?

What you say makes no sense. You say we must modify the oprom0.rom to support SXGA. You also say that the X32 and T42 have the same oprom0.rom, but the T42 supports SXGA detection via GPIO. Either they are the same or they are not, which is it?

You also don't say what you modified. The other threads say that the oprom0.rom and oprom1.rom where simply copied from the T42 BIOS. There is no mention of modifying the BIOS code, merely replacing these modules in the X32 BIOS with the T42 versions.

I am still looking for a source of suitable LCDs at reasonable prices.

You don't understand bios code on thinkpad laptop. There is no resolution detection routine in oprom0 ~ oprom1. In case of t42, Resolution detetion routine of T4x is embedded into bioscod0 ~ bioscod5. Of course, There is no resoultion detection routine on x31/x32's bios code. Do you understand what i mean?

"The other threads say that the oprom0.rom and oprom1.rom where simply copied from the T42 BIOS." ------ make no sense. Why? oprom0 and oprom1 of x31/x32 is the same as that of T42 bios. Chinese guy flash t42's bios image code into x31/x32 ... He did not modify video bios rom ( oprom0 )

It is a illigal to release a bios image code in public or website. It is not a simple to modify oprom bios code.....

[charles.atcher]

I understand Leo Kim. We don't wish you to do anything illegal after all. You managed to modify the BIOS code, and it seems Erik on this site managed to modify his for the X61.

I'm off to learn assembler. Next year perhaps I too will have non tablet X series with SXGA+.

Thanks for proving it can be done Leo Kim.

[mojo-chan]

You don't understand bios code on thinkpad laptop. There is no resolution detection routine in oprom0 ~ oprom1. In case of t42, Resolution detetion routine of T4x is embedded into bioscod0 ~ bioscod5. Of course, There is no resoultion detection routine on x31/x32's bios code. Do you understand what i mean?

Okay, thank you, that makes sense.

Chinese guy flash t42's bios image code into x31/x32 ... He did not modify video bios rom ( oprom0 )

It says:

2.由于GPIO需要BIOS和H8芯片支持,所以必须修改BIOS里面对GPIO定义的支持,这个难度相当大.从修改Q屏的时候已经开始研究.所以我分离了 T4X的BIOS 把里面显示部分BIOS和X31BIOS结合,从新产生了新的BIOS 所以修改完成.

I only speak Japanese so I had to use Google and my kanji dictionary, but it seems to be saying that he "combined" the two BIOSs. Is that the correct reading?

It is a illigal to release a bios image code in public or website. It is not a simple to modify oprom bios code.....

Maybe in China, I don't know... In the UK it is legal to post instructions

[charles.atcher]

Heh, technically, any dissasembly of their BIOS code is illegal. Says as much within the code. Oddly enough, I also have seen the phrase "use the force luke" buried within it.

[mojo-chan]

Heh, technically, any dissasembly of their BIOS code is illegal. Says as much within the code. Oddly enough, I also have seen the phrase "use the force luke" buried within it.

BTW, reading this post is illegal under international law

Just saying something does not make it true. Disassembling code is completely legal here in the UK.

[fasterbybike]

I've just won a Toshiba M200 in a local auction. Hopefully it is fitted with the HV121P01-100 LCD. If so, let the fun (or frustration) begin !

[mojo-chan]

I've just won a Toshiba M200 in a local auction. Hopefully it is fitted with the HV121P01-100 LCD. If so, let the fun (or frustration) begin !

Good luck with that! Please report back how you get on, and if you need any help just ask. I have taken a quick look at the X32 BIOS and I think I can see how I might go about modifying it.

[rek]

I've just won a Toshiba M200 in a local auction. Hopefully it is fitted with the HV121P01-100 LCD. If so, let the fun (or frustration) begin !

You might be in for a disappointment there; many M200s didn't come with an IPS panel (at least the one I had, and one a colleague at work has, didn't). I believe they switched the panels mid-way through the model's life.

If you (or anyone) are after a HV121P01-100 LCD and digitiser drop me a PM; I have a spare refurb panel (looks as new, complete with the peelable plastic sheet protecting the glass etc.) here from when I had an X60 Tablet. I was going to toy around with these SXGA+ mods but I simply don't have the time.

[fasterbybike]

You might be in for a disappointment there; many M200s didn't come with an IPS panel (at least the one I had, and one a colleague at work has, didn't). I believe they switched the panels mid-way through the model's life.

If you (or anyone) are after a HV121P01-100 LCD and digitiser drop me a PM; I have a spare refurb panel (looks as new, complete with the peelable plastic sheet protecting the glass etc.) here from when I had an X60 Tablet. I was going to toy around with these SXGA+ mods but I simply don't have the time.

Thanks Rek. I bought a functional M200 and will part it out if it has the screen I need, otherwise i'll resell it. I'll be in touch if I need your screen.

[rek]

The M200 isn't a half bad tablet in its own right. Think of it as if an X31 was converted to a tablet (rather than the X41 that IBM chose), and with Toshiba build "quality" instead of IBM

It is a real pain trying to get them to boot off a CD though. One consolation is that it supports booting off a specially prepared SD card.

[charles.atcher]

Any update on this with an X32 lately? Been busy and not had too much time to devote to it. I noticed Leokim released the modded BIOS code to the 51nb.com board.

http://www.51nb.com/forum/thread-829521-1-1.html

Hoping he might do the same for us eventually. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that it's something just beyond my skill set, and I don't have the time to figure it out.

[mojo-chan]

I am looking for a suitable screen to try this mod. As soon as I find one, I'll give it a go.

[scheiss_freaks]

If you want to try this out on a X41 tablet you should get a BOE-HYDIS HV121P01-100 panel.
The original screen used in the X41 tablet is the BOE-Hydis HT12X21-100 and from comparing the data sheets it seems like they're pretty close and it maybe as easy as plug'n'play on the hardware side with this combination.

Another thought on the problem with the different native resolution of the new screen:
Why not patching the Video Bios from within a running OS?
As far as I understand the description of the programm 915resolution, that's exactly what this programm is aimed to do:

915resolution is a tool to modify the video BIOS of the 800 and 900 series Intel graphics chipsets. This includes the 830, 845G, 855G, and 865G chipsets, as well as 915G, 915GM, 945G, 946GZ, G965, and Q965 chipsets. This modification is neccessary to allow the display of certain graphics resolutions for an Xorg or XFree86 graphics server.

915resolution's modifications of the BIOS are transient. There is no risk of permanent modification of the BIOS. This also means that 915resolution must be run every time the computer boots inorder for it's changes to take effect.

915resolution

[mojo-chan]

The forum post linked to is talking about the X32, not the X41. The X32 has a Radeon graphics chip and needs a BIOS patch to work. There is a Radeon BIOS editor but it does not support the 6M mobile chip.

To me, an X32 with SXGA screen would be pretty much the ultimate laptop, except of course of the X60 series

[plympton]

Hey all,

Based on this page:
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/TFT_display

The X31 has this LCD:
12.1 1024x768 105,8 150 250:1 LG-Philips LP121X04 X30, X31, X32
With Specs here:
http://www.datasheet4u.com/download.php?id=559967

The X41 has this LCD:
12.1 1024x768 105,8 180 450:1 35ms BOE-Hydis HT12X21-100 X41 Tablet
With Specs here:
http://www.agpartsworldwide.com/lcd_spe ... 21-100.pdf

Is it me, or are the 2 displays plug-compatible? I'd like to get the IPS screen from a tablet and put in in my X32 (or future X32). I had an X61 tablet for a few days, and LOVED the display. I don't NEED SXGA+ (too much work with the BIOS Mods, etc), but swapping an LCD doesn't seem too painful.

Anyone? For $100, it'd be a fun project!
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-X41-Ta ... 1|294%3A50

Thanks!
-Dan

[mojo-chan]

Looks like it should work. Unfortunately screens are really expensive, as are all parts used in Thinkpads. You get what you pay for though.

[godling]

Anyone? For $100, it'd be a fun project!

What's the rationale? Are you just looking for a brighter screen? The resolutions are exactly the same ...

[charles.atcher]

Well apparently the contrast and viewing angles are much better on the BOEHydis.

[mojo-chan]

Most people don't want the viewing angle on their laptop to be too good, so that people sitting next to them can't easily read what they have on screen!

[force]

I will be attempting this with an X32 whenever the parts arrive.

So far, looking at the datasheets for the LP121X04 (stock XGA panel) and the BOEHydis HV121P01-100, it appears that the signaling cable (the 20-pin one) is compatible without any modifications. The only thing I'm not sure about is pins 17-20, which are 'no connection/ground' on the stock, and are for EDID on the BOEHydis. I think it's safe to not connect the EDID block, but I'm not absolutely certain.

I will be using the modified X31/32 bios released by leokim, as I have not figured out how to do this myself yet.

(Should we consider creating a new thread? The original topic hints that this is for X40/41.)

[mojo-chan]

It should be fine without the EDID lines connected, as the modified BIOS does not use them anyway. It would be helpful to know if they are connected to ground or not connected at all though, because if the latter is the case you could connect everything up without any modifications what so ever.