LCD Brightness doesn't change on ASUS U80A laptop

[iakbar]

I am currently on Ubuntu karmic (development branch) 9.10

When I use the brightness up/down hot-keys on my laptop (Fn+F5/Fn+F6) the on-screen display shows up but the level indicator doesn't change neither does the LCD brightness.

I searched for solutions to this issue and came across a suggestion to add acpi_backlight=vendor to my kernel boot options. This caused the on screen display's brightness indicator level to go up and down in sync with the hot-keys, but the LCD brightness remains unchanged.

Let me know if I can provide additional information to help with the resolution of this issue.

Thanks,
Akbar
---
AlsaVersion: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version 1.0.21.
Architecture: amd64
ArecordDevices:
 **** List of CAPTURE Hardware Devices ****
 card 0: Intel [HDA Intel], device 0: ALC269 Analog [ALC269 Analog]
   Subdevices: 1/1
   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: iakbar 1286 F.... pulseaudio
CRDA: Error: [Errno 2] No such file or directory
Card0.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:0 'Intel'/'HDA Intel at 0xfdef4000 irq 22'
   Mixer name : 'Intel G45 DEVCTG'
   Components : 'HDA:10ec0269,10431743,00100004 HDA:80862802,80860101,00100000'
   Controls : 16
   Simple ctrls : 8
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 10.04
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=057b5475-bda4-47f9-a743-0afe0cd09df2
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.04 "Lucid Lynx" - Beta amd64 (20100318)
MachineType: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. U80A
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.32-16-generic root=UUID=c03a2477-1039-4120-bca8-c4e697c88697 ro quiet splash
ProcEnviron:
 LANG=en_US.utf8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.32-16.25-generic
Regression: No
RelatedPackageVersions: linux-firmware 1.32
Reproducible: Yes
RfKill:
 0: phy0: Wireless LAN
  Soft blocked: no
  Hard blocked: no
Tags: lucid needs-upstream-testing
TestedUpstream: No
Uname: Linux 2.6.32-16-generic x86_64
UserGroups: adm admin cdrom dialout lpadmin plugdev sambashare
dmi.bios.date: 05/14/2009
dmi.bios.vendor: American Megatrends Inc.
dmi.bios.version: 205
dmi.board.asset.tag: ATN12345678901234567
dmi.board.name: U80A
dmi.board.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.board.version: 1.0
dmi.chassis.asset.tag: No Asset Tag
dmi.chassis.type: 10
dmi.chassis.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 1.0
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnAmericanMegatrendsInc.:bvr205:bd05/14/2009:svnASUSTeKComputerInc.:pnU80A:pvr1.0:rvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:rnU80A:rvr1.0:cvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:ct10:cvr1.0:
dmi.product.name: U80A
dmi.product.version: 1.0
dmi.sys.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

---
AlsaVersion: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version 1.0.21.
Architecture: amd64
ArecordDevices:
 **** List of CAPTURE Hardware Devices ****
 card 0: Intel [HDA Intel], device 0: ALC269 Analog [ALC269 Analog]
   Subdevices: 1/1
   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: iakbar 1286 F.... pulseaudio
CRDA: Error: [Errno 2] No such file or directory
Card0.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:0 'Intel'/'HDA Intel at 0xfdef4000 irq 22'
   Mixer name : 'Intel G45 DEVCTG'
   Components : 'HDA:10ec0269,10431743,00100004 HDA:80862802,80860101,00100000'
   Controls : 16
   Simple ctrls : 8
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 10.04
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=057b5475-bda4-47f9-a743-0afe0cd09df2
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.04 "Lucid Lynx" - Beta amd64 (20100318)
MachineType: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. U80A
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.32-16-generic root=UUID=c03a2477-1039-4120-bca8-c4e697c88697 ro quiet splash
ProcEnviron:
 LANG=en_US.utf8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.32-16.25-generic
Regression: No
RelatedPackageVersions: linux-firmware 1.32
Reproducible: Yes
RfKill:
 0: phy0: Wireless LAN
  Soft blocked: no
  Hard blocked: no
Tags: lucid needs-upstream-testing
TestedUpstream: No
Uname: Linux 2.6.32-16-generic x86_64
UserGroups: adm admin cdrom dialout lpadmin plugdev sambashare
dmi.bios.date: 05/14/2009
dmi.bios.vendor: American Megatrends Inc.
dmi.bios.version: 205
dmi.board.asset.tag: ATN12345678901234567
dmi.board.name: U80A
dmi.board.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.board.version: 1.0
dmi.chassis.asset.tag: No Asset Tag
dmi.chassis.type: 10
dmi.chassis.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 1.0
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnAmericanMegatrendsInc.:bvr205:bd05/14/2009:svnASUSTeKComputerInc.:pnU80A:pvr1.0:rvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:rnU80A:rvr1.0:cvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:ct10:cvr1.0:
dmi.product.name: U80A
dmi.product.version: 1.0
dmi.sys.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

---
AlsaVersion: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version 1.0.22.1.
Architecture: amd64
ArecordDevices:
 **** List of CAPTURE Hardware Devices ****
 card 0: Intel [HDA Intel], device 0: ALC269 Analog [ALC269 Analog]
   Subdevices: 1/1
   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: iakbar 1261 F.... pulseaudio
CRDA: Error: [Errno 2] No such file or directory
Card0.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:0 'Intel'/'HDA Intel at 0xfdef4000 irq 31'
   Mixer name : 'Intel G45 DEVCTG'
   Components : 'HDA:10ec0269,10431743,00100004 HDA:80862802,80860101,00100000'
   Controls : 17
   Simple ctrls : 9
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 10.04
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=057b5475-bda4-47f9-a743-0afe0cd09df2
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.04 "Lucid Lynx" - Beta amd64 (20100318)
MachineType: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. U80A
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.34-999-generic root=UUID=c03a2477-1039-4120-bca8-c4e697c88697 ro quiet splash
ProcEnviron:
 LANG=en_US.utf8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
Regression: No
Reproducible: Yes
RfKill:
 0: phy0: Wireless LAN
  Soft blocked: no
  Hard blocked: no
Tags: lucid
TestedUpstream: Yes
Uname: Linux 2.6.34-999-generic x86_64
UserGroups: adm admin cdrom dialout lpadmin plugdev sambashare
dmi.bios.date: 05/14/2009
dmi.bios.vendor: American Megatrends Inc.
dmi.bios.version: 205
dmi.board.asset.tag: ATN12345678901234567
dmi.board.name: U80A
dmi.board.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.board.version: 1.0
dmi.chassis.asset.tag: No Asset Tag
dmi.chassis.type: 10
dmi.chassis.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 1.0
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnAmericanMegatrendsInc.:bvr205:bd05/14/2009:svnASUSTeKComputerInc.:pnU80A:pvr1.0:rvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:rnU80A:rvr1.0:cvnASUSTeKComputerInc.:ct10:cvr1.0:
dmi.product.name: U80A
dmi.product.version: 1.0
dmi.sys.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

[Reed (reed-johnson)]

I am having exactly the same problem using Kubuntu AMD64 9.04 on an ASUS U80A/U81A (Best Buy version). I suspect the problem relates to the fact that the upscale model of this laptop, the ASUS U80V, has a built-in light sensor that can automatically adjust screen brightness in Windows Vista depending on ambient lighting conditions. The U80A/U81A does not have this feature, though it still has the little sensor hole in the case and could very well have a disabled light sensor sitting beneath that hole.

I should also note that screen brightness adjustment does not work in ASUS' own ExpressGate instant-on operating system, which I believe is Linux-based.

[kholmes (kholmes)]

I'm having the same problem with my Asus U81A, Best Buy Version, running Ubuntu 9.04 desktop version. Screen brightness controllers don't do a thing.

[Jeremy Foshee (jeremyfoshee)]

Hi iakbar,

This bug was reported a while ago and there hasn't been any activity in it recently. We were wondering if this is still an issue? Can you try with the latest development release of Ubuntu? ISO CD images are available from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/releases/ .

If it remains an issue, could you run the following command from a Terminal (Applications->Accessories->Terminal). It will automatically gather and attach updated debug information to this report.

apport-collect -p linux 411121

Also, if you could test the latest upstream kernel available that would be great. It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds . Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please remove the 'needs-upstream-testing' tag. This can be done by clicking on the yellow pencil icon next to the tag located at the bottom of the bug description and deleting the 'needs-upstream-testing' text. Please let us know your results.

Thanks in advance.

[This is an automated message. Apologies if it has reached you inappropriately; please just reply to this message indicating so.]

[Chris Knittel (argosreality)]

I can report this bug is also present in Ubuntu 10.04 beta2. Tried setting

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="nomodeset acpi_backlight=vendor"
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="quiet splash acpi_osi=Linux"

Which was suggest in some other bug reports I read but nothing fixed it. However, I did notice that at first boot and login into my user acct the screen stays at what I'd call 3/4 brightness under windows for 30s to 2mins and then ramps up to full brightness. Totally ignores brightness key settings however. I'll add apport logs in a second

[Chris Knittel (argosreality)]

Ok, apport wont let me update to this bug report so here's some relevant information

[Chris Knittel (argosreality)]

lspci-vv output

[Chris Knittel (argosreality)]

Might not be worth anything but here's a powertop --dump command output. Let me know if there's anything else I can provide

[iakbar (iakbar)]

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[iakbar (iakbar)]

Hi,

This is still an issue.

I installed Ubuntu 10.04 "Lucid Lynx" - Beta amd64 (Ubuntu 2.6.32-16.25-generic). When I press the hot keys Fn + F5 or F6. The on screen display shows up, but the brightness doesn't change, neither does the level indicator.

I also installed the latest upstream kernel (linux-image-2.6.34-999-generic/2.6.34-999.201004221422). The issue exists in this kernel too. In addition the on screen display doesn't show up either.

Thanks,
Akbar

[iakbar (iakbar)]

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[iakbar (iakbar)]

I am changing the status back to new. As I have confirmed the defect in Ubuntu 10.04 beta and the latest upstream kernel.

[Chris Knittel (argosreality)]

I can report that this issue also affects my U80A running ubuntu 10.04 running kernel 2.6.32.22-generic

[FlyingIsFun1217 (flyingisfun1217)]

I understand that iakbar has been kind enough to provide many logs and texts on the issue, but if there is anything else necessary to fix this issue or report it to kernel developers, I am more than willing to acquire it and put it here.

This does not affect many people (in the grand scheme that is), but it sure can be a big issue; this laptop was mainly sold with the claim of good battery life, mainly in part of lower screen brightness. For me, it is unusable on Linux because of this, which is a shame as I would love to finally be able to get rid of Windows.

[FlyingIsFun1217 (flyingisfun1217)]

I've noticed the latest version(s) of PCLinuxOS seem to not have this problem (although it is the only other Linux distribution that doesn't). Works whilst using the live-CD, works after installation, works with Gnome and KDE.

Is there any information we can get from PCLOS to hopefully get to the root of the problem on Ubuntu? Quite honestly, I love Linux enough to keep whatever distro works on my computer, but I really don't care much for PCLOS.

[iakbar (iakbar)]

To all those who still have this problem. I found a solution that works for Asus U81A-RX05 (Best Buy version) and Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx 2.6.32-16-generic.

1. Update the BIOS to Version 210. The BIOS update is available from the Asus support website. This update is not available for U81A. But the UA80A (Best Buy) version works fine.

2. Edit /etc/default/grub set the following variable.

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="acpi_backlight=vendor"

3. Run sudo update-grub.

4. Restart.

[FlyingIsFun1217 (flyingisfun1217)]

The workaround described above seems to not work in 11.04

[Narmak (narmak07)]

Hi!

I had the same problem with my Asus U81A-RX05, Best Buy Version (MB Ver.: U80A), running Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat), desktop version. I found that the workaround described by iakbar (2010-11-19) works fine!

Thanks a lot !!!!

[penalvch (penalvch)]

iakbar, thank you for reporting this and helping make Ubuntu better. This bug was reported a while ago and there hasn't been any activity in it recently. We were wondering if this is still an issue? If so, could you please attach all information noted in https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/Debugging/Backlight ? As well, can you try with the latest development release of Ubuntu? ISO CD images are available from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/releases/ .

If it remains an issue, could you run the following command from a Terminal (Applications->Accessories->Terminal). It will automatically gather and attach updated debug information to this report.

apport-collect -p linux <replace-with-bug-number>

Also, if you could test the latest upstream kernel available that would be great. It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds . Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please remove the 'needs-upstream-testing' tag. This can be done by clicking on the yellow pencil icon next to the tag located at the bottom of the bug description and deleting the 'needs-upstream-testing' text. Please let us know your results.

Thanks in advance.

[Fernando (capitalf)]

I just upgraded to 12.04 and I'm still having the problem.

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Fernando, please execute the following via the Terminal and feel free to subscribe me to it:
ubuntu-bug linux

Thanks!

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for linux (Ubuntu) because there has been no activity for 60 days.]

[Narmak (narmak07)]

Hi!

Somebody knows if this is still an issue for the last version (Ubuntu 12.04 or 12.10)?

The Asus U81A-RX05 Laptop, Best Buy Version, is a good computer and I would like to upgrade from Ubuntu 10.10 (everything works fine, but this old version has no support anymore).

Thank you!

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Narmak, if you have a bug in Ubuntu, could you please file a new report by executing the following in a terminal:
ubuntu-bug linux

For more on this, please see the Ubuntu Kernel team article:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelTeam/KernelTeamBugPolicies#Filing_Kernel_Bug_reports

the Ubuntu Bug Control team and Ubuntu Bug Squad team article:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bugs/BestPractices#X.2BAC8-Reporting.Focus_on_One_Issue

and Ubuntu Community article:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ReportingBugs#Bug_reporting_etiquette

When opening up the new report, please feel free to subscribe me to it.

Please note, not filing a new report may delay your problem being addressed as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.