After apt upgrade the screen gui doesnt start

Endian · March 11, 2023, 9:16am

Here is the output from xrandr --verbose with my two screens connected.

HDMI-1 is the screen thats always black, and HDMI-2 is working.

xrandr --verbose
Screen 0: minimum 320 x 200, current 4480 x 1440, maximum 16384 x 16384
HDMI-1 connected primary 1920x1080+2560+0 (0x49) normal (normal left inverted right x axis y axis) 477mm x 268mm
	Identifier: 0x42
	Timestamp:  373031
	Subpixel:   unknown
	Gamma:      1.0:1.0:1.0
	Brightness: 1.0
	Clones:    
	CRTC:       0
	CRTCs:      0
	Transform:  1.000000 0.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 1.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 0.000000 1.000000
	           filter: 
	EDID: 
		00ffffffffffff0009d15f7845540000
		2f13010380351d782e6085a6564a9c25
		125054a56b80710081c081408180a9c0
		b300d1c00101023a801871382d40582c
		4500dd0c1100001e000000ff00414239
		3037373132534c303030000000fd0032
		4c185311000a202020202020000000fc
		0047323432304844424c0a0a0a0a00e5
	hue: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	saturation: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	contrast: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	brightness: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	Colorspace: Default 
		supported: Default, SMPTE_170M_YCC, BT709_YCC, XVYCC_601, XVYCC_709, SYCC_601, opYCC_601, opRGB, BT2020_CYCC, BT2020_RGB, BT2020_YCC, DCI-P3_RGB_D65, DCI-P3_RGB_Theater
	output_type_capacity: DVI 
		supported: DVI, HDMI
	output_hdmi_dvi: auto 
		supported: auto, force_hdmi, force_dvi
	allm_enable: disable 
		supported: disable, enable
	allm_capacity: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
	USER_SPLIT_MODE: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
	color_format_caps: 1 
		range: (0, 15)
	color_depth_caps: 1 
		range: (0, 255)
	color_format: ycbcr444 
		supported: rgb, ycbcr444, ycbcr422, ycbcr420, ycbcr_high_subsampling, ycbcr_low_subsampling, invalid_output
	color_depth: 24bit 
		supported: Automatic, 24bit, 30bit
	link-status: Good 
		supported: Good, Bad
	CONNECTOR_ID: 197 
		supported: 197
	non-desktop: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
  1920x1080 (0x49) 148.500MHz +HSync +VSync *current +preferred
        h: width  1920 start 2008 end 2052 total 2200 skew    0 clock  67.50KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1089 total 1125           clock  60.00Hz
  1680x1050 (0x556) 119.000MHz +HSync -VSync
        h: width  1680 start 1728 end 1760 total 1840 skew    0 clock  64.67KHz
        v: height 1050 start 1053 end 1059 total 1080           clock  59.88Hz
  1600x900 (0x557) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1600 start 1624 end 1704 total 1800 skew    0 clock  60.00KHz
        v: height  900 start  901 end  904 total 1000           clock  60.00Hz
  1280x1024 (0x50) 135.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1296 end 1440 total 1688 skew    0 clock  79.98KHz
        v: height 1024 start 1025 end 1028 total 1066           clock  75.02Hz
  1280x1024 (0x51) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1328 end 1440 total 1688 skew    0 clock  63.98KHz
        v: height 1024 start 1025 end 1028 total 1066           clock  60.02Hz
  1280x960 (0x558) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1376 end 1488 total 1800 skew    0 clock  60.00KHz
        v: height  960 start  961 end  964 total 1000           clock  60.00Hz
  1152x864 (0x52) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1152 start 1216 end 1344 total 1600 skew    0 clock  67.50KHz
        v: height  864 start  865 end  868 total  900           clock  75.00Hz
  1280x720 (0x53) 74.250MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1390 end 1430 total 1650 skew    0 clock  45.00KHz
        v: height  720 start  725 end  730 total  750           clock  60.00Hz
  1024x768 (0x56) 78.750MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1024 start 1040 end 1136 total 1312 skew    0 clock  60.02KHz
        v: height  768 start  769 end  772 total  800           clock  75.03Hz
  1024x768 (0x57) 65.000MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width  1024 start 1048 end 1184 total 1344 skew    0 clock  48.36KHz
        v: height  768 start  771 end  777 total  806           clock  60.00Hz
  832x624 (0x559) 57.284MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   832 start  864 end  928 total 1152 skew    0 clock  49.73KHz
        v: height  624 start  625 end  628 total  667           clock  74.55Hz
  800x600 (0x58) 49.500MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width   800 start  816 end  896 total 1056 skew    0 clock  46.88KHz
        v: height  600 start  601 end  604 total  625           clock  75.00Hz
  800x600 (0x59) 40.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width   800 start  840 end  968 total 1056 skew    0 clock  37.88KHz
        v: height  600 start  601 end  605 total  628           clock  60.32Hz
  640x480 (0x60) 31.500MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   640 start  656 end  720 total  840 skew    0 clock  37.50KHz
        v: height  480 start  481 end  484 total  500           clock  75.00Hz
  640x480 (0x62) 25.175MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   640 start  656 end  752 total  800 skew    0 clock  31.47KHz
        v: height  480 start  490 end  492 total  525           clock  59.94Hz
  720x400 (0x63) 28.320MHz -HSync +VSync
        h: width   720 start  738 end  846 total  900 skew    0 clock  31.47KHz
        v: height  400 start  412 end  414 total  449           clock  70.08Hz
HDMI-2 connected 2560x1440+0+0 (0x46) normal (normal left inverted right x axis y axis) 597mm x 336mm
	Identifier: 0x43
	Timestamp:  373031
	Subpixel:   unknown
	Gamma:      1.0:1.0:1.0
	Brightness: 1.0
	Clones:    
	CRTC:       1
	CRTCs:      1
	Transform:  1.000000 0.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 1.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 0.000000 1.000000
	           filter: 
	EDID: 
		00ffffffffffff0010ac2f4255504742
		0c200103803c2278eeee95a3544c9926
		0f5054a54b00714f8180a940d1c00101
		010101010101565e00a0a0a029503020
		350055502100001a000000ff00465153
		4c3848330a2020202020000000fc0044
		454c4c205532373232440a20000000fd
		00314c1e5a19000a2020202020200125
		020324f14f9005040302071601061112
		1513141f23097f078301000067030c00
		1000383c023a801871382d40582c4500
		55502100001e7e3900a080381f403020
		3a0055502100001a011d007251d01e20
		6e28550055502100001ebf1600a08038
		134030203a0055502100001a00000000
		00000000000000000000000000000010
	hue: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	saturation: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	contrast: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	brightness: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	Colorspace: Default 
		supported: Default, SMPTE_170M_YCC, BT709_YCC, XVYCC_601, XVYCC_709, SYCC_601, opYCC_601, opRGB, BT2020_CYCC, BT2020_RGB, BT2020_YCC, DCI-P3_RGB_D65, DCI-P3_RGB_Theater
	output_type_capacity: HDMI 
		supported: DVI, HDMI
	output_hdmi_dvi: auto 
		supported: auto, force_hdmi, force_dvi
	allm_enable: disable 
		supported: disable, enable
	allm_capacity: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
	USER_SPLIT_MODE: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
	color_format_caps: 7 
		range: (0, 15)
	color_depth_caps: 7 
		range: (0, 255)
	color_format: ycbcr444 
		supported: rgb, ycbcr444, ycbcr422, ycbcr420, ycbcr_high_subsampling, ycbcr_low_subsampling, invalid_output
	color_depth: 24bit 
		supported: Automatic, 24bit, 30bit
	link-status: Good 
		supported: Good, Bad
	CONNECTOR_ID: 211 
		supported: 211
	non-desktop: 0 
		range: (0, 1)
  2560x1440 (0x46) 241.500MHz +HSync -VSync *current +preferred
        h: width  2560 start 2608 end 2640 total 2720 skew    0 clock  88.79KHz
        v: height 1440 start 1443 end 1448 total 1481           clock  59.95Hz
  2048x1080 (0x47) 147.180MHz +HSync -VSync
        h: width  2048 start 2096 end 2128 total 2208 skew    0 clock  66.66KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1083 end 1093 total 1111           clock  60.00Hz
  2048x1080 (0x48) 58.230MHz +HSync -VSync
        h: width  2048 start 2096 end 2128 total 2208 skew    0 clock  26.37KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1083 end 1093 total 1099           clock  24.00Hz
  1920x1080 (0x49) 148.500MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1920 start 2008 end 2052 total 2200 skew    0 clock  67.50KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1089 total 1125           clock  60.00Hz
  1920x1080 (0x4a) 148.500MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1920 start 2448 end 2492 total 2640 skew    0 clock  56.25KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1089 total 1125           clock  50.00Hz
  1920x1080 (0x4b) 148.352MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1920 start 2008 end 2052 total 2200 skew    0 clock  67.43KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1089 total 1125           clock  59.94Hz
  1920x1080i (0x4c) 74.250MHz +HSync +VSync Interlace
        h: width  1920 start 2008 end 2052 total 2200 skew    0 clock  33.75KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1094 total 1125           clock  60.00Hz
  1920x1080i (0x4d) 74.250MHz +HSync +VSync Interlace
        h: width  1920 start 2448 end 2492 total 2640 skew    0 clock  28.12KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1094 total 1125           clock  50.00Hz
  1920x1080i (0x4e) 74.176MHz +HSync +VSync Interlace
        h: width  1920 start 2008 end 2052 total 2200 skew    0 clock  33.72KHz
        v: height 1080 start 1084 end 1094 total 1125           clock  59.94Hz
  1600x1200 (0x4f) 162.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1600 start 1664 end 1856 total 2160 skew    0 clock  75.00KHz
        v: height 1200 start 1201 end 1204 total 1250           clock  60.00Hz
  1280x1024 (0x50) 135.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1296 end 1440 total 1688 skew    0 clock  79.98KHz
        v: height 1024 start 1025 end 1028 total 1066           clock  75.02Hz
  1280x1024 (0x51) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1328 end 1440 total 1688 skew    0 clock  63.98KHz
        v: height 1024 start 1025 end 1028 total 1066           clock  60.02Hz
  1152x864 (0x52) 108.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1152 start 1216 end 1344 total 1600 skew    0 clock  67.50KHz
        v: height  864 start  865 end  868 total  900           clock  75.00Hz
  1280x720 (0x53) 74.250MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1390 end 1430 total 1650 skew    0 clock  45.00KHz
        v: height  720 start  725 end  730 total  750           clock  60.00Hz
  1280x720 (0x54) 74.250MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1720 end 1760 total 1980 skew    0 clock  37.50KHz
        v: height  720 start  725 end  730 total  750           clock  50.00Hz
  1280x720 (0x55) 74.176MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1280 start 1390 end 1430 total 1650 skew    0 clock  44.96KHz
        v: height  720 start  725 end  730 total  750           clock  59.94Hz
  1024x768 (0x56) 78.750MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width  1024 start 1040 end 1136 total 1312 skew    0 clock  60.02KHz
        v: height  768 start  769 end  772 total  800           clock  75.03Hz
  1024x768 (0x57) 65.000MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width  1024 start 1048 end 1184 total 1344 skew    0 clock  48.36KHz
        v: height  768 start  771 end  777 total  806           clock  60.00Hz
  800x600 (0x58) 49.500MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width   800 start  816 end  896 total 1056 skew    0 clock  46.88KHz
        v: height  600 start  601 end  604 total  625           clock  75.00Hz
  800x600 (0x59) 40.000MHz +HSync +VSync
        h: width   800 start  840 end  968 total 1056 skew    0 clock  37.88KHz
        v: height  600 start  601 end  605 total  628           clock  60.32Hz
  720x576 (0x5a) 27.000MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   720 start  732 end  796 total  864 skew    0 clock  31.25KHz
        v: height  576 start  581 end  586 total  625           clock  50.00Hz
  720x576i (0x5b) 13.500MHz -HSync -VSync Interlace
        h: width   720 start  732 end  795 total  864 skew    0 clock  15.62KHz
        v: height  576 start  580 end  586 total  625           clock  50.00Hz
  720x480 (0x5c) 27.027MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   720 start  736 end  798 total  858 skew    0 clock  31.50KHz
        v: height  480 start  489 end  495 total  525           clock  60.00Hz
  720x480 (0x5d) 27.000MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   720 start  736 end  798 total  858 skew    0 clock  31.47KHz
        v: height  480 start  489 end  495 total  525           clock  59.94Hz
  720x480i (0x5e) 13.514MHz -HSync -VSync Interlace
        h: width   720 start  739 end  801 total  858 skew    0 clock  15.75KHz
        v: height  480 start  488 end  494 total  525           clock  60.00Hz
  720x480i (0x5f) 13.500MHz -HSync -VSync Interlace
        h: width   720 start  739 end  801 total  858 skew    0 clock  15.73KHz
        v: height  480 start  488 end  494 total  525           clock  59.94Hz
  640x480 (0x60) 31.500MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   640 start  656 end  720 total  840 skew    0 clock  37.50KHz
        v: height  480 start  481 end  484 total  500           clock  75.00Hz
  640x480 (0x61) 25.200MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   640 start  656 end  752 total  800 skew    0 clock  31.50KHz
        v: height  480 start  490 end  492 total  525           clock  60.00Hz
  640x480 (0x62) 25.175MHz -HSync -VSync
        h: width   640 start  656 end  752 total  800 skew    0 clock  31.47KHz
        v: height  480 start  490 end  492 total  525           clock  59.94Hz
  720x400 (0x63) 28.320MHz -HSync +VSync
        h: width   720 start  738 end  846 total  900 skew    0 clock  31.47KHz
        v: height  400 start  412 end  414 total  449           clock  70.08Hz
DP-1 disconnected (normal left inverted right x axis y axis)
	Identifier: 0x44
	Timestamp:  373031
	Subpixel:   unknown
	Clones:    
	CRTCs:      2
	Transform:  1.000000 0.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 1.000000 0.000000
	            0.000000 0.000000 1.000000
	           filter: 
	hue: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	saturation: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	contrast: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	brightness: 50 
		range: (0, 100)
	color_format_caps: 0 
		range: (0, 64)
	color_depth_caps: 1 
		range: (0, 256)
	color_format: rgb 
		supported: rgb, ycbcr444, ycbcr422, ycbcr420
	color_depth: Automatic 
		supported: Automatic, 18bit, 24bit, 30bit
	link-status: Good 
		supported: Good, Bad
	CONNECTOR_ID: 225 
		supported: 225
	non-desktop: 0 
		range: (0, 1)

Endian · March 11, 2023, 2:27pm

@ac8085 you can try this 6.2 build, it lights up both my screens.

https://github.com/armbian/os/releases/download/23.05.0.0070/Armbian_23.05.0.0070_Rock-5b_lunar_midstream_6.2.0-rc1_minimal.img.xz

William_Richter · March 12, 2023, 8:53pm

I’ve experienced the same video issues. First blaming on PS, I’ve tried several with no success. I tried the 23.05.0.0070 Armbian image, fails to boot, indicates a missing UUID. Same with the current 23.05.0.0078 image.

Seeing this thread, sounds similar. In my case, initial boot is fine in Armbian or Ubuntu server. Install Ubuntu desktop, no video, ssh is fine. I realized that the issue is not with X, happens in the initial apt update && apt upgrade. I usually don’t reboot after that, just install the desktop.

I am running a 1650x1080 monitor, I have 2 Dell (228, 2210), same result. I try on my 2k desktop monitor, same results.I’ve seen another thread that for 2k monitor support, must generate a template. Indications are 1920x1200 is the same. I will roll back to Ubuntu server and give that a try. Unfortunately, I don’t have a 1080p monitor unless I “borrow” my wife or daughter’s monitors. They would not be pleased. I can see the monitor detection and supported mode list, just can’t “light up”.

Puzzled by this issue, I’ve used Rasbian and Ubuntu for years on Raspberry Pi. Other than the occasional config file change, never a monitor detection issue. Starting with Ubuntu server then loading a desktop has been my daily driver for decades, just works. Even if after a drive failure, I decided to go with a very glitchy Ubuntu 22.04.0 rev. A few days to work out kinks, after 22.04.2, a rock. Never used a Mali GPU, something with the drivers??? That a console upgrade, pre-X11 is knocking out the display is unusual.

I’ve scripted many of the install steps. Comes from being an Automator by trader…

el_sattchmo · March 12, 2023, 9:13pm

I too have this exact issue, tried all the noob things to get it to work.
I have a 1650x1080 Dell monitor using HDMI to DVI-D, no issue at all then as soon as something is updated it all over. Android on it runs fine.

el_sattchmo · March 12, 2023, 9:14pm

If you find a fix please share it in here, I am using remote desktop / a dodgy aliexpress catpure card and OBS till then.

William_Richter · March 13, 2023, 1:45am

If you have X running, I don’t currently - Wiping and restoring too many times:

sudo chmod 0777 /sys/class/drm/card0-HDMI-A-1/status
echo on > /sys/class/drm/card0-HDMI-A-1/status

unplug the hdmi cable and reinsert.

The monitor should no longer be in sleep mode. Is there a display image? This change will reset on a reboot. Might be able to add to sudo vi /etc/rc.local? My issue is a pain to troubleshoot. Some commands must be run from the console. Hard, but not impossible, when there is no display.

The 2k thread:

Maybe different issues, maybe connected. We are going in loops.

William_Richter · March 19, 2023, 7:27pm

After several more variations and rebuilds, I’ve made progress. The lines above, do wake the monitor - must reconnect. What I’ve gotten consistently:

echo DISPLAY:
No output
xrandr:
Output: No display
Xorg Log shows correct modeset detection for HDMI0
[ 9.012] (II) modeset(0): h_active: 1680 h_sync: 1728 h_sync_end 1760 h_blank_end 1840 h_border: 0
[ 9.012] (II) modeset(0): v_active: 1050 v_sync: 1053 v_sync_end 1059 v_blanking: 1080 v_border: 0
[ 9.012] (II) modeset(0): Serial No: H857F857029M
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): Ranges: V min: 56 V max: 75 Hz, H min: 30 H max: 83 kHz, PixClock max 145 MHz
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): Monitor name: DELL E228WFP
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): EDID (in hex):
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): 00ffffffffffff0010ac15d04d393230
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): 13120103802f1e78ee8f30a355499827
[ 9.013] (II) modeset(0): 145054a54b00714f8180010101010101
[ 9.014] (II) modeset(0): 0101010101017c2e90a0601a1e403020
[ 9.014] (II) modeset(0): 3600d9281100001a000000ff00483835
[ 9.014] (II) modeset(0): 37463835373032394d0a000000fd0038
[ 9.014] (II) modeset(0): 4b1e530e000a202020202020000000fc
[ 9.014] (II) modeset(0): 0044454c4c20453232385746500a00e4
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Printing probed modes for output HDMI-1
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1680x1050"x59.9 119.00 1680 1728 1760 1840 1050 1053 1059 1080 +hsync -vsync (64.7 kHz eP)
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1280x1024"x75.0 135.00 1280 1296 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync (80.0 kHz e)
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1280x1024"x60.0 108.00 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync (64.0 kHz e)
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1152x864"x75.0 108.00 1152 1216 1344 1600 864 865 868 900 +hsync +vsync (67.5 kHz e)
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1024x768"x75.0 78.75 1024 1040 1136 1312 768 769 772 800 +hsync +vsync (60.0 kHz e)
[ 9.015] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "1024x768"x60.0 65.00 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync (48.4 kHz e)
[ 9.016] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "800x600"x75.0 49.50 800 816 896 1056 600 601 604 625 +hsync +vsync (46.9 kHz e)
[ 9.016] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "800x600"x60.3 40.00 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync (37.9 kHz e)
[ 9.016] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "640x480"x75.0 31.50 640 656 720 840 480 481 484 500 -hsync -vsync (37.5 kHz e)
[ 9.016] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "640x480"x59.9 25.18 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -hsync -vsync (31.5 kHz e)
[ 9.030] (II) modeset(0): Modeline "720x400"x70.1 28.32 720 738 846 900 400 412 414 449 -hsync +vsync (31.5 kHz e)

Began looking into: /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-modesetting.conf
After trial and error (My Dell customizations probably not needed), I can across something not in the file:
Section “ServerLayout”
Identifier “Layout0”
screen 0 “Default Screen” 0 0
EndSection

Must match:
Section “Screen”
Identifier “Default Screen”
with ssh -Y session, “echo $DISPLAY”:
output: 10.0

Xrandr now shows results, even if 2k.

HDMI-0 connected 2560x1440+5120+0 (normal left inverted right x axis y axis) 708mm x 399mm
2560x1440 59.95*+ 74.92
1920x1200 59.88
1920x1080 60.00 59.94 50.00
1680x1050 59.95
1600x1200 60.00
1600x900 60.00
1440x900 59.89
1280x1024 60.02
1280x720 60.00 59.94 50.00
1024x768 60.00
800x600 60.32
720x576 50.00
720x480 59.94
640x480 59.94 59.93

At least, a display is detected and 1650x1080 is detected. Even if ignoring my configuration:
Section “Monitor”
Identifier “Dell Monitor”
Option “Rotate” “normal”
Vendorname “Generic LCD Display”
Modelname “Dell 228 1680x1050”
Option “PreferredMode” "1680x1050@60
Horizsync 30 - 81
Vertrefresh 56.0 - 75.0

I’ve done a lot of EDID integration in the past, a blank screen is normal if the display mode is not compatible with the monitor. Will do more digging in the Xorg specs to determine the correct setting. Mucking around with Xorg is always fun

William_Richter · March 26, 2023, 2:28am

I’ve done a number of tests on Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04. The CLI works fine in 20.04, but I can’t add the panfrost ppa. Complains no target. I dist upgrade to 22.04, ppa loads without issue. However, even before I install a desktop, I lose the console. Something in an upgrade is breaking the console. I install the desktop, Xorg log shows the 1680x1050 monitor is detected fine, just no output. I’ve tried removing updates, at least until something breaks then I reflash and start again. Armbian starts at 22.04, as soon as I upgrade, it breaks the console!

I looked at other distros, decided to try debian. Loads with X, comes up fine. Even if it doesn’t detect full res, I started suspecting something there. I did apt grade and rebooted, broke! So what changed? Many things, easiest to check, kernel because it worked in the UI before I upgraded. looking in /boot/extlinux.conf, tried enabling the boot menu but no response on the monitor. So I disable the entire new kernel.

The Debian UI on the monitor is now back!!!
Original kernel version: 5.10.66.27 - display works
Current kernel version: 5.10.110.37 - no display

Something broke after the original image was released. Sometimes affects 1920x1080, more frequently affects lower resolutions. I’ve been told this issue was power, I’ve tried multiple supplies, nothing fixed. I even bought an Anker supply in the supported this, nothing but a boot loop!

I’ve done a little research and have found other mentions of display issues with 5.10.x kernels. There is mention that some of the newer 6.x kernels show the fix. I tried one, I did get a display but abended. I don’t know enough about the Rock 5 kernel to build my own kernel. I may look into this route if I have time. Been 25 years since I’ve built a Linux kernel from scratch. In the meantime, Debian works if you don’t upgrade the kernel.
Video usually just works

Endian · March 26, 2023, 11:08am

@William_Richter This seems to confirm my results from a couple of weeks ago:

Endian · March 26, 2023, 1:02pm

I can now add that this image

https://github.com/armbian/os/releases/download/23.05.0.0134/Armbian_23.05.0.0134_Rock-5b_lunar_midstream_6.2.0-rc1_minimal.img.xz

lights up my failing screen, but only when I connect it to HDMI-2 (closest to USB). If I connect it to HDMI-1 it’s black still.

ac8085 · March 26, 2023, 7:04pm

Me too with ubuntu, same issue on my Auss old monitor 1080p. So I had the opportunity to test ubuntu upgrated at 22.04 (all updated) with another monitor, more recent, an Benq 1080p and… surprise! It works!
This test after three different PD tests… very strange problem.
After that I tried to configure panfrost ppa and firmware to use mali drivers: the boot is ok, the screeen to, but a blank screen appear with a message like “something was wrong”.

el_sattchmo · March 26, 2023, 9:20pm

I am using a Dell E2009W @ 1680 x 1050 via HDMI to DVI-D cable. Exact same issues as OP, exact…

1 thing I can add is on android and openfyde OS it works perfectly. I have tried “all the things” but I am no linux prodigy.

Just wanted to say Godspeed and I am rooting for you to figure this out. Until then I am using a $15 ali-express special HDMI catpure card and I hate it. lol

linuxlion · March 27, 2023, 3:19am

Not sure if this will apply, but in testing various distros, I installed a valhalla graphics driver that resulted in a blank screen: libmali-valhall-g610-g6p0-x11

I removed this via a virtual console, killed the X proccess, and things were all good again.

To query if that’s installed, review:
apt list --installed | grep libmali-valhall-g610-g6p0-x11

If that doesn’t do it, see what was installed in the update and either reinstall or remove those packages:
grep " install " /var/log/dpkg.log

Here’s hoping!

Endian · March 27, 2023, 6:11am

I have been using clean installs, so no valhalla drivers in my case. It’s just that the signal that is sent to one of my screens isn’t lighting up the screen, although the HDMI EDID negotiatuion has succeeded.

Also, I tried doing apt update && apt upgrade from the kernel 6.2.0_rc1 build linked above, but that actually downgraded the kernel to 5.10.110 so then I was back at square one again

Endian · April 1, 2023, 2:18pm

I have now learned that I can build an Armbian build that works better than the ones that I can download with my HDMI screens.

I have an Armbian code tree on my Debian 11 x64 machine. I have checked out the main branch and updated to latest this week.

If I build an image using this command

./compile.sh BOARD=rock-5b BRANCH=legacy RELEASE=jammy COMPRESS_OUTPUTIMAGE=img KERNEL_CONFIGURE=no BUILD_MINIMAL=yes BUILD_DESKTOP

it lights up both my screens nicely (but only if I have my older screen connected to the HDMI-2 connector).

If I on the other hand download the latest similar trunk build from Jammy and legacy kernel

https://github.com/armbian/build/releases/download/23.02.0-trunk.0254/Armbian_23.02.0-trunk.0254_Rock-5b_jammy_legacy_5.10.110_minimal.img.xz#rock-5b

My older screen stays black even when connected to HDMI-2.

This seems strange to me…

Edit: I now see that the diff between the Armbian main branch and the trunk.254 label is quite large. It does include something that to me looks like they could have changed the 5.10.110 kernel to another build.

William_Richter · April 16, 2023, 12:55am

OK, progress. I cloned the armbian build framework and created a custom build in my Ubuntu workstation:
Armbian_23.05.0-trunk_Rock-5b_kinetic_legacy_5.10.110

From:

this version of the 5.10.110 kernel works as Endian indicated. I’ve installed the Ubuntu desktop, all good. The next step was to format a M.2 ssd, gparted works without issue. Drive shows without issue. I’ve also install a SATA addon card in the top M.2 slow. Connected to a 4 drive (Seagate Ironwolf) Esata SAN chassis and setup a RAID 1 partition on 2 drives. I have 2 more slots, will keep an eye out for 2 more drives. Using CMR droves, SMR write slow, saturate the buffer and hang. Maybe a way around, but not worth the effort.
Filesystem Size Used Avail Use% Mounted on
tmpfs 1.7G 16M 1.7G 1% /run
/dev/mmcblk0p2 61G 8.1G 53G 14% /
tmpfs 8.3G 0 8.3G 0% /dev/shm
tmpfs 5.3M 4.1k 5.3M 1% /run/lock
tmpfs 8.3G 21k 8.3G 1% /tmp
/dev/mmcblk0p1 235M 101M 124M 45% /boot
/dev/zram1 50M 9.6M 36M 21% /var/log
tmpfs 1.7G 58k 1.7G 1% /run/user/1000
/dev/md127p1 4.0T 29k 3.8T 1% /media/rock/backup

William_Richter · April 16, 2023, 12:59am

Need to set up /etc/fstab for the SAN. finally making progress.

Endian · April 16, 2023, 11:08am

I just noticed that my Armbian build works nicely (with the problematic screen at HDMI-2) at first boot, but after apt update / apt upgrade and a reboot, the problematic screen is black again… Weird…

William_Richter · April 16, 2023, 7:22pm

OK, looking back at the thread, your Xorg log shows:
HDMI-1: 1920x1080, ie 1080p
HDMI-2: 2560-1440, ie 2k
HDMI-1 is OK, HDMI-2 is blank?

Are you using the 2k patch per Mar 12 post? If so, are both screens blank?
I have 2k monitors on my workstation but haven’t attempted to connect to the Rock 5.

I just noticed the Kinetic build I installed is different, no direct connection to Panfrost PPM. No Xorg log, is Syslog and armbian-hardware-monitor.log. Not too familiar with Armbian but this works.

Endian · April 18, 2023, 4:09pm

I am not using any patch.

My older screen is the one thats problematic and it’s 1920x1080, but if I boot with it as secondary screen it is black regardless of the selected resolution.