linux_openvfd-build

Builds the kernel module and OpenVFDService from https://github.com/arthur-liberman/linux_openvfd/ for the kernel and kernel headers in the latest release (whichever that is) from https://github.com/devmfc/debian-on-amlogic/releases/.

Overview

This repository provides automated building of the OpenVFD kernel module and service for Amlogic devices running the debian-on-amlogic kernel. The OpenVFD driver supports various LED display controllers (FD628, FD650, HD44780, etc.) commonly found on Android TV boxes.

Current Build Target

• Kernel Version: 6.18.5-meson64
• Architecture: ARM64 (aarch64)
• Kernel Headers: linux-headers-6.18.5-meson64_20260113_arm64.deb

Quick Installation (Recommended)

The easiest way to install OpenVFD is to download a pre-built release:

1. Download the latest release from the Releases page
2. Extract the zip file on your device
3. Run the installation script:

   cd openvfd-release
   sudo ./install.sh

The installation script will automatically:

• Install the kernel module
• Install the OpenVFDService binary
• Download and configure TX92 VFD settings (you can modify this for your device)
• Set up and enable a systemd service

Post-Installation

After installation, you can manage the service with:

# Check service status
systemctl status openvfd.service

# View live logs
journalctl -u openvfd.service -f

# Restart the service
systemctl restart openvfd.service

# Edit configuration
nano /storage/.config/vfd.conf
# or
nano /etc/openvfd/vfd.conf

Building Locally

Prerequisites

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y gcc-aarch64-linux-gnu make wget curl zip

Build Instructions

# Build the kernel module and OpenVFDService
chmod +x build.sh
./build.sh

# Create a release package
chmod +x package.sh
./package.sh

The built files will be in:

• output/openvfd.ko - Kernel module
• output/OpenVFDService - Service binary
• openvfd-*.zip - Complete release package

GitHub Actions

The repository includes a GitHub Actions workflow that automatically builds the kernel module and service on every push. Release packages are uploaded as artifacts.

To create a new release:

1. Create and push a tag:

   git tag v1.0.0
   git push origin v1.0.0

2. The workflow will automatically create a GitHub Release with the packaged zip file

Configuration

The default installation uses the TX92 configuration. If you have a different device, you'll need to find the appropriate configuration from:

• https://github.com/arthur-liberman/vfd-configurations

After installation, edit the configuration file and restart the service:

nano /storage/.config/vfd.conf  # or /etc/openvfd/vfd.conf
systemctl restart openvfd.service

Package Contents

Each release package includes:

• openvfd.ko - Linux kernel module for VFD/LED displays
• OpenVFDService - User-space service (statically linked for maximum compatibility)
• install.sh - Automated installation script
• README.txt - Package documentation
• VERSION.txt - Build information

Troubleshooting

If the display doesn't work after installation:

1. Check if the module is loaded:

   lsmod | grep openvfd

2. Check service status:

   systemctl status openvfd.service
   journalctl -u openvfd.service -n 50

3. Try loading the module manually:

   sudo modprobe openvfd

4. Verify your device configuration - you may need a different config file from: https://github.com/arthur-liberman/vfd-configurations

Additional Resources

For more information about OpenVFD, see:

• https://github.com/arthur-liberman/linux_openvfd/
• https://forum.armbian.com/topic/55312-install-openvfd-for-lcd-display-on-recent-612-kernels-tutorial/