Hercules Dualpix HD Web Camera (Solved - For all Intents and Purposes)

[GoodFoodHunting]

Now I haven't received my Vector Linux Package to install just yet.  But... One of the web cameras that I have been trying to get work with various other Linux distros is my Hercules Webcam.  Specifically, a Hercules Dualpix HD Web Camera. 

Sorry to report though, I have not achieved any measurable success as of yet.  But in talking with the folks at Hercules I was informed that they believe that their webcams COULD be made compatible and they sent me some links to go visit. 

Now, not being a programmer of any sorts I was unable to take great advantage of their advice.  So I post the information they gave me so that someone who does have these skills can possibly put that information to use. 

I think the pursuit of an answer to this quandary worthwhile since I've run into enough Linux users that also have a Hercules web camera.  I will still attempt to find an answer on my own but if there is anyone out there who has a Hercules web camera and is using Vector Linux AND still wants to use it then, hey, I hope this helps.

"We are sorry for the problem you are having with the Hercules Dualpix HD webcam.

Dualpix Exchange is UVC compliant, so it is supported under Linux by standard uvcvideo driver (http://linux-uvc.berlios.de/)

Thank you for your time and cooperation.



We hope that the information we have provided is useful and has helped to resolve your query. Have a good day and please remember that Hercules Technical Support is at your disposal for any other information you may need. You can reach us via the Web at the following addresses:

http://ts.hercules.com/eng for the latest updates and FAQs

or by telephone at one of the numbers listed on the following page:

http://ts.hercules.com/eng/index.php?pg=contact

King regards,

Your Hercules Technical Support Agent, Costin "

[wcs]

If it is supported by the uvcvideo driver, it should work out of the box with VL6.

To make sure that the driver is loaded, type:

Code:

lsmod | grep uvcvideo

But you shouldn't have to do anything, just plug it in and off you go.

That should be the case in any distribution with the 2.6.26 kernel or newer.
Maybe the distros you tried before had older kernels?

[wcs]

I've realised now that what they're telling you is the the Dualpix Exchange is supported, but maybe not the HD one...
That makes sense. In the list of supported devices of the uvcvideo driver, there are 3 hercules cameras there, but none is called HD:
http://linux-uvc.berlios.de/#devices

Then again, what's really important is the device ID, and not the model. You can see this by typing "lsusb" as root with the camera plugged in, and then check if it is listed on that webpage.
Assuming you tried the webcam with some recent distros (i.e., with kernel >= 2.6.26), then it might be that it doesn't work with linux at all...

Your best chance then is to google the device id, to see if there's any other driver for it... failing that, only getting another webcam that has linux drivers.

But let's wait for your VL installation, then 

[GoodFoodHunting]

I've realized now that what they're telling you is the the Dualpix Exchange is supported, but maybe not the HD one...

Thanks for the heads up.  You're right, that makes sense.