[Feature Request] Please include `usb_modeswitch`

[knightpp]

Some Wi-Fi USB adapters boot into "storage mode" but to switch it into Wi-Fi mode you need usb_modeswitch.

There's "System Tools" libreelec addon which includes this tool. To my understanding the only possible to add additional software is to compile Lakka myself, right?

Also, when running connmanctl on Lakka-AMLGX.aarch64-6.1-alta.img.gz it segfaults, but Lakka-AMLGX.aarch64-6.1-20260511-7962b3f-alta.img.gz is fine.

[ShigeakiAsai]

I have interest this Feature Request.

@knightpp
I have a request
Could you please tell your Wi-Fi USB adapter idVendor/idProduct ?
idVendor="0bda",idProduct="1a2b"?
You can see them via 'lsusb' command on ssh terminal I think.

There's "System Tools" libreelec addon which includes this tool. To my understanding the only possible to add additional software is to compile Lakka myself, right?

My understanding is ...
The 'usb_modeswitch' is binary program not scripts.
And Lakka does not include this.
So, compile is needed as your understanding.

P.S.
I added it as individual packages into Lakka-v6.1 RK3326 .
https://github.com/libretro/Lakka-LibreELEC/tree/Lakka-v6.1/projects/Rockchip/devices/RK3326/packages/usb-modeswitch-RK3326
Because some RK3326 handhelds have no wifi chip and no ethernet connector.
And I made this package from/based LibreELEC.
https://github.com/LibreELEC/LibreELEC.tv/tree/master/packages/addons/addon-depends/system-tools-depends/usb-modeswitch

[knightpp]

@ShigeakiAsai

Bus 001 Device 003: ID 0bda:1a2b Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL8188GU 802.11n WLAN Adapter (Driver CDROM Mode)

Running command below transitions the dongle into NIC mode

usb_modeswitch -KW -v 0bda -p 1a2b

The fix was found in this morrownr/8821cu-20210916#92 thread.

[ShigeakiAsai]

I made Lakka-v6.1 Amlogic local build image test version that includes usb_modeswitch.
https://github.com/ShigeakiAsai/Lakka-LibreELEC/releases/tag/test-lakkav61-usb-modetest-001

this version changes USB mode automatically when detects target USB wifi device insert.

@knightpp
if you have time, please try this image on your AMLGX alta device I hope.

[knightpp]

@ShigeakiAsai it works with caveats. If I boot with Wi-Fi dongle plugged-in, it won't trigger udev rule. But unplug then plug workarounds the issue.

P.S. This is OK, I'd be happy if your patch lands on main branch. It's much easier to disconnect and reconnect USB dongle than to have no Wi-Fi at all. Thanks.