fbsplash with 2.6.10 + nitro2 + synaptics alps.patch

[johabba]

I used vanilla kernel sources for 2.6.10, then patched that with nitro2 from:

https://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic.php?t=272648

then applied the synaptics alps.patch for my touchpad. After 2 days I have a working kernel, with frambuffer enabled. I also use an initrd for modules. I read the howto on gentoo-wiki.com that says to use an initramfs ( != initrd ) for fbsplash, but i need to use the initrd for my modules. Some modules (like pwc and shfs) I would like to NOT put in the kernel since they are not as stable as I would like so I want to keep my initrd if possible.

I noticed that initramfs I created is VERY small compared to the working initrd I have, but I just kept following the howto and booted with the initramfs _instead_ of the initrd.

When I boot, I get a few lines of non-fb text, then it switches to fb mode. For about 1 second, it shows me the silent splash, then switches to back to verbose with the picture in the backgroud. After that the boot process stops.

It seems like it's all working, but I think it stops because I haven't loaded my initrd. I have tried using both the initramfs and initrd images at the same time, but if the initramfs is loaded first in grub it stops right after all the vesafb boot messages. If the initrd is loaded first it boots normally in fb mode with no splash (no verbose. no silent).

Since I can't append the initramfs to the initrd like back in the bootsplash days, can I add the initrd info to the initramfs I created for fbsplash? Or can I make an initramfs image that has the modules I need then append the initramfs I created for fbsplash to that? Am I supposed to be loading both the initramfs and the initrd? If so, why is it stopping?

It seems like a soooo close to getting this to work....
_________________
So Fresh. So Clean.
Gentoo Linux 2.6.16-custom-r1
AMD Althon XP 3000+
256MB GeForce 7800 GS
2048MB pc3200 Cosair XMS DDR ram
320 GB - 3 ide133 HDD
12x DVD-/+RW

[johabba]

I also tried compiling the initramfs into the kernel and using my old initrd as described in the howto on gentoo-wiki.com. Now i get no (not even the 1 second flash) splash image.
_________________
So Fresh. So Clean.
Gentoo Linux 2.6.16-custom-r1
AMD Althon XP 3000+
256MB GeForce 7800 GS
2048MB pc3200 Cosair XMS DDR ram
320 GB - 3 ide133 HDD
12x DVD-/+RW