How do I get a certain key's keycode

[turboedvo]

Hey there. I'm trying to set up hotkeys and it mostly works but I would like to get the keycode for when I press Fn+F8 so that I can configure the vga output on my Dell D610 laptop. Any suggestions for getting this keycode?

Thanks
Eamon

[BitJam]

Use the xev command in a X console window (xterm, aterm, konsole, etc). Put the cursor over the window that is created and type keys. The keycodes and other info will be displayed in the console window. Close the little window or use Ctrl-C in the console window to stop.

[simon_irl]

and if xev doesn't work (i.e. doesn't respond to the fn key) then you may have to google for a solution specific to your laptop (if there is one). i don't know about dell, but on sony vaio laptops like mine, there's nothing built into X that will recognise the fn key...you have to build and load a special kernel module and then work with /proc/acpi/sony/fnkey...a fair amount of hassle for one little key!

[turboedvo]

Thanks. I tried it and it works fine for everything but it does not work for when I press Fn, no matter what key follows it (it doesn't matter if it claims to have a function command or not).

However, when I press Fn+F2, the wireless does turn on and off. So, should I be doing something other than using hotkeys to set up the screen switiching?

Eamon

[simon_irl]

with regard to the fn+f2 wireless toggle working, it's possible this is a hardwired key combination (i.e. it does its thing via hardware without any need for software keyboard drivers)...the mute button on my laptop works like that, even though xev sees it as identical to several other buttons.

[turboedvo]

Yeah, what I've determined thus far is that the button combination does nothing in Linux and it leaves the vga port on all the time. Now I just want to configure it such that I can use the port either to be identical to my screen or to be an extension of it, but that's another story.

Thanks for the help.

Eamon