Can't Use / Detect / mount USB MP3 player

[omisaza]

Hello, I want use a MP3 player, gigabeat (nana) p5s 512 MB from TOSHIBA , basically I want to dump files on it (folder), same way as it works under winblows, i've search around for days, try several solutions but nothing yet, I've tested on Ubuntu 8.04, 8.10 , PConLinux 07 with the same results, running lsusb shows the device but fdisk doesn't get it, now I'm pretty sure is a bug, anyway here is what I have, just in case! thank You

device: gigabeat (nana) p5s 512 MB , TOSHIBA

DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu 8.04.2"
kernel: uname -r 2.6.24-19-generic

DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu 8.10"
kernel: uname -r 2.6.27-11-generic

lsusb

Bus 005 Device 004: ID 0930:000f Toshiba Corp.
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 056e:0029 Elecom Co., Ltd
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 0000:0000


sudo fdisk -lu

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 * 63 71633834 35816886 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda2 71633835 155348549 41857357+ 83 Linux
/dev/sda3 155348550 156296384 473917+ 5 Extended
/dev/sda5 155348613 156296384 473886 82 Linux swap / Solaris


dmesg | grep -i USB

[16795.541524] usb 5-3: new high speed USB device using ehci_hcd and address 4
[16795.674789] usb 5-3: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice
[17042.356872] usb 5-3: USB disconnect, address 4

[graphicks]

Someone with more Linux experience will, hopefully chime in here and give you more help than I can. However, look in the menu under 'Authorizations'. That is under 'Administration' on the main menu. Make sure you have your user account set as being able to mount the type device you have there.
I had a similar problem using BitPim with my cell phone connected to USB cable. BitPim would show the connection, but not list it as available (similar to your problem). I could only get it to work by using "sudo bitpim" at the terminal command line, then entering my password. I added a "terminal command" to the menu doing this for me, and have used it that way every since. I would rather have found a way to do this wiihtout 'sudo', but I am fairly new to this.
Hope that helps. That is all I have. Someone else's turn to jump in.
Good Luck.

[D-cat]

The Gigabeat series of players do not install as usb drives, rather uses proprietary transfer protocols and encrypted wma codec (*.wma.sat). In order to interface Linux with Gigabeat, you have to use a program with a supporting backport (like a driver) which can access it, something like amarok might work for you (yes, it's a KDE program, but I don't know of an equivlent gNome one that supports media players).

That is only half the battle though. Playing files off the player will require your windows install to convert the files, while getting the player to play files created in Linux may require a firmware "upgrade." You might want to take a look at rockbox (note, this will void warranty).

For a product trying to cut into the ipod market, this is really a stupid design, but for those who already own it, you gotta make do with what you have. A google search for "gigabeat p5 linux -review" nets 50 results, none are particularly helpful, since most are still reviews by another name (like comparisons) or index pages with driver links to dozens of players (only windows for Gigabeat). You may be more or less on your own, but I guess it's worth the attempt to install amarok (and maybe rockbox) and see what you can do.

I feel for you... good luck man.