The two older repositories for this tool seemed mostly unmaintained, I will try to perform some changes here as soon as my first Alienware laptop arrived.

My alienware is not there yet. I am currently playing with the codebase without testing the code. You are on your own if anything goes wrong!!!

• add support for Alienware 17
• rewrite everything in a more object-oriented way (library + commandline-tool).
• use more C++ style syntax and less C. Note: The new version explicitly requires C++11. I also do promise to react to issues posted to the tracker. Also feel free to send me pull requests.

Usage:    alienfx [options]
   or     alienfx -h
Options:
  -c ZnnM[RGB[RGB]]..   Lightchip Command
  -d <num>  Set morph/flash delay time. (1=Fastest to 10=Slowest)
  -h        This helpful message
  -p <num>  Apply a preset. Use '0' to get a list. Implies ignorance of -c.
  -P <hex>  Specify the hex ProductID of lightchip
  -r        Reset chip; software reset of lightchip
  -R        Reboot chip; hardware reset of lightchip
  -s <num>  Save to PowerBlock (for load-on-boot, etc)
  -t <num>  Increase USB timing delay by increment (1 to 100)
  -u        Show USB debug if needed
  -v        Show verbose debug output
  -w        Check for lightchip ready (excess,slow)
  -X <num>  Raw command mode. Expects nine 0-255 values

Each Command is made up of Z (zone), M (mode) and RGB (colour) values. Zone is either 00=All or 01-27. Mode is either B=Blink, M=Morph or F=Fixed. RGB is three single-digits of hex. Specify two colours, even if 2nd unused. Zones are either 1 or 0. 1 is on, 0 is off. There are sixteen zones. PowerBlock is either 0=Default, 1=Bootup, 5=AC, 6=Charge, 7=BattLow or 8=Batt. Defaults: Power=ALL, Zones=ALL, Mode=FIXED, RGB=000(black) Permanently saving the settings into lightchip not available on some models. If called with no arguments the lights will silently turn off. For example commands see the preset list. See 'man alienfx' for more information.

Now, before you complain about it not turning your kit into a flashing disco pad, respect the fact many revisions of the AlienWare light chip have been made. Generally, the 'lsusb' command will reveal the product-ID of your chip.

Currently, the follow models are known and programmed for:

If your USB device is not listed, please output the result of the 'lsusb -v' (run it as root) and create an issue here. I will do my best to work with you to get the program working on your equipment.

I have built this on 64-bit hardware, though I include a 32-bit binary for completeness - and this is untested! 64-bit is known working. ** NOTE:** This AlienFX program is not endorsed by Alienware or Dell.