# Steam Frame port: progress

**Status (2026-10-07): iteration 1 implemented. Next: test checklist T1–T11 on the Frame
(at the end of this file), then assessment. Getting started: [README.md](README.md).**

## Iteration 1

### Step 1: build fixes, bytecode-only QML (2026-10-07)

**Changes:**
- **`CMakeLists.txt`:**
  - `Core5Compat` removed (unused, not on the Frame).
  - `GuiPrivate` requested explicitly. This is temporary, until step 3 replaces QRhi.
  - `QT_QMLCACHEGEN_ARGUMENTS --only-bytecode`.
  - OpenVR library directory per architecture (`linux64` / `linuxarm64` / `win64`), for
    linking and for the copy next to the binary.
  - `RPATH $ORIGIN`.
  - `libXtst` linked.
- **`overlaycontroller.cpp`:** `d3d11.h` and `case QRhi::D3D11` only under `_WIN32`.
- **Logging:** 8 active easylogging `LOG(INFO)` calls became `qInfo()`
  (`overlaycontroller.cpp` 6, `ChaperoneTabController.cpp` 1,
  `MoveCenterTabController.cpp` 1). Commented-out `LOG` lines are left unchanged.
- Only changed lines are formatted (`git clang-format`).

**Results (x86_64, Arch, Qt 6.11.1, GCC):**
- The build succeeds, with 1463 compiler warnings, as in `qt6`.
- `objdump -T`: 7 `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` symbols, all `QRhi…` (step 3). The
  `QQmlPrivate::AOTCompiledContext` symbols are gone (bytecode-only QML).
- `libopenvr_api.so` is resolved from the binary's directory (`ldd`).
- Not started: without a running SteamVR the start hangs in OpenVR init (expected; tested
  on the Frame in step 5).

### Step 2: platform option, R7, tick (2026-10-07)

**Changes:**
- **Platform option:**
  - CMake option `OVRAS_STEAM_FRAME` (default OFF) sets the compile definition
    `OVRAS_STEAM_FRAME=1`.
  - New `src/utils/platform_capabilities.h` evaluates it as the only place. It holds
    `k_chaperoneCommitSupported`, `k_defaultVsyncDisabled` and `k_defaultCustomTickRateMs`.
- **Tick (R6):**
  - In "vsync disabled" mode, `m_pumpEventsTimer` runs directly at `customTickRateMs`
    (`applyTickInterval()`, `Qt::PreciseTimer`); the 1 ms counting is gone.
  - Changing the setting restarts the timer.
  - Setting defaults in `settings_controller.h` come from the constants: Frame `true`/11 ms,
    otherwise unchanged `false`/20 ms.
- **R7:** with `!k_chaperoneCommitSupported`:
  - `updateChaperoneResetData()` and `applyChaperoneResetData()` skip
    `CommitWorkingCopy`/`RevertWorkingCopy`. Each logs once per function.
  - The init autosave profile is skipped.

**Results:**
- Both variants (default and `-DOVRAS_STEAM_FRAME=ON`) build on x86_64. The definition is
  only set in the Frame variant (`compile_commands.json`).
- Not tested at runtime yet (Frame, step 5).

**Notes:**
- Another commit at start-up remains, but only on opt-in. `SetWidget()` applies a chaperone
  profile and commits when "auto-apply chaperone" (`autoApplyChaperoneToggle`, default
  `false`) is on. That's a chaperone-profile feature, so it belongs to R5 (iteration 2).
- clang-format reflows comment blocks next to new comments. Separate new comments from
  existing commented-out code with a blank line, otherwise the diff grows.

### Step 3: rendering through public API, `--graphics-api`, mouse y, shutdown order (2026-10-07)

**Changes:**
- **`src/render/`** (new): `RenderBackend`, `OpenGLRenderBackend`, `VulkanRenderBackend` from
  the template (`4a5b090`).
  - Changes to the template code: `VRDASH_*` → `OVRAS_*` names, origin note in the file
    header, references to `OverlayController`.
  - Formatted completely in OVRAS style.
  - One comment in `VulkanRenderBackend.h` was wrapped by hand, because the automatic
    wrapping had broken its column layout.
- **`OverlayController`:**
  - QRhi block replaced by `configureWindow` → `renderControl.initialize` →
    `attachWindow` → `createRenderTarget`.
  - `renderOverlay()` wraps the frame in `beginFrame`/`finishFrame`. It submits
    `vrTextureBounds` + `vrTexture` while the context is current.
  - `SetOverlayFromQRhiTexture`, the QRhi members and `QVulkanInstance` are removed.
  - Render delay 5 → 16 ms (about 60 fps).
- **Shutdown:** `Shutdown()` runs only once. It calls `VR_Shutdown()`, then frees the
  backend's render target (`releaseRenderTarget`, `detachWindow`).
- **Mouse y:** always flipped; the Linux un-flip and its TODO are removed.
- **`openvr_init::renderInterop()`:** Vulkan extensions and HMD GPU from SteamVR.
- **`main.cpp`:** parses `--graphics-api`, then `createRenderBackend` → `initialize` →
  `QQuickWindow::setGraphicsApi` → `OverlayController`.
- **`setup.*`:** `--graphics-api opengl|vulkan` (default `opengl`). Unknown or not built in
  → error, exit code `GENERAL_FAILURE`.
- **CMake:**
  - `GuiPrivate` is gone.
  - The Vulkan backend is built when `QT_FEATURE_vulkan` is set (`OVRAS_HAS_VULKAN`).

**Results (x86_64, Qt 6.11.1):**
- The build succeeds. The Vulkan backend is built in.
- `objdump -T`: only `QVulkanDeviceFunctions::*` / `QVulkanFunctions::*` remain as
  `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API`. Acceptance criterion R1 (symbols) is met.
- Warnings 1463 → 1630. The new code itself has none; the additional ones come from
  `openvr.h` in the three new translation units.
- **Not tested yet:**
  - running both backends, Vulkan validation, the snapshot test (step 5, with the
    containers)
  - mouse direction (Frame)

**Risk:**
- `MyTextField` opens the SteamVR keyboard on `activeFocus`. The template had to send the
  offscreen window an explicit `FocusIn`, otherwise `activeFocusItem` stayed null. The `qt6`
  branch doesn't send it. If text fields don't respond on the Frame, that is the cause (R4).

### Step 4: manifest and installation (2026-10-07)

**Changes:**
- **`manifest.vrmanifest`:** `binary_path_linux` and `binary_path_linux_arm` →
  `AdvancedSettings_app`.
- **`manifest::handleManifests`:**
  - `VR_Init(Utility)`; on `VRInitError_Init_NotAvailableToUtilityApps`,
    `VR_Init(Background)`.
  - Other errors: message and exit code `OPENVR_INIT_ERROR`, instead of
    `initializeOpenVR`'s retry loop.
- **`main.cpp`:** `--graphics-api` is checked before connecting to OpenVR. A wrong value
  used to fail only after `initializeOpenVR`'s retry loop.

**Results (x86_64, without SteamVR):**
- `--force-install-manifest` exits right away with `OPENVR_INIT_ERROR` (−2).
- `--graphics-api foo` exits right away with `GENERAL_FAILURE` (−1).
- The build tree contains the binary, `libopenvr_api.so`, both manifests,
  `default_action_manifests/` and `res/`.
- Not tested yet: `Background` on the Frame (step 5).

### Step 5: Frame build, package, tests (2026-10-07)

**Changes:**
- **`build_scripts/steamframe/`** (new, see DESIGN.md section 9): containers, toolchain, build,
  test, package and deploy scripts.
- **`test/render/`** (new): render test for both backends (`OVRAS_BUILD_TESTS=ON`).
- **`CMakeLists.txt`:**
  - option `OVRAS_BUILD_TESTS`
  - RPATH only `$ORIGIN` (`BUILD_WITH_INSTALL_RPATH`). Before, the cross binary also had the
    host's absolute link directory in its RUNPATH.
- **`.gitignore`:** `dist/`.

**Results:**
- **Render tests:**
  - locally (Arch, Qt 6.11, Intel Iris Xe): OpenGL and Vulkan, 4/4 passed each
  - in the container (Debian trixie, Qt 6.8, same GPU via `/dev/dri`): 2/2 passed,
    **no Vulkan validation messages**
  - Proof that the layer was active: `VK_LOADER_DEBUG=layer` shows
    "Inserted device layer VK_LAYER_KHRONOS_validation".
- **Cross build (aarch64, Qt 6.8 Debian):** succeeds once the container has `libxt-dev`
  (`input_sender_X11.cpp` includes `X11/Intrinsic.h`).
  - `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` without `QVulkan*`: 0 → **R1 symbols met**.
  - Qt version tag: `Qt_6.8` (fits the Frame's 6.8.0).
  - GLIBC ≤ 2.38 (the Frame has 2.39); GLIBCXX ≤ 3.4.32 (not checked against the Frame).
  - NEEDED: Qt6 Core/Gui/Qml/Quick/Widgets/Network/DBus/Multimedia/WebSockets, libX11,
    libXtst, libpulse, libopenvr_api, libstdc++/libc.
- **Package** `dist/AdvancedSettings-5.7.4-linux-arm64.tar.gz`: 3.0 MB (9.1 MB unpacked); since the version fix below `…-5.8.17-…`.
  The version 5.7.4 comes from `qt6`'s `project()` (master is at 5.8.17).

**Open (needs the Frame):**
- Are the QML modules OVRAS imports present in the Frame's system Qt? QtQuick.Controls
  (Material), Layouts, Dialogs, Multimedia.
- Do libXt/libXtst exist on SteamOS? Is libstdc++ new enough?

### Version from `compile_version_string.txt` (2026-10-07)

- **Problem:** `qt6`'s `CMakeLists.txt` had the version hard-coded as 5.7.4. The qmake build
  read it from `build_scripts/compile_version_string.txt` (`5.8.17-release`). `master` is
  fully merged into `qt6`, so only the number was stale. Consequence: the version check
  (comparison with `ver/versioncheck.json`, 5.8.17) would have reported an update.
- **Fix:** CMake reads the file.
  - `APPLICATION_VERSION` = full string, as in qmake.
  - `project(VERSION)` = numeric part.
- **Result:** `APPLICATION_VERSION="5.8.17-release"`, `CMAKE_PROJECT_VERSION=5.8.17`, package
  `dist/AdvancedSettings-5.8.17-linux-arm64.tar.gz` (3.0 MB).

### Fix: manifest commands without a display (2026-10-07)

- **Problem (first deploy to the Frame):** `install.sh` aborted with a core dump in
  `./AdvancedSettings_app --force-install-manifest`. Log: "could not connect to display",
  then "no Qt platform plugin could be initialized" (fatal).
- **Cause:** `main.cpp` creates the `QApplication` before it handles the manifest options.
  Qt's default platform plugin (`xcb`) aborts without a display, and over SSH there is
  none. `install.sh` set `DISPLAY=:0` only for the start, not for registering.
  `uninstall.sh` (`--force-remove-manifest`) had the same problem.
- **Fix (`package-release.sh`, generated scripts only):** both manifest calls run with
  `QT_QPA_PLATFORM=offscreen`. Registering draws nothing, so it needs no display at all.
  The normal start keeps `DISPLAY=:0` (`xcb`), because rendering needs a real OpenGL/Vulkan
  context. No change to the program.
- **Result:** package rebuilt (`--no-build`), generated scripts checked with `sh -n`.
- **Not tested yet:** the fix itself on the Frame (T1, T11). No local x86 build was at hand
  for a test without a display.

### Fix: OpenVR library for aarch64 (2026-10-07)

- **Problem (second deploy):** with the display fix, `--force-install-manifest` got as far
  as `VR_Init` and failed there: "Installation path could not be located (110)", and on
  stderr "Unable to read VR Path Registry from /data/work/openvrpaths.vrpath".
  `~/.config/openvr/openvrpaths.vrpath` on the Frame is correct (runtime `/opt/steamvr`).
- **Cause:** the package shipped `third-party/openvr/lib/linuxarm64/libopenvr_api.so`. It is
  byte-identical to the OpenVR SDK 2.15.6's `lib/linuxarm64` and looks for the path registry
  in the fixed path `/data/work/openvrpaths.vrpath`. The SDK's `bin/linuxarm64` library
  (used by the template, verified on the Frame) and SteamVR's own one in
  `/opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64` don't contain that path. OVRAS's `third-party/openvr` had no
  `bin/linuxarm64`.
- **Fix:**
  - New file `third-party/openvr/bin/linuxarm64/libopenvr_api.so` from the SDK v2.15.6
    (`raw.githubusercontent.com/ValveSoftware/openvr/v2.15.6/bin/linuxarm64/…`, SHA-256
    `cc3671d2…47e9`).
  - `CMakeLists.txt`: `OPENVR_LIB_DIR` = `bin/linuxarm64` for aarch64 only. x86_64 and
    Windows are unchanged.
  - Rejected: setting `VR_PATHREG_OVERRIDE` in the scripts. It wouldn't help when SteamVR
    autostarts OVRAS.
- **Result:** cross build and package succeed. The package contains the new library (no
  `/data/work`), `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` without `QVulkan*`: 0, RUNPATH `$ORIGIN`. Package
  1.6 MB (was 3.0 MB, the old library was 5.4 MB).
- **Not tested yet:** on the Frame (T1).

### Finding: app key already registered by Steam (2026-10-07)

- **Third try of T1** (by hand on the Frame, with the two fixes above): `VR_Init` works, as
  `Utility` (vrserver.txt: "New Connect message … (VRApplication_Utility)"; SteamVR did
  **not** refuse Utility this time, unlike with the template). Then: "Manifest Previously
  Installed", "Could not find working directory of already installed application:
  VRApplicationError_PropertyNotSet".
- **Cause:** Steam's generated `steamapps.vrmanifest` lists every owned VR app, including
  OVRAS (`steam.overlay.1009850`, launch via `steam://` URL), although the Steam version is
  uninstalled. Not a leftover of the uninstallation; it can't be removed permanently.
- **Next:** design DESIGN.md section 2a (approved 2026-10-07).
- **Implementation (`setup.cpp`, `setup.h`):** as designed: key without working directory →
  nothing removed, `AddApplicationManifest` directly (error name on refusal);
  `logApplicationEntry()` after "Manifest reinstalled." logs source, launch type, working
  directory, binary, URL and auto-launch for the key.
- **Result:** cross build and package succeed, `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` without `QVulkan*`: 0.
- **Not tested yet:** on the Frame. The log decides: `AppKeyAlreadyExists` or Steam's entry
  (`steam://` URL) → own app key needed (option 2); our working directory and binary →
  enough.

**Result on the Frame (2026-10-07, deploy with `ec82b5f`):** SteamVR accepts our manifest
(no error) but keeps using Steam's entry for the key:
`source: "steam" launch type: "url" working dir: PropertyNotSet binary: PropertyNotSet
URL: "steam://launch/1009850/openvroverlay" auto-launch: true`.
- **Consequence:** the native build needs its own app key (option 2, DESIGN.md 2a,
  follow-up). Design pending.
- **Side effect:** `--force-install-manifest` switched auto-launch on for Steam's key. At the
  next SteamVR start, SteamVR may launch `steam://launch/1009850` (the uninstalled Steam
  version). To be switched off again.
- OVRAS itself was started by `install.sh` and keeps running (not yet checked in the
  dashboard, T2).

### Fix: debug output only with debugSymbolsAndLogs (2026-10-07)

- **Problem:** the log filled with `[D] updateAllPulseData done.` about every 11 ms (8399
  lines in 6 s). `AudioTabController::eventLoopTick()` reads the microphone's mute state on
  every tick, and every read calls `updateAllPulseData()`
  (`AudioManagerPulse_internal.h:312`).
- **Cause (regression in `qt6`):** on `master` the message was easylogging's `LOG(DEBUG)`,
  and the Debug level was disabled unless built with `debugSymbolsAndLogs`
  (`ENABLE_DEBUG_LOGGING`). `qt6` switched to `qDebug()` and lost that; the constant
  `debugLoggingEnabled` in `setup.cpp` was left unused, so all 46 `qDebug()` calls were
  always active.
- **Fix (`setup.cpp`, `setUpLogging()`):** without `ENABLE_DEBUG_LOGGING`,
  `QLoggingCategory::setFilterRules("*.debug=false")`. `QT_LOGGING_RULES="*.debug=true"`
  takes precedence and turns debug output on again without a rebuild.
- **Result:** cross build and package succeed, `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` without `QVulkan*`: 0.
- **Not tested yet:** on the Frame (log without `[D]` lines; with `QT_LOGGING_RULES` with
  them).
- **Open for R6/T10:** each tick makes three synchronous PulseAudio queries (server info,
  all sinks, all sources) for the mute state. Not changed now.

### Layout cut off on the Frame; diagnosis tools (2026-10-08)

- **Observed (headset photo):** the dashboard tab appears, navigation and laser work. The
  fixed 1200×800 layout overflows: about the bottom quarter is cut off (left: Statistics,
  Bindings, Settings; right: Microphone half, Push-to-Talk). Navigation icons overlap their
  text. The right edge is complete.
- **Ruled out by experiment on the Frame:** `QT_FONT_DPI=96` (verified in the process
  environment): no change. `QT_QUICK_CONTROLS_STYLE=Basic` (Qt 5's "Default" style; `qt6`
  sets no style, so Qt 6 uses Fusion on Linux; only `mainwidget.qml` imports Material): no
  visible change. `QT_QUICK_CONTROLS_MATERIAL_VARIANT=Dense`: slightly better, still cut
  off.
- **Facts:** Frame X screen 1920×1080, `Xft.dpi: 144`; default font Noto Sans
  (`fc-match sans-serif`). Template renders 1600×1000.
- **Also seen:** after removing the Steam license, Steam's `steamapps.vrmanifest` still
  lists `steam.overlay.1009850` (not yet regenerated); the debug-output fix works (0 `[D]`
  lines).
- **Diagnosis tools (DESIGN.md section 10):** font/screen metrics in the log, option
  `--snapshot <file>`, `run.sh` passes further options.
- **Result:** cross build and package succeed, `Qt_6_PRIVATE_API` without `QVulkan*`: 0,
  generated `run.sh` checked with `sh -n`. No new warnings in the changed lines.
- **Not tested yet:** on the Frame (log line "Font: …", PNG written).

### Test checklist on the Frame (step 5)

Deploy: `build_scripts/steamframe/deploy-to-frame.sh <user>@<frame>` (SteamVR running).

| # | Check | Criterion | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | `install.sh`: registration works (log: "Manifest reinstalled", via Background) | R2 | first try failed: abort without a display (fixed, see above); retest open |
| T2 | Tab appears in the dashboard, UI correct (OpenGL) | R2, R3 | open |
| T3 | `./run.sh vulkan`: UI correct | R3 | open |
| T4 | Laser right way up, click, scrolling on several pages (both APIs) | R4 | open |
| T5 | Text field (e.g. new profile name): SteamVR keyboard opens, input arrives | R4 | open |
| T6 | An OVRAS action arrives (e.g. push-to-talk, log/notification) | R4 | open |
| T7 | Play area before/after start unchanged; log: "CommitWorkingCopy skipped" | R7 | open |
| T8 | Quit app (OVRAS "Exit" and Quit in the SteamVR dashboard): no crash (both APIs) | R2 | open |
| T9 | Auto-start after a SteamVR restart / reboot | R2 | open |
| T10 | `pidstat -p $(pgrep -f AdvancedSettings_app) 10 6`: dashboard closed / OVRAS visible / other tab visible | R6 | open |
| T11 | `uninstall.sh` unregisters it | R2 | open |

### Wrap-up (2026-10-07)

- **Remotes:** `origin` = `git@git.matzman.net:SteamFrame/OpenVR-AdvancedSettings-frame.git`
  (branches `steamframe`, `qt6`, `master`); `upstream` = GitHub OVRAS.
- **Handover documentation:** `docs/steamframe/README.md` (entry point), `CLAUDE.md`
  (working rules, conventions), `docs/steamframe/OVRAS-FEATURES.md` (feature analysis).
- **Still open in iteration 1:** phase 4 (tests on the Frame, T1–T11) and phase 5
  (assessment).