Messages

1

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Flashing troubles

« on: April 12, 2020, 02:24:15 pm »

I am running Windows 10 64 bit 1909 and cannot get the VCOM driver to install successfully.  It sits there with a "code 10" error.  I will try a windows 8.1 laptop next...

2

Gemini PDA - Android / Stuck at PIN on booting

« on: September 27, 2019, 05:54:15 am »

I hadn't used my Gemini for a while, and decided to boot it up in order to swap SIMs with my phone (which died).  When I booted thee Gemini it asked for a PIN code, which I've never set.  No amount of firmware flashing (both full OS and NVRAM backup) or following guides will remove the PIN, so effectively the device is unusable now. Does anyone have any suggestions for what can be done, apart from RMA to Planet?

BTW, running the latest Oreo firmware (8.1?).

Thanks.

3

Gemini PDA - Android / FM radio tuner app?

« on: January 03, 2019, 11:59:46 am »

Has anyone tried out the radio and noticed that it is only mono?
Either the firmware has been set up that way or the antenna conneciton is too weak/does not have AGC to decode stereo.
It seems that hardly any phones have a working FM receiver these days so would be nice to have this as a backup option.

4

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Big announcement on 5th November

« on: October 30, 2018, 01:37:02 pm »

Non-mediatek motherbaord swappable for the current one? ;-)

5

Gemini PDA - Android / Firmware Update 2018-10-09

« on: October 18, 2018, 05:35:07 am »

It's less a rooted issue and more of a  scatter file--I went back to stock Android only and still can't use the OTA.

But that's interesting, that you can dump and overwrite with updated files from newer image. I wonder if you've updated your security as well.

Jake

If you look at the OTA.zip file, it consists of various .dat files (which are the block patches) and a few .img files.  Only the img files can be used as-is.  So no, it's only the device drivers that I have been able to update.
I don't know enough about altering scatter files to make it fit or why substituting the rooted boot image breaks an OTA-updated installation.

6

Gemini PDA - Android / Firmware Update 2018-10-09

« on: October 17, 2018, 01:33:36 pm »

I've spent some time dabbling with the OTA update.  It does appear to be impossible to have a rooted/TWRP-enabled version that is up to date, so the choice is between the June 2018 version with root or latest version without.  That much we know.   However it is possible to slip the .img files from the OTA into an existing rooted setup, so at least the DSP and other device drivers have been updated even if the OS is old.

7

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Best charging practice?

« on: June 26, 2018, 05:50:27 pm »

What's the best way to preserve the Gemini's battery lifetime?

I charge mine overnight; I have a charging cable on my bedside table, and plug it in when I go to bed.  Is it best to use the power adapter supplied with the Gemini, or a standard USB adapter?  The supplied adapter is a fast charger; will that stress the battery more?  (A standard USB adapter charges much more slowly — though fast enough for my usage, as it's always fully charged when I wake.)

The best way of charging would be not too fast, and stop at around 80% capacity.  When the battery rapid charges, it gets quite hot which isn't healthy, so I use a generic USB charger (1A) which will completely charge over night.  If it needs charging during the day I will give it a boost with the fast charger up to about 60%, then swap to a normal charger for the last part.

There is an app called Battery Charge Limit, however it doesn't appear able to stop charging on the Gemini.

8

Gemini PDA - Hardware / LED brightness

« on: June 25, 2018, 12:07:12 pm »

I've just had a quick play with LEDIson after updating to the 1206 ROM, and it looks like although the software supports 255 brightness levels, the LEDs don't dim accordingly.  A simple test is to create a sequence with one LED starting with full brightness, then duplicate the step, editing it to drop the brightness by 20 units.  Repeat a few more times then play the sequence.  The result is that the LED seems to flicker between steps but does not fade.

9

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Gemini PDA - Accessories - Pouches/Covers

« on: June 21, 2018, 08:47:45 am »

I use a PS Vita pouch which I picked up from eBay for £1.20 including delivery!  Fits very nicely and is suitable padded.

10

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Battery conditioning?

« on: May 31, 2018, 09:57:15 am »

I'm not at all clear as to the best way to get the Gemini to maximize its charge without damaging the battery. In days past there were issues with memory effect in batteries, though I believe these are largely behind us. Yet some L-ion products advise to run a few cycles of full charge, full discharge, while I've seen it said elsewhere that allowing a full discharge is had for the battery.

Does anyone know how best to deal with the Gemini to achieve best capacity/life from its battery?

There is an app called "Battery Charge Limit" which can be found here.  Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work on the Gemini as it probably requires customisation.  Haven't looked into that yet.  It will disable charging of the device at a certain percentage, defaulting to 80%.  This is because much of the wear happens near full capacity, but phone manufacturers try to squeeze as much energy into the battery as possible in order to maximise run time.

So there is a balance between runtine on a single charge and number of charge cycles that the battery can handle.

11

Gemini PDA - Android / FM radio tuner app?

« on: May 29, 2018, 07:42:08 am »

Wow! That is actually functional and works.  I had never even thought to look for a pre-installed application for this.

File that one under, "I need to RTFM".

OK, so this, "FM Radio" app that was included on our Gemini units.  It has no 'About'.  Who made it?  Who maintains it?  Why isn't it present in the Google Play store?  Is it open source so we can modify it?

Awesome - thank you!

Seems to come with lots of Android phones that have a radio built in  - my Redmi Note 3, which is Qualcom based has the same app.

12

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Planet's online store

« on: May 22, 2018, 05:25:21 am »

"We cannot issue refunds on simply unwanted goods due the perishable nature of goods on sale. "

It's not a banana!