Messages

1

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Anyone got a HOWTO on rooting the Gemini?

« on: June 25, 2018, 07:25:25 pm »

The gemini isn't locked in any way shape or form. Neither cellular nor bootloader. There is nothing to unlock.

See subject; as a non-Android dude I'm finding the existing advice on flashing new firmware somewhat opaque, especially as I'm more interested in unlocking the Gemini (so I can install ad blockers and backup utilities, rather than dual-booting), preferably without losing my already-installed apps and data.

Any suggestions?

2

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / The eSIM feature is exclusive to the x27 variant of the Gemini and it's a design/compatibility choice.

« on: June 23, 2018, 11:19:26 am »

Nobody wants to receive less than what they paid for, agreed. That said, remember this isn't a shop, it's an experiment with our money. We all go into it knowing full well we may receive *nothing* (and I have; I've been stiffed on 3 campaigns to date and another one is well past 1yr late).

Planet said from the beginning the spec was the target, and subject to change. NFC was included for early backers; nobody got NFC. The battery was supposed to be 8000mAh, it's half that. eSIM appears to have been similar for some folks.


If you can't handle backing a hardware project where specs might change along the way, don't back a hardware project. Wait for it to be completed, finalized, and placed for sale as a standard "here's the item, here's the price" sale.

3

Gemini PDA - Hardware / USB-C to HDMI adapter

« on: June 14, 2018, 11:59:14 am »

This has been discussed at length both here and way-back-when on the Indiegogo comments section for the device.

The Mediatek platform used for the Gemini does not have HDMI output, so a bridge chip has to be added to duplicate the screen to HDMI. This means it's a special, custom adapter. These sorts of generic usb-C to HDMI adapters cannot and will not work with the Gemini. The ONLY kind of adapter that *could* work (and proper drivers would be required) are the types of USB to Video cables that have an actual video chip in the cable. Unsure what the android and linux/ARM support are for those sorts of things.

I bought a cheap USB-C dongle (NOVOO USB C Hub 5 in 1 Aluminun HDMI 4K Adapter,2 USB 30 ports, 1 SD card reader, 1 micro SD card reader) thinking it would work with the Gemini PDA, everything works except the HDMI, does anyone know of any of these type of dongle that do work? I wrongly assumed that the Planet Computers dongle was just a re-badged generic device. :-(

4

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Puzzled about USB configuration

« on: June 12, 2018, 01:56:57 pm »

Interesting observations, indeed. I didn't try and charge it with the device off, but now that you said that I've tried:

USB C PD charger direct to Gemini: works
USB C PD charger to Gemini via Gemini hub: does nothing (does not work)
USB C PD charger to Gemini via 3rd party hub (used with MacBook): Charges, but doesn't provide any USB functionality at all
Gemini (A to C) charger via 3rd party hub: Also charges, but again no USB

Were you able to find some combination where the Gemini charged via the hub AND the hub actually worked? If so, what model hub was used? I only have my Gemini hub (I've found no working config, with Gemini on OR off) and 3rd party "beegood" hub, which only charges.

It's more complex and possibly more buggy than this.

Here's what experimentation has shown so far:

With the Gemini powered on:

• A regular USB-C charger is not detected
• A charger connected via the USB-C hub is not detected

However, if you power the Gemini off:

• Attaching a regular USB-C charger will start charging
• Attaching the hub and a charger will start charging
• Powering on the Gemini will boot and continue to charge
• Disconnecting the charger (or hub) and re-attaching will not resume charging
• When powered on, it only recognises USB-A chargers (using a USB-A -> USB-C cable) such as the charger that comes with the Gemini

Since it works if booted when attached, it feels like a firmware update would correct this behaviour and allow powered hubs and proper USB-C chargers. At the moment it requires a power off/on to use power alternatives which is a huge shame.

yes, but USB C PD is required to hub+charge and the gemini doesn't support USB PD. I have all but confirmed this with multiple USB C PD chargers (gemini won't charge at all from them) and the gemini hub plus a 3rd party hub each with a variety of PD and non-PD chargers.

The gemini will ONLY charge (no hub) via non-PD chargers. Thus, no PD support. Thus, no HUB+charge under any circumstance I can think of.

5

Gemini PDA - Linux / Bluetooth mouse?

« on: June 12, 2018, 01:39:01 pm »

Apologies if I missed this anywhere - but has anyone paired a Bluetooth mouse to their gemini under Linux? I can't seem to figure out where to do that...

6

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Accessories?

« on: May 06, 2018, 09:01:00 am »

Screen protector

Planet Computers Gemini PDA Glass Screen Protector [AirGlass] - Flexible Glass Protection Film https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CJH3HKH/ref=...a_RjX2AbC47JXPZ

Sadly this does not fit properly. By about 1/2mm too high. Width is fine.

I'm sorry to hear that, I believe that the vendor didn't have a Gemini to test it, so they made an (inaccurate) estimate of the screen size. I see that there's already a review on that item describing the problem (I guess it's yours, Pdajah), I'll put this info on the accessories thread too. The same vendor also sells a different type of protector for the Gemini, the upscreen one, which I fear might have the same size issue too.

Varti

Correct. Hopefully will stop Gemini owners from wasting money. Sadly that particular vendor of screen protectors is not very helpful from past experience.

It's also not glass, as I had expected (given the name - "airglass"). It's a piece of plastic. Oh well.

7

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Puzzled about USB configuration

« on: May 06, 2018, 08:06:58 am »

yes, but USB C PD is required to hub+charge and the gemini doesn't support USB PD. I have all but confirmed this with multiple USB C PD chargers (gemini won't charge at all from them) and the gemini hub plus a 3rd party hub each with a variety of PD and non-PD chargers.

The gemini will ONLY charge (no hub) via non-PD chargers. Thus, no PD support. Thus, no HUB+charge under any circumstance I can think of.

8

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Using usb-c to connect to monitor

« on: May 06, 2018, 08:04:00 am »

I'm told that while there's no quick charge through the hub, it will charge slowly via a normal USB charger through the hub. I haven't tested this (39xx), but am hoping it is so, because this would allow me to proceed.

Same here.

Not sure where that bit of (mis)information came from. Planet have said straight out that the Gemini won't charge through the hub. I have confirmed that with both the planet charger as well as 3rd party chargers. I've also tried the Gemini with a 3rd party hub that charges my LG v30 and used to charge my MacBook as well. I have confirmed again, with multiple chargers, that the gemini will not charge via a USB hub.

The reason appears to be lack of USB C PD support. None of my 3rd party USB C PD chargers will charge the gemini *at all*, which leads me to believe the Mediatek chipset doesn't support USB PD. PD is required to charge simultaneously with a hub.