Messages

1

Gemini PDA - Hardware / USB Hub

« on: December 20, 2018, 01:10:08 pm »

It IS possible to charge the Gemini through the hub (as discussed other places on this forum)

I've tried searching the forum and browsing but I can't find any information on how to do this.  Could you possibly provide a link?  Thanks.

2

Gemini PDA - Linux / Differences between TP1 and TP2

« on: June 26, 2018, 07:20:24 am »

The #gemini-pda irc channel I would assume to be mainly about Android.

In my experience, it's mostly about GNU/Linux.

3

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: June 15, 2018, 04:49:02 am »

I just got my Gemini PDA in the (UK) post yesterday without the accessories I ordered.  I sent a message to Planet through the Indiegogo website but I haven't heard back from them yet.

4

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mainline linux kernel

« on: May 25, 2018, 08:14:30 am »

I had a look at whether any of the patches here

https://github.com/freedomtan/patches-mainl...ard/tree/master

had been accepted in the kernel and indeed it looks like mainline now supports the X20 development board:

https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel...ep&q=mt6797
https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel.../mt6797-evb.dts

The X20 is MT6797, the X25 is MT6797T and the X27 is MT6797X.

So the bulk of the basic work is done.  According to wikichip.org, the X27 is "identical" to the X20.  I'm curious as to just how "identical" and whether a kernel built for the X20 will run on an X27.

The board name is apparently "aeon6797_6m_n", according to the Lineage kernel config.  The .dts file for the 3.18 Android kernel is here:

https://github.com/gemian/gemini-linux-kern...on6797_6m_n.dts

Unfortunately, nearly all of the entries are 'compatible = "mediatek,...";' meaning it's probably all mediatek hacks as drivers.

5

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mainline linux kernel

« on: May 24, 2018, 09:32:00 am »

For info on Debian 9 for Gemini

For kernel compilation

Hi Mark,

This thread is about mainling support for the Gemini.  That means sending patches upstream to the Linux developers so that Linus' releases contain support for the Gemini.  This can be a very involved and technical process and can take a long time.

Instructions on how to install Debian or compile the kernel aren't much help but thank you :-)

Cheers,

Bob

6

Gemini PDA - Hardware / UART

« on: May 24, 2018, 06:48:48 am »

here is a photo of UART test points from Planet
...
As for TWRP, it simply uses device-provided kernel sources, so it just worked, no special bring up needed (and it was already ported for other devices with similar SoC).

I see. I wonder if getting access to the mainboard will mean destroying the case?

I also wonder if Planet will be willing to send out some mainboards to developers, perhaps from returned stock that are only partly working or something?  Can I ask where the photo came from?  Does anyone here have contacts at Planet?

7

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mainline linux kernel

« on: May 24, 2018, 06:44:14 am »

Our dev board is essentially the gemini itself, there will be enough differences that it will likely not be much of a gain to use a working dev board as these boards allow you to start software work before you have the hardware. as the gemini is delivered already we have the hardware to test on.

Except to do kernel work (i.e. mainlining) you really need access to a UART console, which it looks like we won't have without soldering to test points.  That said, it looks like a lot of work has been done with the X20 on the 96 board so if the kernel is mainly brought up, you could work on drivers and such with kernel output going over a USB port or something, maybe even the MicroSD card port.

8

Gemini PDA - Hardware / UART

« on: May 23, 2018, 10:21:28 am »

Hi all,

Does anyone know if there is access to a UART for a serial console on the Gemini PDA?

TWRP was ported so presumably there must be access somehow? (Or did TWRP just merge in MTK kernel patches and it worked?)

Cheers,

rah