Linux Firmware 8 Source Location

[novaldex]

I'm messing around with flashing my Gemini, I know that the partition tool for 8.1 isn't available, but I noticed something on the 7.1.1 version, where you can get a list of all firmwares for v7.

Looking at the URL I was able to tweak it, and get the list for those for v8. There's no WiFi version yet, but I see:

Debian - 2019-05-16
Gemini x25 & x27 base - 2019-05-09
Kali - 2019-05-09

You can find it here: http://support.planetcom.co.uk/download/Li...uxFirmware.html

Hope it helps someone out there!

[greguu]

Thanks novaldex.

The gemini_x25_x27_base.zip contains a multi boot little kernel and I can confirm dual boot working with Oreo and Debian.
You need to write your own scatter file or let the partition tool create an outdated scatter file and manually update the sections needed.
I would recommend to wait for planet to release an updated partition tool for those not familiar with scatter files & flashing.

[OPDA]

I messed around a little bit, flashed old and new multiboot, but I did not get it to work. I presume I did something wrong, had to format and then I also flashed with with the latest 8.1 multiboot, everything works fine flashwise, but when I press the ESC it does not start. I get the startup vibration but it does not start. Of course no logo and everytime I press and hold the ESC it just vibrates every 5 seconds, but no recovery comes up.

How could I start from scratch? I have my backup but anyway I want to start new. I also tried the Singleboot (flashed the 8.1 image with the single splatter file) but it did not start either. I was thinking about flashing only debian, but I have the startup problem at first. Since I can flash without problem, I am not thinking that I bricked the device already completely ;-)

Maybe someone of you has the knowledge what is maybe missing and what could be steps I could try? I will try everything - if there is a way out of this, I will report, and maybe others can read this as a "backup" if something goes wrong, and to know what steps are needed. I am not very happy about holding people off flashing with my story, since this is the main advantage of this device (keyboard of course, too .
Cheers, Andro

[mgfm99]

I messed around a little bit, flashed old and new multiboot, but I did not get it to work. I presume I did something wrong, had to format and then I also flashed with with the latest 8.1 multiboot, everything works fine flashwise, but when I press the ESC it does not start. I get the startup vibration but it does not start. Of course no logo and everytime I press and hold the ESC it just vibrates every 5 seconds, but no recovery comes up.

How could I start from scratch? I have my backup but anyway I want to start new. I also tried the Singleboot (flashed the 8.1 image with the single splatter file) but it did not start either. I was thinking about flashing only debian, but I have the startup problem at first. Since I can flash without problem, I am not thinking that I bricked the device already completely ;-)

Maybe someone of you has the knowledge what is maybe missing and what could be steps I could try? I will try everything - if there is a way out of this, I will report, and maybe others can read this as a "backup" if something goes wrong, and to know what steps are needed. I am not very happy about holding people off flashing with my story, since this is the main advantage of this device (keyboard of course, too .
Cheers, Andro

I have a multiboot with Sailfish X as the first slot, and then rooted Android. I tried to upgrade to 8.1 by just downloading all the Android images and not overwriting either Sailfish or userdata. I replaced my original scatter file with one generated with the same parameters for the new images. This flashed OK, and the Sailfish partition loaded, but the Android partition wouldn't boot - the planets just rotated. I then upgraded rather than downloaded, and allowed it overwrite all of the partitions. It worked this way, and I simply re-installed all of my data and files.

[OPDA]

I have a multiboot with Sailfish X as the first slot, and then rooted Android. I tried to upgrade to 8.1 by just downloading all the Android images and not overwriting either Sailfish or userdata. I replaced my original scatter file with one generated with the same parameters for the new images. This flashed OK, and the Sailfish partition loaded, but the Android partition wouldn't boot - the planets just rotated. I then upgraded rather than downloaded, and allowed it overwrite all of the partitions. It worked this way, and I simply re-installed all of my data and files.

Many thanks for your input - very much appreciated! But I see, that you are one step further - you see the rotating planets! This is what never comes up on my device, although I reflashed everything (I also used Firmware update instead of Download - and I also tried to flash older versions with my older scatter files). Not booting up means I have no possibility to reset, no TWRP, no linux boot or else. It just seems that my gemini is missing something for the start....
Andreas

[mgfm99]

I have a multiboot with Sailfish X as the first slot, and then rooted Android. I tried to upgrade to 8.1 by just downloading all the Android images and not overwriting either Sailfish or userdata. I replaced my original scatter file with one generated with the same parameters for the new images. This flashed OK, and the Sailfish partition loaded, but the Android partition wouldn't boot - the planets just rotated. I then upgraded rather than downloaded, and allowed it overwrite all of the partitions. It worked this way, and I simply re-installed all of my data and files.

Many thanks for your input - very much appreciated! But I see, that you are one step further - you see the rotating planets! This is what never comes up on my device, although I reflashed everything (I also used Firmware update instead of Download - and I also tried to flash older versions with my older scatter files). Not booting up means I have no possibility to reset, no TWRP, no linux boot or else. It just seems that my gemini is missing something for the start....
Andreas

In the current multi-boot setup (at least with Sailfish commercial edition) there is an initial small kernel which then boots you into the different boot options each with further boot images depending on how esc or side silver button are pressed. So perhaps it is that first boot image which you are having a problem with. Why not download the images again with a new scatter file and try again?

[OPDA]

Hi again,
so I am back to business! I did install the sailfish test edition, although I am not sure if this was the solution. At least the last two firmware upgrades flashes did their homework.
On a sidenote, I also have to admit a silly mistake: the second flash worked but the device had not enough energy (well, you do not see how much is in there if it is not powering). So just a hint for others having to flash a lot - you only see if the device is having enough power if you charge it (red light) - after a good while or if you see a green light, it is good. Silly to forget about that....
After all, I could flash the mixture I wanted - rooted android 8.1 and debian - the perfect combination.

I also can confirm that the description of planetcomputer for flashing is 100% explaining every single bit. Just follow EVERY line and you are good to go. And it is much easier to let their online tool do the splatter file ;-)

Last sidenote: After seeing what sailfish does now: This seems to be a very good alternative to android 8.1 for our gemini! - but of course only if they manage to be able to install android apps. I hope so.
All the best, andro