PINE64 - User contributions [en]

PineTab2 FAQ

2023-08-16T13:43:12Z

MMK21: /* Can I run Android on it? */ fix comma splice

This is a collection of tutorials and frequently asked questions for the [[PineTab2]].

== Tutorials ==

=== Putting the Device into Maskrom Mode ===

To recover from a bad eMMC/SPI flash, plug the included debug adapter into the charging USB-C port and switch the white switch to its "ON" position to bypass eMMC/SPI boot. This tries to boot from SD, and if no SD is inserted, enters Maskrom mode.

=== Networking using USB ===

Until the internal BES2600 WIFI has a stable driver, the community suggests that you connect using USB. This section summarizes the more detailed information in [[File:PineTab2_USB_Guide.pdf]], which covers connecting via [[#Performing USB Tethering with an Android Phone|a tethered Android phone]], [[#Selecting a USB WIFI Adapter|a suitable USB WIFI adapter]], a wired USB Ethernet adapter, and a tethered iOS device.

==== Selecting a USB WIFI Adapter ====

Insert a supported WIFI dongle in the upper USB port, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter as necessary. As a general rule, single state adapters are recommended. Even better, select one from this list: https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/The_Short_List.md

If you must use a multi-state adapter and it isn't recognized by the kernel, you can try ejecting the device. This ''should'' force it back into adapter mode. If this does not work, you can try installing [https://man.archlinux.org/man/usb_modeswitch.1.en usb_modeswitch] to troubleshoot. You will need to temporarily use another method to get internet (such as phone tethering below) or load the package on an SD card to install it.

==== Performing USB Tethering with an Android Phone ====

This guide simply describes HOW to undertake this option. The user is responsible for ensuring that their wireless plan permits such use, and for any fees incurred.

You can use an Android phone as a network adapter.

You'll need:

* An Android phone
* A USB OTG adapter (or the USB-C to USB-C cable)
* Some knowledge of your variation of Android

Do the following in order:

* Plug in the device to the PineTab2 using the USB cable and a USB OTG adapter
* On your android phone, open the settings app (specifics from here may vary on version)
** Navigate to "Network & Internet"
** Navigate to "Hotspot & Tethering"
** Tap on "USB Tethering"

You should now see a new network interface on the PineTab2.

==== Performing USB Tethering with an iPhone ====

Prerequisite:

On the iPhone make sure that Settings -> Personal Hotspot -> Allow others to join is turned on.

# Use an Lightning (Apple) to USB-C (Pinetab2) cable to connect the devices.
# In the Pinetab make sure to use the USB-C port next to the volume keys.
# Once the cable is connected open your iPhone.
# You will see a request to trust the new device. Trust it.
# Confirm by typing in your Apple Device PIN

This should be it. The Pinetab2 will show you the new device and the network connects to `Wired connection 1`

Make sure to open the iPhone once you reconnect.

==== Performing USB Tethering with a KaiOS phone ====

This guide simply describes HOW to undertake this option. The user is responsible for ensuring that their wireless plan permits such use, and for any fees incurred.

You can use a KaiOS phone for mobile Internet use with your PineTab2.

You'll need:

* A KaiOS phone
* A USB OTG adapter (hama #00200311 tested)
* Your device’s charging cable
* Some knowledge of your KaiOS phone

Do the following in order:

* Plug the device into the PineTab2 using the USB cable and a USB OTG adapter
* On your KaiOS phone, open settings (specifics from here may vary on version)
* Navigate to "Network & Connectivity"
* Navigate to "Internet Sharing"
* Select "USB" and select On under USB tethering (Note: This option will be greyed out unless connected to the PineTab2)

You should now see a new network interface on the PineTab2 and it should show a wired connection icon.

=== Screen Rotation ===
==== Auto-rotating the Screen ====
Auto-rotation is handled by your operating system. However, the following general steps should work on distributions that support iio-sensor-proxy:

* To enable auto-rotation, install the iio-sensor-proxy package: <code>sudo pacman -S iio-sensor-proxy</code> and reboot.
* Some desktop environments, such as KDE, default to only allowing screen rotation while in tablet mode (detached from the case.) To enable it with the keyboard attached, go to System Settings-->Display and Monitor -> Display Configuration -> Uncheck "Only when in tablet mode" and click "Apply."

==== Rotating the Login Screen ====
Login screen orientation is handled by your operating system. Below are the instructions for the SDDM login screen that ships with the factory image:

By default, the login screen is set to display in portrait mode. If you wish to change it to landscape mode to match the keyboard while in the case, use the following steps ([https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=18313 Credit to chzbacon]) :

* Install necessary software: <code>sudo pacman -S xorg-xrandr xorg-xinput</code>
* Edit /usr/share/sddm/scripts/Xsetup. For example, using nano: <code>sudo nano /usr/share/sddm/scripts/Xsetup</code> and add the following two lines to the end of file:
** <code>xrandr --output DSI-1 --mode 800x1280 --rate 60.00 --rotate right</code>
** <code>xinput set-prop "pointer:Goodix Capacitive TouchScreen" --type=float "Coordinate Transformation Matrix" 0 1 0 -1 0 1 0 0 1</code>
* Now edit /etc/sddm.conf.d/sddm.conf, for example: <code>sudo nano /etc/sddm.conf.d/sddm.conf</code> and add the following two lines (case sensitive):
** <code>[X11]</code>
** <code>DisplayCommand=/usr/share/sddm/scripts/Xsetup</code>
* Reboot, and your login screen should now display in landscape mode.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

=== General ===

==== How does the PineTab2 compare to the Pinebook Pro? ====
It's slower, as it is intended to be a successor to the PineTab1, not the Pinebook Pro. It'll still handle web browsing, video playback and documents fine though.

==== What is the Performance of the PineTab2 compared to the PineTab-V? ====
The PineTab2 is notably faster than the PineTab-V. You can see this by [https://github.com/ThomasKaiser/sbc-bench/blob/master/Results.md comparing the Quartz64 sbc-bench results to the Star64 ones]. Performance should not be a factor of consideration when purchasing a PineTab-V.

==== I am a casual user with minimal Linux experience. Is this device for me? ====
The PineTab 2 is considered early release at this point, and the community is expected to develop support for it over time. For example, the [[PineTab2#Known_Issues]] page details several features that are not yet fully working. You may at times need to troubleshoot this device and some development experience is ideal if you want to realize the tablet's full potential at this stage.

For these reasons, the PineTab2 may not be the ideal device for casual users. However, if you feel up to the challenge and want to learn while joining a great community, you are more than welcome! Please join one of our [[Main_Page#Chat_Platforms|chat platforms]]: the community is always happy to help!

==== What works, what doesn't? ====

Please see [[PineTab2#Known_Issues]].

==== I only know Python, can I help with drivers? ====
Drivers are (at least typically) written in the C programming language. Unfortunately, there is no way to "code drivers in Python" because usually drivers need to access and process memory allocation directly. If you feel like this is interesting to you, we suggest you to spend some time learning the C programming language, maybe with an emphasis in device driver development. The good news is that, since you already know a programming language, you already know part of the skill.

In short, you can only help with drivers development if you learn the C programming language first.

=== Hardware ===

==== Does the Tablet support a Pen? ====
No, adding a digitiser for pen inputs would make the price too high.

==== Is there SPI Flash? ====
Yes! A 128 Mbit flash chip (sk25lp128) is reportedly present on production devices.

=== Software ===
==== What operating systems are currently available? ====
The PineTab2 uses ARM operating systems. Please see [[PineTab2 Releases]] for a current list of software releases.

==== How can I install an operating system on the SD card / eMMC? ====

See the article [[PineTab2]].

==== Can I run Android on it? ====

Theoretically yes, practically there's little chance anyone wants to make a well-supported Android build for this device. If you're looking for an Android tablet, buy any mainstream tablet, and you'll get better value for your money.

However, if you just need to run a few simple android apps, you might want to have a look at [https://docs.waydro.id/usage/install-on-desktops Waydroid] which can be installed on Arch Linux ARM using the following command: <code>sudo pacman -S waydroid</code>

=== Booting ===

==== What's the boot order for SD cards and eMMC? ====

The SPI and the internal memory (eMMC) have a higher boot priority than the microSD card. Please see the [[PineTab2]] for more detailed information.

==== Can I install a different OS on my PineTab2? ====

Yes! While all PineTab2 come with an OS preinstalled, you are free to use any OS on the integrated storage (the eMMC) or an SD card. See [[PineTab2]] and [[PineTab2 Releases]] for how to install them.

=== Bluetooth ===

==== The Bluetooth isn't working ====

The BES2600 Bluetooth driver still needs to be implemented. Please see the [[#Networking Using USB]] section above for a workaround.

=== Wi-Fi ===

==== The Wi-Fi isn't working ====
The [https://gitlab.com/TuxThePenguin0/bes2600 BES2600 Wi-Fi driver] needs major cleanup and bugfixing: at the moment it causes system crashes. Please see the [[#Networking Using USB]] section above for a workaround.

=== Video ===

==== Can PineTab2 play back DRM content such as Netflix? ====

Yes, though the specific implementation depends on your installed operating system.

On the default Arch Linux Arm: Widevine, using the `widevine-aarch64` package in the AUR is working, and was demonstrated on the PineTab2 using Paramount+ and Disney+. Install it (`yay -S widevine-aarch64`), run the included register script to get Firefox to recognize it, and it should start working.

[[Category:Rockchip RK3566]]

PineTab2

2023-08-16T08:21:48Z

MMK21: /* Specifications */ Add a caption to the side-ports image

[[File:PineTab2 Front.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The PineTab2 with the detachable keyboard attached]]

The '''PineTab2''' is PINE64's successor to the original [[PineTab]] Linux tablet computer, featuring a faster processor and better availability. The tablet is available in two configurations, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The tablet ships with a detachable keyboard that doubles as a protective cover.

The tablet is designed around the Rockchip RK3566 processor, which features 4 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 64-bit ARM cores and enjoys good mainline Linux support. A similarly packaged RISC-V tablet is the [[PineTab-V]].

Pre-orders started on the 13th of April 2023, with pricing starting at USD 159 for the 4GB/64GB version and USD 209 for the 8GB/128GB version. The PineTab2 began shipping on June 2, 2023.

== Getting started ==

The PineTab2 box contains two smaller boxes.

The first box includes:

* the PineTab2,
* a short user guide,
* a power cable and
* the UART adapter. Note that the UART adapter is in the same package as the power cable in a second compartment and can be a bit hidden.

The second box has the keyboard in it.

=== First start ===

The PineTab2 can be started by pressing and holding the power button for two seconds. The device is initialized at the first boot and will power-cycle while the partition table is populated.

{{Info|If the initialization process is interrupted it might lead to a corrupted operating system installation. In that case reinstall the operating system as explained below.}}

The PineTab2 ships with ''DanctNix Arch Linux'' and comes with a pre-set user and the default password <code>123456</code>.

{| class="wikitable"
!colspan="2" style="background: #a7d7f9;"| Default credentials
|-
! Default user
| <code>alarm / 123456</code>
|}

You can create a new user and set your own password after the initial boot. To do so, go to ''system settings'' -> ''users'' and create a new profile using your preferred name and password.

=== Keyboard cover ===

When connecting the keyboard to the Pinetab2 ensure that the camera and the golden pogo pin connectors are correctly aligned.
The external keyboard has 5 connection pins (the golden pins). four are standard USB connectors and one is used to detect that the keyboard is connected.

The backlight can be changed with the key combination ''Pinekey + Ctrl (right)''.

== Software ==

All operating systems for the PineTab2 are delivered by community developers and partner projects. Aside from the operating system that comes pre-installed on your device, you can install and run any other operating system available for the PineTab2. Most, if not all operating systems for the PineTab2 are open and free, such as Linux and BSD.

Since most software issues will be release-specific, please see the [[PineTab2 Releases]] page for additional software related instructions, tips, and tricks.

=== Releases ===

The releases for the PineTab2 can be found under [[PineTab2 Releases]].

=== Installation instructions ===

The PineTab2 is capable of running different operating systems from the internal flash memory (eMMC) and from microSD card.

'''Preparing the microSD card'''

To write an operating system to the microSD card (typically called "flashing" in the community), you need to first download a compatible image from the [[#Releases|releases]] section.

Next you need to decompress the downloaded image. The images are typically compressed in an archive format such as ''xz'' to reduce the download size. If you are using a graphical tool such as ''balenaEtcher'' or ''Gnome Disks'' it will handle the decompression of the image in the flashing step automatically.

Further you need to flash the image to the microSD card. This can be done using various tools, for example ''balenaEtcher'' (recommended for new users), ''Gnome Disks'' or command-line tools such as ''cp'' and ''dd''. Insert the microSD card in a microSD card reader connected to your computer and then choose a tool of your liking.

Graphical applications:

* '''balenaEtcher''' (Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux): Click on ''Flash from file'' and select the image. Then select the microSD card target device and click on ''Flash!''.

* '''Gnome Disks''' (Linux): Select the microSD card target device on the left side in the ''Disks'' list. Then select the three dot menu on the top right and click on ''Restore Disk Image...''. Select the image, verify the correct device is selected and then click on ''Start Restoring...''.

Command-line tools:

* '''cp''': <code>sudo cp '''IMAGE.img''' /dev/'''[DEVICE]'''</code>

* '''dd''': <code>sudo dd if='''IMAGE.img''' of=/dev/'''[DEVICE]''' bs=1M status=progress conv=fsync</code>

{{Info|Make sure to replace '''IMAGE.img''' and '''[DEVICE]''' with the filename of the image (double check if it is decompressed and has the file extension ''.img'') and the device name. You can use the command <code>lsblk</code> to find the device name. Make sure to flash to the whole device instead of partition 1 and that you're NOT selecting ''/dev/sda1'' or ''/dev/mmcblk0p1'' as target. Be very careful to select the correct device, as the tools can overwrite your data when the wrong device is selected.}}

Then insert the microSD card into the PineTab2.

[[File:PineTab2 USB UARTv2.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Using the USB UART adapter can be required in some cases as explained in the info box about the boot order. The adapter is shipped with the PineTab2 in the box which is also containing the charging cable. The switch to disable the eMMC and SPI is located on the top right of the image.]]

{{Hint|'''Note regarding the boot order:''' The SPI and the internal memory (eMMC) have a higher boot priority than the microSD card. The pre-installed bootloader on the internal memory (eMMC) tries to boot from the microSD card first. '''In some cases''' it can be required to bypass the bootloader, for example if the bootloader is corrupted or was overwritten by a bootloader with varying settings.<br><br>

To force the device to boot from the microSD card, the eMMC and the SPI can be disabled by using the debug UART adapter shipped with the device in the box also containing the charging cable. Set the ''SD BOOT MASKROM'' switch on the adapter to the position ''ON'' and plug it into the USB/PD charging port. Then power on the tablet and '''unplug the debug board or set the switch to the position ''OFF'' again''' when the factory image is started, otherwise the factory image won't find the eMMC.}}

Power on the device with the microSD card inserted (and optionally with the USB UART adapter inserted and the bypass switch set to ''ON'' depending on the software situation, see the info box above). It should now boot the new operating system from the microSD card.

'''Something is not working?''' Please join the [[Main_Page#Chat_Platforms|PineTab channel in the community chat]], the community is always happy to help. In the section [[#Connecting the UART adapter]] you can find information about how to connect the USB UART adapter and how to retrieve the boot logs if the device is not booting properly even after the above procudere.

== Specifications ==

[[File:RK3566_icon.png|right]]
[[File:Pinetab2-side.jpeg|thumb|400px|right|Tablet's side ports: USB-C (with PD), MicroSD, USB-C 3.0, volume rocker, power button]]
* '''SoC:''' Rockchip RK3566
* '''CPU:''' 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz
** 32KB L1 Instruction Cache and 32KB L1 Data Cache per core
** 512KB unified system L3 cache
** ARMv8 Cryptography Extensions
* '''GPU:''' Mali-G52 MP2 @ 800 MHz
** Supported by the open source 'Panfrost' driver in Linux and Mesa
** Supports OpenGL 3.1 and OpenGL ES 3.1 with many newer extensions
* '''NPU:''' 0.8 TOPS Neural Processing Unit
* '''RAM:''' 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4
* '''Storage:'''
** 64GB or 128GB internal eMMC ([https://www.szyuda88.com/product-77313-276594.html SiliconGo SGM8 100C-S36BCG]; eMMC 5.1, up o 400MB/s)
** 1x MicroSD slot
* '''Display:''' 10.1" IPS LCD Resolution 1280x800
* '''Cameras:'''
** Front: 2Mpx, chipset: Galaxycore GC02M2
** Rear: 5Mpx, chipset: Omnivision OV5648
* '''Battery:''' 6000 mAh (22.2Wh)
* '''Buttons:''' Power, volume up, volume down
* '''Network:'''
** Wi-Fi : BES2600
** Bluetooth : BES2600
* '''I/O:'''
** 1x USB-C 3.0 (top, host mode only; power output up to 680mA)
** 1x USB-C 2.0 + PD (bottom, device mode by default; power input)
** 1x MicroHDMI
** 1x 4 pole 3.5mm audio jack (microphone right) and headphone detection
** 2x speakers + microphone (microphone left)
** 1x 5 pin (USB 2.0; <=680mA) Pogo connector for keyboard
** (PCIe on PCB as a flat flex ribbon connector, no room for M.2 NVMe drives in case)
* '''Sensors:'''
** Accelerometer: Silan SC7A20
** Ambient Light & Proximity Sensor
* '''Multimedia:'''
** rkdjpeg: 1080p120 JPEG decode
*** no driver in mainline yet
** hantro: JPEG/VP8/H.264 encode, 1080p MPEG-2/H.263/VP8/H.264 AVC decode
*** mainline driver does not yet support all codecs/functions
*** see [[Mainline Hardware Decoding]] and [[Mainline Hardware Encoding]]
** rkvdec2: 4K H.264 AVC Main10 L5.1/H.265 HEVC Main10 L5.1/VP9 Profile 0 and 2 L5.1 decode
*** no driver in mainline yet
** rkvenc2: 4K H.264 AVC/H.265 HEVC encode
*** no driver in mainline yet
* '''Build:''' Metal and Plastic
* '''Dimensions:''' 242x161x9mm
* '''Weight:''' 538g
* '''Misc:'''
** Protective cover with keyboard

== Development efforts ==

{{SeeMainArticle|Quartz64 Development}}

Linux mainline is already quite far along for the device, as the SoC is the same as is used in the Quartz64 line of devices. Some minor pinetab2-specific adjustments can be found [https://github.com/TuxThePenguin0/linux/tree/device/pine64-pinetab2_stable here] Check the main article for the big picture; PineTab2 specific issues are listed here.

=== Known Issues ===

* The display panel driver is in PineTab2's kernel fork, and needs to be submitted to upstream.
* The [https://gitlab.com/TuxThePenguin0/bes2600 BES2600 Wi-Fi driver] needs major cleanup and bugfixing (at the moment it often causes system crashes). This is a priority, but for now, you can [[PineTab2_FAQ#Performing_USB_Tethering_with_an_Android_Phone|USB tether a phone]] or [[PineTab2_FAQ#Selecting_a_USB_WIFI_Adapter|use a supported WI-FI dongle]].
* The BES2600 Bluetooth driver needs to be implemented.
* The Camera drivers needs to be ported ([https://github.com/rockchip-linux/kernel/blob/develop-4.19/drivers/media/i2c/gc02m2.c gc02m2], [https://elixir.bootlin.com/linux/latest/source/drivers/media/i2c/ov5648.c ov5648]), Rockchip CSI/ISP driver needs to be extended to handle 2 lanes.
* Suspend does not currently work reliably due to a driver issue. It is therefore disabled in the factory image. Caveat Emptor if you chose to unmask the feature prior to it being fixed.

=== Connecting the UART adapter ===

The USB-C UART adapter can be connected to the PineTab2 to debug boot issues at the early boot:

* Plug the adapter face-up in the USB-C port furthest away from the power button. If all the lights are lit, you have the wrong port: only the green light should be lit when you first plug it in.
* Plug USB-C cable into the port on the adapter marked "DEBUG"
* Open a terminal window
* Install ''minicom'' or ''screen'' via your distribution's package manager, if you don't have it installed already
* Connect via minicom using <code>sudo minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 1500000</code> or via screen using <code>sudo screen /dev/ttyUSB0 1500000</code>
** Ubuntu-based distro users may encounter the error, "cannot open /dev/ttyUSB0: No such file or directory". If this occurs, check the output of <code>sudo dmesg --follow</code> and unplug/replug the USB to look for any errors. If you see an error like, "usb 1-1: usbfs: interface 0 claimed by ch341 while 'brltty' sets config #1", then the brltty service is likely conflicting with this device. Brltty provides access to blind users who use a braille display: if you do not need this service, try disabling it using these commands:
*** <code> sudo systemctl stop brltty-udev.service</code>
*** <code> sudo systemctl mask brltty-udev.service</code>
*** <code> sudo systemctl stop brltty.service</code>
*** <code> sudo systemctl mask brltty.service</code>

== Board information, schematics and certifications ==

[[File:PPineTab2-pcb.jpg|thumb|right|PineTab2 Board]]

PineTab2 mainboard schematic:

* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab2_V2_schematic-20230417.pdf PineTab2 mainboard Released Schematic-20230417 ver 2.0]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab2_V2_comp_ref_top-20230417.pdf PineTab2 PCB Component Reference location v2.0 (top layer)]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab2_V2_comp_ref_bottom-20230417.pdf PineTab2 PCB Component Reference location v2.0 (bottom layer)]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/pinetab2-V_uart_console_schematic-20221107.pdf PineTab2/PineTab-V UART Dongle Schematic-20221107]

PineTab2 certifications:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/Pinetab2%20FCC-SDOC%20Certificate-LCSA040323223E.pdf PineTab2 FCC Certificate]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/Pinetab2%20CE%20RED%20Certificate-LCSA040323224E.pdf PineTab2 CE RED Certificate]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab2%20CE%20EMC%20Certificate-LCSA040323225E.pdf PineTab2 CE EMC Certificate]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab2%20ROHS%20Report-LCSA040323221R.pdf PineTab2 ROHS Test Report]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab2%20Keyboard%20CE%20EMC%20Certificate-LCSA062623001E.pdf PineTab2/PineTab-V Detached Keyboard CE EMMC Certificate]

PineTab2 disassembly guide:
* [[file:PineTab2_display_panel_disassembly_guide.pdf]]
* Note: this is a very delicate operation esp. around the corners of the screen. Several (even experienced) users ended up damaging the screen.

== Datasheets for Components and Peripherals ==

Rockchip RK3566 SoC information:

* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/quartz64/Rockchip%20RK3566%20Datasheet%20V1.0-20201210.pdf Rockchip RK3566 ver 1.0 datasheet]
* [https://opensource.rock-chips.com/images/2/26/Rockchip_RK3568_TRM_Part1_V1.3-20220930P.PDF Rockchip RK3566 and RK3568 TRM (Technical Reference Manual)]

== Tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions ==
Please see the [[PineTab2 FAQ]] page for tutorials and frequently asked questions.

== External Links ==

* [https://www.pine64.org/2022/12/15/december-update-merry-christmas-and-happy-new-pinetab/ December 2022 Community Update]
* [https://www.pine64.org/2023/03/01/february-update-things-are-taking-shape/ February 2023 Community Update]

[[Category:Rockchip RK3566]]