Difference between revisions of "PinePhone"
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The PinePhone is a smartphone created by Pine64, capable of running mainline Linux and supported by many partner projects. The | The PinePhone is a smartphone created by Pine64, capable of running mainline Linux and supported by many partner projects. The BraveHeart Edition was the first publicly-available version of the phone, though it came without a fully functional OS (factory test image) and was geared specifically towards tinkerers and hackers. Its successor is the Community Edition, the first Community Edition started to ship in June 2020. The phone will be available for at least five years. | ||
== First time installation == | |||
[[File:PinePhone-3.jpg|400px|thumb|right|PinePhone is capable of running a multitude of different Linux mobile OSes]] | |||
[[File:PinePhoneSides.svg|400px|thumb|right|Backward and front of PinePhone UBPorts Edition]] | |||
From the factory the battery has a sticker on it that isolates the battery from the phone. The battery '''will not''' charge until this is removed. | |||
After unboxing remove the back panel using the notch in the corner of the back panel. Then remove the battery and peel off the clear plastic sticker below it that isolates the charging contact. Then replace the battery. See [[PinePhone#Battery|Battery]] for more information. | |||
== Specifications == | == Specifications == | ||
Line 47: | Line 36: | ||
'''[[#Killswitch configuration|Killswitches]]:''' Modem, Wifi & Bluetooth, Microphone, Cameras <br> | '''[[#Killswitch configuration|Killswitches]]:''' Modem, Wifi & Bluetooth, Microphone, Cameras <br> | ||
'''[[#Battery|Battery]]:''' [https://wiki.pine64.org/images/0/04/PinePhone_Battery_model_QZ01-396172-2750.pdf Lithium ion] Rated Capacity 2800mAh (10.64Wh), Typical Capacity 3000mAh (11.40Wh) (nominally replaceable with any Samsung J7 form-factor battery) <br> | '''[[#Battery|Battery]]:''' [https://wiki.pine64.org/images/0/04/PinePhone_Battery_model_QZ01-396172-2750.pdf Lithium ion] Rated Capacity 2800mAh (10.64Wh), Typical Capacity 3000mAh (11.40Wh) (nominally replaceable with any Samsung J7 form-factor battery) <br> | ||
'''I/O:''' USB Type-C | '''I/O:''' USB Type-C, USB Host, DisplayPort Alternate Mode output, 15W 5V 3A Quick Charge, follows USB PD specification | ||
== Hardware Revisions == | == Hardware Revisions == | ||
Line 115: | Line 44: | ||
# [[PinePhone v1.0 - Dev|PinePhone v1.0 - Developer batch]] | # [[PinePhone v1.0 - Dev|PinePhone v1.0 - Developer batch]] | ||
# [[PinePhone v1.1 - Braveheart]] | # [[PinePhone v1.1 - Braveheart]] | ||
# [[PinePhone v1.2]] - Community Edition | |||
== Hardware Addons == | == Hardware Addons == | ||
===[[PinePhone Hardware Accessory Compatibility]] list | === PinePhone Hardware Accessory Compatibility === | ||
See [[PinePhone Hardware Accessory Compatibility]] for a list of devices working with the PinePhone (depending on their OS support) | |||
=== USB-C Connector === | === USB-C Connector === | ||
The USB-C can be used to power the device, and offers USB2 host and OTG possibilities, and also can make use of the USB-C capability to integrate HDMI signals. Some USB-C hubs are available that offer power throughput, USB connection, HDMI port and Ethernet connection. The driver that would make this connection available is not supported at this time. | |||
The PinePhone has 6 | === Pogo Pins === | ||
The PinePhone has 6 pogo pins on the back allowing for custom hardware extensions such as wireless charging or an IR blaster. The pogo pins provide access to an interrupt line, power input to charge the battery, 3.3 V power source (disputed: see [[PinePhone_v1.1_-_Braveheart#Pogo_Pins_supply_5v0.2C_not_3v3]]), and an I2C interface. | |||
'''A step/stl/stp (3D model) file for the back cover is [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20Back%20Cover%20ver%200.5.stp freely available] for creating custom cases that interface with the pogo pins.''' | '''A step/stl/stp (3D model) file for the back cover is [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20Back%20Cover%20ver%200.5.stp freely available] for creating custom cases that interface with the pogo pins.''' | ||
=== Serial console === | === Serial console === | ||
[[File:Uart pinephone connection.gif|250px|thumb|left|UART serial connector for PineBook and PinePhone]] | [[File:Uart pinephone connection.gif|250px|thumb|left|UART serial connector for PineBook and PinePhone]] | ||
The PinePhone has a serial port in the headphone connector, it's activated by the 6th contact on the dipswitch. If the switch is on then the headphone connector is in audio mode, if it's off then it's in UART mode. This uart serial connection can also be used for communication with other devices from the PinePhone. | The PinePhone has a serial port in the headphone connector, it's activated by the 6th contact on the dipswitch. If the switch is on then the headphone connector is in audio mode, if it's off then it's in UART mode. This uart serial connection can also be used for communication with other devices from the PinePhone. | ||
The | The UART is 115200n8 | ||
The pinout for the serial connector on the tablet side is: | The pinout for the serial connector on the tablet side is: | ||
Line 142: | Line 74: | ||
* Sleeve: GND | * Sleeve: GND | ||
The serial connection is 3.3V | ''Because it is a "host"/DTE that means that you need a "cross modem cable" ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_modem Wikipedia Null Modem]) with TX on Tip to be connected to RX on tablet side.'' | ||
The serial connection is 3.3V. A cable like e.g. [https://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm FTDI TTL-232R-3V3-AJ] which has TX on Tip and RX on Ring fits perfectly. | |||
You can also buy the debug cable from [https://store.pine64.org PINE64 Store] | You can also buy the debug cable from [https://store.pine64.org PINE64 Store] | ||
The store cable uses a 4 ring plug, as seen in the [http://files.pine64.org/doc/pinebook/guide/Pinebook_Earphone_Serial_Console_Developer_Guide.pdf PDF], but a 3 ring plug works just as well. That cable uses a CH340 chipset based serial to USB converter, but any 3.3v serial connection can be used. | The store cable uses a 4 ring plug, as seen in the [http://files.pine64.org/doc/pinebook/guide/Pinebook_Earphone_Serial_Console_Developer_Guide.pdf PDF], but a 3 ring plug works just as well. That cable uses a CH340 chipset based serial to USB converter, but any 3.3v serial connection can be used. | ||
== Killswitch configuration == | |||
[[File:PinePhone switches.jpeg|400px|thumb|right|Photo of BraveHeart switches from OSAKANA TARO on Twitter]] | |||
The PinePhone features six switches that can be used to configure its hardware. They are numbered 1-6, with switch 1 located nearest to the modem. Their on position is toward the top of the phone. | The PinePhone features six switches that can be used to configure its hardware. They are numbered 1-6, with switch 1 located nearest to the modem. Their on position is toward the top of the phone. | ||
# Modem: On enables 2G/3G/4G communication and GNSS hardware, off disables. | # Modem: On enables 2G/3G/4G communication and GNSS hardware, off disables. | ||
Line 178: | Line 93: | ||
# Front camera: On enables the front camera, off disables. | # Front camera: On enables the front camera, off disables. | ||
# Headphone: On enables audio input and output via the 3.5mm audio jack, off switches the jack to hardware UART mode. | # Headphone: On enables audio input and output via the 3.5mm audio jack, off switches the jack to hardware UART mode. | ||
== Battery == | == Battery == | ||
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If your battery is hard to remove from the phone, try loosening the screws around it. Possibly cutting up a piece of plastic and sliding it under the battery as a pull tab can work too. | If your battery is hard to remove from the phone, try loosening the screws around it. Possibly cutting up a piece of plastic and sliding it under the battery as a pull tab can work too. | ||
{{Note|The BraveHeart Edition ships with a plastic sticker between the battery and the phone. You need to open the back cover (gently), then remove the battery and finally remove the sticker. This is to protect the device from turning on during shipping.}} | |||
[[File:PinePhone battery1.png|600px|thumb|centre|Photo of Brave Heart case from OSAKANA TARO on Twitter]] | [[File:PinePhone battery1.png|600px|thumb|centre|Photo of Brave Heart case from OSAKANA TARO on Twitter]] | ||
[[File:PinePhone battery3.jpeg|600px|thumb|centre|Photo of Brave Heart battery sticker from OSAKANA TARO on Twitter]] | [[File:PinePhone battery3.jpeg|600px|thumb|centre|Photo of Brave Heart battery sticker from OSAKANA TARO on Twitter]] | ||
{{Hint|The EG25 modem and RTL8723CS Wifi/bluetooth do not work without battery power, even if you are supplying enough power to the PinePhone with USB-C.}} | |||
There has been [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=8960 a report on the forum] that this sticker can bend the pins that make connection between the battery and the phone: please check your setup carefully after removing the sticker. | There has been [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=8960 a report on the forum] that this sticker can bend the pins that make connection between the battery and the phone: please check your setup carefully after removing the sticker. | ||
== Modem and Carrier Support == | == Modem and Carrier Support == | ||
{{Hint|There is a document about using the modem from January 18th 2020 by user ''megi'' [https://megous.com/dl/tmp/modem.txt here]. The script at the end to disable the modem before power off is pretty essential to avoid corrupting your modem's flash memory.}} | |||
To check if the PinePhone is supported on your carrier: | |||
To check if the PinePhone is supported on your carrier: | |||
Search for your carrier on [https://www.frequencycheck.com/ frequencycheck.com] and compare the carrier's LTE/GSM/WCDMA frequencies to the PinePhone's supported frequencies (listed under the [[#Specifications|specifications]] section). | Search for your carrier on [https://www.frequencycheck.com/ frequencycheck.com] and compare the carrier's LTE/GSM/WCDMA frequencies to the PinePhone's supported frequencies (listed under the [[#Specifications|specifications]] section). | ||
Line 231: | Line 128: | ||
It is likely that there will be a few frequencies that your carrier uses which are not supported by the PinePhone. Not all of the carrier's frequencies need to be supported by the PinePhone for it to work - as long as ''most'' of them are supported, you will still get good coverage. | It is likely that there will be a few frequencies that your carrier uses which are not supported by the PinePhone. Not all of the carrier's frequencies need to be supported by the PinePhone for it to work - as long as ''most'' of them are supported, you will still get good coverage. | ||
== | === Voice Mail === | ||
Some phone operating systems may not have support for accessing your voicemail by holding down the 1 key. If you are in Canada and using rogers or a rogers associated carrier (such as Chatr), you can access your voice mail by calling an external number, see: https://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/913346-Rogers-GSM-Voicemail-Retrieval-Numbers | |||
In America, AT&T also has support for accessing your voicemail via an external phone number: https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1009101/ | |||
=== APN settings === | |||
For tested APN settings and how to apply them see [[PinePhone APN Settings]]. | |||
== Operating Systems == | == Operating Systems == | ||
The | The PinePhone will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distribution (because the PinePhone uses the mainline kernel), there are a few that are designed specifically for mobile use on devices like the PinePhone | ||
The list | The [[PinePhone Software Releases]] page has a complete list of currently supported phone-optimized Operating System images that work with the PinePhone as well as other related software information. As soon as more patches got mainlined and distributions ship with the updated kernel, they will also be able to run unmodified on the device. | ||
=== Installation instructions === | |||
[ | For instructions how to install the operating systems on the eMMC or SD card see [[PinePhone Installation Instructions]]. | ||
=== Flashing eMMC using Jumpdrive === | |||
[ | [[File:jumpdrive.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Jumpdrive running on the PinePhone]] | ||
The internal eMMC flash storage can be flashed using the Jumpdrive utility by Danct12 and Martijn from postmarketOS. | |||
This utility boots from micro SD and exposes the internal eMMC flash storage when the PinePhone is connected to a computer. | |||
The process of flashing and OS to the exposed and mounted eMMC is identical to that of any other storage medium - e.g. a SD card. You can use the 'DD' command or a utility such as Etcher or Gnome Disks, etc. | |||
[ | Latest Jumpdrive can be found [https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/releases/ here]. | ||
==== Detailed Usage Instructions ==== | |||
# Download the Jumpdrive image | |||
# Flash the Jumpdrive image to a micro SD card | |||
# Boot the PinePhone from the Jumpdrive micro SD card | |||
# Connect the PinePhone to your computer using USB-A -> USB-C cable | |||
# Flash the exposed PinePhone drive (e.g. /dev/mm..., check for the right device in dmesg, GNOME disks, or similar, and make sure it's unmounted) with your chosen OS image | |||
# Once the flashing process is complete, disconnect the PinePhone from your PC, power it down and remove the Jumpdrive SD card | |||
# The process is now finished, and you can boot from eMMC | |||
Jumpdrive also acts as a rescue image in case if you messed up your installation. To do so, you can telnet to '''172.16.42.1''', mount rootfs and fix it! | |||
==== Resize file system ==== | |||
If you flash a 4GB image distribution (such as phosh+debian) to your eMMC, your eMMC will only have a 3.7G partition on it. To use the entire 14.7G on the eMMC, run the following commands: | |||
# sudo cfdisk /dev/sdX | |||
# Change to [Resize] in the ncurses program, resize the 3.7G partition to 14.7G, and [Write] | |||
# sudo resize2fs /dev/sdXY | |||
Replace X with your drive's name. Replace Y with the partition you resized in cfdisk. | |||
==== Feedback ==== | |||
If you've found an issue or want to improve the tool consider these sites: | |||
* Issues: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/issues | * Issues: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/issues | ||
* Pull Requests: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/pulls | * Pull Requests: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/pulls | ||
== Frequently Asked Questions == | |||
For a list of frequently asked questions (including information regarding the shipping), see [[PinePhone FAQ]]. | |||
== PinePhone Board Information, Schematics and Certifications == | |||
* PinePhone Main Board Schematic: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20v1.2%20Released%20Schematic.pdf PinePhone mainboard Released Schematic ver 1.2] | |||
** [[PinePhone_v1.2|PinePhone Schematic ver 1.2 change list]] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20Schematic%20v1.1%2020191031.pdf "Braveheart" PinePhone mainboard Schematic ver 1.1] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20mainboard%20top%20placement%20v1.1%2020191031.pdf "Braveheart" PinePhone mainboard component top placement drawing ver 1.1] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20mainboard%20bottom%20placement%20v1.1%2020191031.pdf "Braveheart" PinePhone mainboard component bottom placement drawing ver 1.1] | |||
* PinePhone USB-C Small Board Schematic: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20USB-C%20small%20board%20schematic%20v1.0%2020190730.pdf PinePhone USB-C small board Schematic ver 1.0] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20USB-C%20small%20board%20top%20placement%20v1.0%2020190730.pdf PinePhone USB-C small board component top placement drawing ver 1.0] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PinePhone/PinePhone%20USB-C%20small%20board%20bottom%20placement%20v1.0%2020190730.pdf PinePhone USB-C small board component bottom placement drawing ver 1.0] | |||
* PinePhone Certifications: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PinePhone%20FCC%20SDOC%20Certificate-S19112602605001.pdf PinePhone FCC Certificate] | |||
** [https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/2AWAG-PINEPHONE RF Exposure SAR Information from FCC ID site] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PinePhone%20CE%20RED%20Certificate-S19112602602.pdf PinPhone CE RED Certificate] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PinePhone%20ROHS%20Report.pdf PinePhone ROHS Report] | |||
== Datasheets for Components and Peripherals == | |||
* Allwinner A64 SoC information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64%20brief%20v1.0%2020150323.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC Brief Introduction] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64_Datasheet_V1.1.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC Data Sheet V1.1 (Official Released Version)] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/Allwinner_A64_User_Manual_V1.0.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC User Manual V1.0 (Official Release Version)] | |||
* X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/AXP803_Datasheet_V1.0.pdf AXP803 PMIC Datasheet] | |||
* LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ATL3A1632H12A_mobile_lpddr3_11x11.5_v1.0_1600.pdf Artmem LPDDR3 Datasheet] | |||
* eMMC information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/Kimtigo_fbga153_16_32_64_eMMC_datasheet_v1.3.pdf Kimtigo eMMC Datasheet] | |||
* CMOS Camera module information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/QZ01-rear-2019-0717(HW)%20Model.pdf PinePhone 5M Pixel Real CMOS Image Sensor Module] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/OV5640_datasheet.pdf OV5640 5MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Rear Module Datasheet] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/QZ01-front-2019-0717(HW)%20Model.pdf PinePhone 2M Pixel Front CMOS Image Sensor Module] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/GC2145%20CSP%20DataSheet%20release%20V1.0_20131201.pdf GC2145 2MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Front Module Datasheet] | |||
* LCD Touch Screen Panel information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/PinePhone%20LCD-QZ01.pdf 5.99" 1440x720 LCD IPS Panel Specification] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ST7703_DS_v01_20160128.pdf ST7703 LCD Controller Datasheet] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/GT917S-Datasheet.pdf GOODiX GT917S Capacitive Touch Controller Datasheet] | |||
* Lithium Battery information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/PinePhone%20QZ01%20Battery%20Specification.pdf PinePhone Lithium Battery Specification] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/PinePhone%20QZ01%20Battery%20ZCV%20Curve%20Chart.xlsx PinePhone Lithium Battery ZCV Curve Chart] | |||
* Wifi/BT module information: | |||
* LTE module information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/Quectel_EG25-G_LTE_Specification_V1.0.pdf Quectel EG25-G LTE Module Specification] | |||
** [[Media:Quectel EC25EC21 AT Commands Manual V1.2.pdf|EC25&EC21 AT Commands Manual]] | |||
* Sensors: | |||
** [https://www.st.com/en/mems-and-sensors/lis3mdl.html ST LIS3MDL 3-axis Magnetomater Datasheet] | |||
** [https://www.invensense.com/products/motion-tracking/6-axis/mpu-6050/ InvenSense MPU-6050 Six-Axis (Gyro + Accelerometer) MEMS Datasheet] | |||
** [http://www.sensortek.com.tw/en/product/Proximity_Sensor_with_ALS.html SensorTek STK3335 Ambient Light Sensor and Proximity Sensor] | |||
* Digital Video to USB-C Bridge: | |||
** [https://www.analogix.com/en/system/files/AA-002281-PB-6-ANX7688_Product_Brief.pdf ANX7688 Product Brief] | |||
* Case information: | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/PinePhone%20Exploded%20Diagram%20ver%201.0.pdf PinePhone Case Exploded Diagram] | |||
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/PinePhone%20Back%20Cover.stp PinePhone Back Battery Cover 3D file] | |||
== Developer works == | |||
=== Megous === | |||
* [https://xnux.eu/howtos/pine64-pinephone-getting-started.html Getting start with PinePhone Hardware] | |||
* [https://xnux.eu/devices/pine64-pinephone.html#toc-pine64-pinephone State of development progress] | |||
* [https://xnux.eu/news.html PinePhone Technical News and Update, also applies to other Allwinner devices including PINE A64 SBC] | |||
== External links == | |||
* [https://store.pine64.org/?post_type=product Pine64 shop] |
Revision as of 12:25, 29 June 2020
The PinePhone is a smartphone created by Pine64, capable of running mainline Linux and supported by many partner projects. The BraveHeart Edition was the first publicly-available version of the phone, though it came without a fully functional OS (factory test image) and was geared specifically towards tinkerers and hackers. Its successor is the Community Edition, the first Community Edition started to ship in June 2020. The phone will be available for at least five years.
First time installation
From the factory the battery has a sticker on it that isolates the battery from the phone. The battery will not charge until this is removed.
After unboxing remove the back panel using the notch in the corner of the back panel. Then remove the battery and peel off the clear plastic sticker below it that isolates the charging contact. Then replace the battery. See Battery for more information.
Specifications
Dimensions: 160.5 x 76.6 x 9.2mm
Weight: Between 180-200 grams
SIM Card: Micro-SIM
Display:
- Size: 5.95 inches (151mm) diagonal
- Type: HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
- Resolution: 1440x720, 18:9 ratio
System on Chip: Allwinner A64
RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM
Internal Storage: 16GB eMMC, extendable up to 2TB via microSD, supports SDHC and SDXC
Back Camera: Single 5MP, 1/4", LED Flash
Selfie Camera: Single 2MP, f/2.8, 1/5"
Sound: Loudspeaker, 3.5mm jack & mic (jack doubles as hardware UART if killswitch 6 is deactivated)
Communication: EG25-G
- LTE: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B38, B39, B40, B41
- WCDMA: B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B8, B19
- GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 (MHz)
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, single-band, hotspot
- Bluetooth: 4.0, A2DP
- GNSS: GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo/QZSS, with A-GPS
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, ambient light, compass
Killswitches: Modem, Wifi & Bluetooth, Microphone, Cameras
Battery: Lithium ion Rated Capacity 2800mAh (10.64Wh), Typical Capacity 3000mAh (11.40Wh) (nominally replaceable with any Samsung J7 form-factor battery)
I/O: USB Type-C, USB Host, DisplayPort Alternate Mode output, 15W 5V 3A Quick Charge, follows USB PD specification
Hardware Revisions
- Project Anakin
- "Project Don't Be Evil" devkit
- PinePhone v1.0 - Developer batch
- PinePhone v1.1 - Braveheart
- PinePhone v1.2 - Community Edition
Hardware Addons
PinePhone Hardware Accessory Compatibility
See PinePhone Hardware Accessory Compatibility for a list of devices working with the PinePhone (depending on their OS support)
USB-C Connector
The USB-C can be used to power the device, and offers USB2 host and OTG possibilities, and also can make use of the USB-C capability to integrate HDMI signals. Some USB-C hubs are available that offer power throughput, USB connection, HDMI port and Ethernet connection. The driver that would make this connection available is not supported at this time.
Pogo Pins
The PinePhone has 6 pogo pins on the back allowing for custom hardware extensions such as wireless charging or an IR blaster. The pogo pins provide access to an interrupt line, power input to charge the battery, 3.3 V power source (disputed: see PinePhone_v1.1_-_Braveheart#Pogo_Pins_supply_5v0.2C_not_3v3), and an I2C interface.
A step/stl/stp (3D model) file for the back cover is freely available for creating custom cases that interface with the pogo pins.
Serial console
The PinePhone has a serial port in the headphone connector, it's activated by the 6th contact on the dipswitch. If the switch is on then the headphone connector is in audio mode, if it's off then it's in UART mode. This uart serial connection can also be used for communication with other devices from the PinePhone.
The UART is 115200n8
The pinout for the serial connector on the tablet side is:
- Tip: RX
- Ring: TX
- Sleeve: GND
Because it is a "host"/DTE that means that you need a "cross modem cable" (Wikipedia Null Modem) with TX on Tip to be connected to RX on tablet side.
The serial connection is 3.3V. A cable like e.g. FTDI TTL-232R-3V3-AJ which has TX on Tip and RX on Ring fits perfectly.
You can also buy the debug cable from PINE64 Store The store cable uses a 4 ring plug, as seen in the PDF, but a 3 ring plug works just as well. That cable uses a CH340 chipset based serial to USB converter, but any 3.3v serial connection can be used.
Killswitch configuration
The PinePhone features six switches that can be used to configure its hardware. They are numbered 1-6, with switch 1 located nearest to the modem. Their on position is toward the top of the phone.
- Modem: On enables 2G/3G/4G communication and GNSS hardware, off disables.
- WiFi/BT: On enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication hardware, off disables.
- Microphone: On enables audio input from on-board microphones (not 3.5mm jack), off disables.
- Rear camera: On enables the rear camera, off disables.
- Front camera: On enables the front camera, off disables.
- Headphone: On enables audio input and output via the 3.5mm audio jack, off switches the jack to hardware UART mode.
Battery
The supplied battery is meant to be compatible with Samsung part number EB-BJ700BBC / BBE / CBE from the 2015 J7 phone. There is a report that the EB-BJ700CBE isn't quite the same size, causing the back not to fit properly.
The battery terminals, in order from nearest the edge to nearest the middle, are:
- +ve
- thermistor
- -ve
- not connected
The battery includes a protection circuit that isolates it in a number of fault conditions, including if it is discharged too far. The fully discharged battery can be recharged by connecting the phone to a charger. Once it has charged sufficiently you will be able to boot the phone.
If your battery is hard to remove from the phone, try loosening the screws around it. Possibly cutting up a piece of plastic and sliding it under the battery as a pull tab can work too.
There has been a report on the forum that this sticker can bend the pins that make connection between the battery and the phone: please check your setup carefully after removing the sticker.
Modem and Carrier Support
To check if the PinePhone is supported on your carrier:
Search for your carrier on frequencycheck.com and compare the carrier's LTE/GSM/WCDMA frequencies to the PinePhone's supported frequencies (listed under the specifications section).
It is likely that there will be a few frequencies that your carrier uses which are not supported by the PinePhone. Not all of the carrier's frequencies need to be supported by the PinePhone for it to work - as long as most of them are supported, you will still get good coverage.
Voice Mail
Some phone operating systems may not have support for accessing your voicemail by holding down the 1 key. If you are in Canada and using rogers or a rogers associated carrier (such as Chatr), you can access your voice mail by calling an external number, see: https://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/913346-Rogers-GSM-Voicemail-Retrieval-Numbers
In America, AT&T also has support for accessing your voicemail via an external phone number: https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1009101/
APN settings
For tested APN settings and how to apply them see PinePhone APN Settings.
Operating Systems
The PinePhone will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distribution (because the PinePhone uses the mainline kernel), there are a few that are designed specifically for mobile use on devices like the PinePhone
The PinePhone Software Releases page has a complete list of currently supported phone-optimized Operating System images that work with the PinePhone as well as other related software information. As soon as more patches got mainlined and distributions ship with the updated kernel, they will also be able to run unmodified on the device.
Installation instructions
For instructions how to install the operating systems on the eMMC or SD card see PinePhone Installation Instructions.
Flashing eMMC using Jumpdrive
The internal eMMC flash storage can be flashed using the Jumpdrive utility by Danct12 and Martijn from postmarketOS. This utility boots from micro SD and exposes the internal eMMC flash storage when the PinePhone is connected to a computer. The process of flashing and OS to the exposed and mounted eMMC is identical to that of any other storage medium - e.g. a SD card. You can use the 'DD' command or a utility such as Etcher or Gnome Disks, etc.
Latest Jumpdrive can be found here.
Detailed Usage Instructions
- Download the Jumpdrive image
- Flash the Jumpdrive image to a micro SD card
- Boot the PinePhone from the Jumpdrive micro SD card
- Connect the PinePhone to your computer using USB-A -> USB-C cable
- Flash the exposed PinePhone drive (e.g. /dev/mm..., check for the right device in dmesg, GNOME disks, or similar, and make sure it's unmounted) with your chosen OS image
- Once the flashing process is complete, disconnect the PinePhone from your PC, power it down and remove the Jumpdrive SD card
- The process is now finished, and you can boot from eMMC
Jumpdrive also acts as a rescue image in case if you messed up your installation. To do so, you can telnet to 172.16.42.1, mount rootfs and fix it!
Resize file system
If you flash a 4GB image distribution (such as phosh+debian) to your eMMC, your eMMC will only have a 3.7G partition on it. To use the entire 14.7G on the eMMC, run the following commands:
- sudo cfdisk /dev/sdX
- Change to [Resize] in the ncurses program, resize the 3.7G partition to 14.7G, and [Write]
- sudo resize2fs /dev/sdXY
Replace X with your drive's name. Replace Y with the partition you resized in cfdisk.
Feedback
If you've found an issue or want to improve the tool consider these sites:
- Issues: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/issues
- Pull Requests: https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Jumpdrive/pulls
Frequently Asked Questions
For a list of frequently asked questions (including information regarding the shipping), see PinePhone FAQ.
PinePhone Board Information, Schematics and Certifications
- PinePhone Main Board Schematic:
- PinePhone USB-C Small Board Schematic:
- PinePhone Certifications:
Datasheets for Components and Peripherals
- Allwinner A64 SoC information:
- X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information:
- LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:
- eMMC information:
- CMOS Camera module information:
- LCD Touch Screen Panel information:
- Lithium Battery information:
- Wifi/BT module information:
- LTE module information:
- Sensors:
- Digital Video to USB-C Bridge:
- Case information:
Developer works
Megous
- Getting start with PinePhone Hardware
- State of development progress
- PinePhone Technical News and Update, also applies to other Allwinner devices including PINE A64 SBC