Difference between revisions of "PineTab"

From PINE64
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(→‎Manjaro ARM: add a note about non-working image)
(→‎postmarketOS: update download link)
(45 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, INFO SUBJECT TO CHANGE
{{warning|1=IMPORTANT INFORMATION for '''Early Adopters''' - please [[PineTab/Early-Adopter|'''CLICK HERE''']] - some '''known issues''' are listed there}}


The PineTab is a 10" tablet created by Pine64.
The PineTab is a 10" tablet created by Pine64.
Line 10: Line 10:
** 64GB of internal eMMC storage
** 64GB of internal eMMC storage
** MicroSD slot, bootable
** MicroSD slot, bootable
** M.2 SSD slot, (optional)
** M.2 SSD slot, supports SATA and USB devices only, not NVME (optional)
* '''Cameras:''' 2Mpx Front, 5Mpx Rear
* '''Cameras:''' 2Mpx Front, 5Mpx Rear
* '''CPU:''' Allwinner A64 Quad Core
* '''SOC:''' Allwinner A64 Quad Core
* '''CPU:''' 4x ARM A53 1.152GHz
* '''GPU:''' Mali 400 MP2
* '''GPU:''' Mali 400 MP2
* '''RAM:''' 2GB LPDDR3
* '''RAM:''' 2GB LPDDR3
* '''I/O:''' HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
* '''I/O:''' HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
* '''Network'''
* '''Network:'''
** WiFi
** WiFi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz only)
** Bluetooth 2.1
** M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
** M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
* '''Screen:''' 10.1" IPS 800x1280 Capacitive LCD
* '''Display:'''
** '''Size:''' 10.1 inches (257mm) diagonal
** '''Type:''' HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
** '''Resolution:''' 1280x800, 16:10 ratio <br>
* '''Attachments/Accessories:''' Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
* '''Attachments/Accessories:''' Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
* '''Battery:''' 6000MAh (6Ah)
* '''Battery:''' 6000MAh (6Ah)
Line 33: Line 38:


==Versions==
==Versions==
For now there is only one version, also mentioned in the manual leaflet in the box.
* "pinetab-dev": development version sent to ~100 developers. This one is like the Early Adopter version, but has a different display panel.
* [[PineTab/Early-Adopter]]
* [[PineTab/Early-Adopter|Early Adopter]]: the first hardware revision of the PineTab, which shipped to customers.
 
[[File:PineTabBoard.jpeg|400px|thumb|right|The insides of the PineTab]]


== PineTab board information, schematics and certifications ==
== PineTab board information, schematics and certifications ==
* PineTab mainboard schematic:
* PineTab mainboard schematic:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Schematic%20v1.2-20191125.pdf PineTab mainboard Released Schematic ver 1.2]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Schematic%20v1.2-20191125.pdf PineTab mainboard Released Schematic ver 1.2]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-top.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Top View]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-top.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Top View]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-bottom.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Bottom View]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-bottom.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Bottom View]
* PineTab keyboard schematic:
** PineTab keyboard and Pinebook (Pro) keyboard using same controller and from same engineering source
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/Pinetab%20HB092A%20Keyboard%20Schematic.pdf PineTab Keyboard Schematic]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/HB092_0884232458_Hynitron_PTP_20200514_662905_Linux_US_BackLight_CRC_175057F5.hex PineTab keyboard firmware code]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/SH68F83V2.0.pdf PineTab Keyboard Controller Datasheet]
 
* PineTab certifications:
* PineTab certifications:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20FCC-SDOC%20Certificate-S20060600404001.pdf PineTab FCC Certificate]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20FCC-SDOC%20Certificate-S20060600404001.pdf PineTab FCC Certificate]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20CE-RED%20Certificate-S20060600403.pdf PineTab CE RED Certificate]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20CE-RED%20Certificate-S20060600403.pdf PineTab CE RED Certificate]
 
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PINETAB%20ROHS%20TEST%20REPORT.pdf PineTab ROHS Test Report]


== Datasheets for components and peripherals ==
== Datasheets for components and peripherals ==
* Allwinner A64 SoC information:
* Allwinner A64 SoC information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64%20brief%20v1.0%2020150323.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC brief introduction]
** [https://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)]
** [https://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)]
** [https://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:
* X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/AXP803_Datasheet_V1.0.pdf AXP803 PMIC datasheet]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/AXP803_Datasheet_V1.0.pdf AXP803 PMIC datasheet]


* LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:
* LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ATL3A1632H12A_mobile_lpddr3_11x11.5_v1.0_1600.pdf Artmem LPDDR3 datasheet]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ATL3A1632H12A_mobile_lpddr3_11x11.5_v1.0_1600.pdf Artmem LPDDR3 datasheet]


* eMMC information:
* eMMC information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/PINE64_eMMC_Module_20170719.pdf PINE64 eMMC module schematic]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/PINE64_eMMC_Module_20170719.pdf PINE64 eMMC module schematic]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/usb%20emmc%20module%20adapter%20v2.pdf PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module V2 schematic]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/usb%20emmc%20module%20adapter%20v2.pdf PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module V2 schematic]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/USB%20adapter%20for%20eMMC%20module%20PCB.tar PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module PCB in JPEG]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/USB%20adapter%20for%20eMMC%20module%20PCB.tar PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module PCB in JPEG]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/SDINADF4-16-128GB-H%20data%20sheet%20v1.13.pdf SanDisk eMMC Datasheet]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/SDINADF4-16-128GB-H%20data%20sheet%20v1.13.pdf 64GB SanDisk eMMC Datasheet]


* CMOS camera module information:
* CMOS camera module information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/OV5640_datasheet.pdf OV5640 5MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Rear Module datasheet]
** [https://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/GC2145%20CSP%20DataSheet%20release%20V1.0_20131201.pdf GC2145 2MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Front Module datasheet]
** [https://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:
* LCD touch screen panel information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271.pdf GOODiX GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller datasheet]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271.pdf GOODiX GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller datasheet]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271_Config_20200818_142030_V66.cfg PineTab GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller configuration file]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271_Config_20200818_142030_V66.cfg PineTab GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller configuration file]


* Lithium battery information:
* Lithium battery information:
Line 76: Line 89:


* WiFi/BT module information:
* WiFi/BT module information:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/RTL8723BS.pdf RTL8723BS/RTL8723CS specification]
** [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/RTL8723BS.pdf RTL8723BS/RTL8723CS specification]




== Operating Systems ==
== Operating Systems ==
The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), there are a few that are designed specifically for phones and tablets:
The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), only few of them will actually be usable on Early Adopters PineTab, due to specifics of working with LCD panel. Among those listed all except for postmarketOS have working builds.
* [[#UBPorts|UBPorts]]
* [[#postmarketOS|postmarketOS]]
* [[#Arch Linux ARM|Arch Linux ARM]]
* [[#Manjaro ARM|Manjaro ARM]]
* [[#Mobian|Mobian]]


=== UBPorts ===
=== UBPorts ===
The UBPorts jenkins daily build can be downloaded [https://ci.ubports.com/job/rootfs/job/rootfs-pinetab/ here]
[[File:Ubports-logo.png|100px]]
The UBPorts Ubuntu Touch is what was preinstalled on the PineTab Early Adopters batch.
 
 
It can update itself in System Settings, and also a  jenkins daily build can be downloaded at this updated address for the latest daily image:
 
https://ci.ubports.com/job/rootfs/job/rootfs-pinetab-systemimage/
 
The last stable builds are also listed and appear to be updated every few weeks.
 
 
It should be noted that as of 20th January the latest stable/release candidate and development builds  still lacked Bluetooth, Rotation and had the same issues with online accounts etc
 
Online accounts access have a fix for Google accounts here https://github.com/rubencarneiro/account-plugins/releases
 
There are however significant updates to the original pinetab image (without the issues above)
 
The old image appears to be deprecated here
[https://ci.ubports.com/job/rootfs/job/rootfs-pinetab/ here]
 
In the event that WiFi fails to connect, the USB port can be used with an appropriate dongle to connect for internet using ethernet cable.


=== postmarketOS ===
=== postmarketOS ===
postmarketOS is a preconfigured version of [https://www.alpinelinux.org/ Alpine Linux] for mobile devices. The latest builds can be downloaded from the [https://images.postmarketos.org/pinetab/ images page] to be flashed to the PineTab.
[[File:PostmarketOS-logo.png|100px]]
postmarketOS extends [https://www.alpinelinux.org/ Alpine Linux] to run on smartphones and other mobile devices.
 
It offers various user interfaces (Phosh, Plasma Mobile, Sxmo, Plasma Desktop, Gnome 3, Kodi, XFCE4, ...). As of writing, official images are provided with Phosh and Plasma Mobile. The official images come in two flavors, either as demo image to try out postmarketOS, or with the installer.
 
When using the installer images (recommended), it is possible to:
* encrypt your installation
* install from the SD card to eMMC
 
Getting postmarketOS for the PineTab:
* [https://postmarketos.org/download/ Download page]
* [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/PINE64_PineTab_(pine64-pinetab)#Installation Flashing instructions]
* Power users may also create their own image with the distribution's install and development tool <code>pmbootstrap</code>
 
=== Arch Linux ARM ===
[[File:Archlinux-logo.png|100px]]
Arch Linux ARM with Phosh as the UI selection, maintained by the DanctNIX community.  


More information is available at [https://postmarketos.org postmarketos.org] and on their [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/PINE64_PineTab_(pine64-pinetab) dedicated PineTab wiki page].
The latest image can be downloaded [https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Pine64-Arch/releases here]


=== Manjaro ARM ===
=== Manjaro ARM ===
Manjaro ARM with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, can be downloaded [https://osdn.net/projects/manjaro-arm/storage/pinetab/ here]
[[File:Manjaro-logo.svg|100px]]
The PineTab "Early Adopter" edition is currently not supported by ManjaroARM.


Note that at least for one person, <code>Manjaro-ARM-phosh-pinetab-alpha2.img</code> image didn't work.
Older Manjaro images with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, are available for the "Dev" pre-release but '''not working on "Early Adopters" PineTab''' can be downloaded [https://osdn.net/projects/manjaro-arm/storage/pinetab/ here]


=== Mobian ===
=== Mobian ===
Mobian is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices. PineTab images can be downloaded [https://images.mobian-project.org/pinetab/ here]. Password is '''1234'''
[[File:Debian-logo.png|100px]]
Mobian is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices.  
 
PineTab images can be downloaded [https://images.mobian-project.org/pinetab/ here]. Password is '''1234'''
 
 
=== Sailfish OS ===
 
[[File:SailfishOS logo.png|100px]]
 
You can get SailfishOS on your with the flash-it script, which will write an image on a SD card. https://github.com/sailfish-on-dontbeevil/flash-it
 
There is a forum discussion with further information.
 
http://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11850
 
Many things are still broken but Bluetooth, Audio, Rotation and Keyboard are working.
 
== Installation instructions ==
For instructions on how to install the operating systems to the eMMC or microSD card see [[PinePhone Installation Instructions]]. The information is almost the same for the PineTab, as it is a very similar device. Do not try to use the PinePhone images though, use the PineTab images linked above.


=== Testing ===
=== Testing ===
Line 112: Line 176:


* First, make sure you have enough free disk space and empty Downloads directory on the PineTab (while not strictly necessary, empty Downloads dir will simplify your typing. You can just move all files from there to another directory).
* First, make sure you have enough free disk space and empty Downloads directory on the PineTab (while not strictly necessary, empty Downloads dir will simplify your typing. You can just move all files from there to another directory).
* go to the Mobian link above and download compressed image (the one ending with .img.gz) - usual recommendation is to download latest, i.e. lowest one.
* Turn off Sleep when idle in the settings. Settings > Battery > Sleep when idle: Never
* Go to the Mobian link above and download compressed image (the one ending with .img.gz) - usual recommendation is to download latest, i.e. lowest one.
* Open terminal and type this in it:
* Open terminal and type this in it:
   cd Downloads
   cd Downloads
Line 122: Line 187:
* Now, let's have a look at disks. Type this into terminal:
* Now, let's have a look at disks. Type this into terminal:
   lsblk
   lsblk
* It should show you a tree of disks and their partitions. If you don't have microCD card inserted yet, all of them begin with mmcblk2. Also, some of them have something in the "MOUNTPOINT" column
* It should show you a tree of disks and their partitions. If you don't have microSD card inserted yet, all of them begin with mmcblk2. Also, some of them have something in the "MOUNTPOINT" column
* Insert microSD card into PineTab. Note that all information on it will be deleted, so don't insert one with valuable information on it!
* Insert microSD card into PineTab. Note that all information on it will be deleted, so don't insert one with valuable information on it!
* type `lsblk` into terminal again.
* type `lsblk` into terminal again.
Line 133: Line 198:
   sudo reboot
   sudo reboot
* PineTab should boot from the microSD you've just flashed
* PineTab should boot from the microSD you've just flashed
== Tips and tricks ==
=== Reset ===
If your PineTab is in unknown state or doesn't want to start.
Press power button for 7-8s. It makes a sound and you know it's totally off. 3 seconds after, power button  again for 2-3s and it will start to boot. - thanks
@Aperricio on IRC for this hint
=== Display rotated 90° on Arch ARM ===
With the following command you can turn the display to landscape:
* echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/class/graphics/fbcon/rotate
This command does not persist a reboot.
== External Links ==
* [https://pine64.com/product/pinetab-10-1-linux-tablet/ The PineTab on the Pine64 store]
* [https://forum.pine64.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=140 The PineTab section of the Pine64 forums]
[[Category:PineTab]] [[Category:Allwinner A64]]

Revision as of 23:05, 31 March 2021

Warning: IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Early Adopters - please CLICK HERE - some known issues are listed there

The PineTab is a 10" tablet created by Pine64.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 11mm x 175mm x 260mm (Thickness, Width, Height)
  • Weight: 575g (Tablet alone)
  • Build: Plastic
  • Storage:
    • 64GB of internal eMMC storage
    • MicroSD slot, bootable
    • M.2 SSD slot, supports SATA and USB devices only, not NVME (optional)
  • Cameras: 2Mpx Front, 5Mpx Rear
  • SOC: Allwinner A64 Quad Core
  • CPU: 4x ARM A53 1.152GHz
  • GPU: Mali 400 MP2
  • RAM: 2GB LPDDR3
  • I/O: HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
  • Network:
    • WiFi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz only)
    • Bluetooth 2.1
    • M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
  • Display:
    • Size: 10.1 inches (257mm) diagonal
    • Type: HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    • Resolution: 1280x800, 16:10 ratio
  • Attachments/Accessories: Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
  • Battery: 6000MAh (6Ah)
  • Misc. features:
    • Volume rocker and home button
    • Speakers and Microphone
    • 2.5mm OD 0.7mm ID DC Jack Power (5V 2A) Port

Keyboard

Overview: The PineTab detachable keyboard features a full function row, FN key functionality, meta key (where the Windows key would be) and all of the keys you need for daily use.

FN keys:: Pause/play (F2), Stop (F3), Previous(F4), Next(F5), Music (F6), Mail (F7), Home (F8), Mute (F9), Vol- (F10), Vol+ (F11), Disable touchpad (F12), NumLock (Insert), Scroll Lock (Delete), PgUp (Up Arrow), PgDn (Down Arrow), Home (Left Arrow), End (Right Arrow), Digital Numpad (7,8,9,0,U,I,O,P,J,K,L,;,M,.,/)

Versions

  • "pinetab-dev": development version sent to ~100 developers. This one is like the Early Adopter version, but has a different display panel.
  • Early Adopter: the first hardware revision of the PineTab, which shipped to customers.
The insides of the PineTab

PineTab board information, schematics and certifications

Datasheets for components and peripherals

  • Lithium battery information:



Operating Systems

The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), only few of them will actually be usable on Early Adopters PineTab, due to specifics of working with LCD panel. Among those listed all except for postmarketOS have working builds.

UBPorts

Ubports-logo.png The UBPorts Ubuntu Touch is what was preinstalled on the PineTab Early Adopters batch.


It can update itself in System Settings, and also a jenkins daily build can be downloaded at this updated address for the latest daily image:

https://ci.ubports.com/job/rootfs/job/rootfs-pinetab-systemimage/

The last stable builds are also listed and appear to be updated every few weeks.


It should be noted that as of 20th January the latest stable/release candidate and development builds still lacked Bluetooth, Rotation and had the same issues with online accounts etc

Online accounts access have a fix for Google accounts here https://github.com/rubencarneiro/account-plugins/releases

There are however significant updates to the original pinetab image (without the issues above)

The old image appears to be deprecated here here

In the event that WiFi fails to connect, the USB port can be used with an appropriate dongle to connect for internet using ethernet cable.

postmarketOS

File:PostmarketOS-logo.png postmarketOS extends Alpine Linux to run on smartphones and other mobile devices.

It offers various user interfaces (Phosh, Plasma Mobile, Sxmo, Plasma Desktop, Gnome 3, Kodi, XFCE4, ...). As of writing, official images are provided with Phosh and Plasma Mobile. The official images come in two flavors, either as demo image to try out postmarketOS, or with the installer.

When using the installer images (recommended), it is possible to:

  • encrypt your installation
  • install from the SD card to eMMC

Getting postmarketOS for the PineTab:

Arch Linux ARM

Archlinux-logo.png Arch Linux ARM with Phosh as the UI selection, maintained by the DanctNIX community.

The latest image can be downloaded here

Manjaro ARM

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

The PineTab "Early Adopter" edition is currently not supported by ManjaroARM.

Older Manjaro images with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, are available for the "Dev" pre-release but not working on "Early Adopters" PineTab can be downloaded here

Mobian

Debian-logo.png Mobian is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices.

PineTab images can be downloaded here. Password is 1234


Sailfish OS

SailfishOS logo.png

You can get SailfishOS on your with the flash-it script, which will write an image on a SD card. https://github.com/sailfish-on-dontbeevil/flash-it

There is a forum discussion with further information.

http://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11850

Many things are still broken but Bluetooth, Audio, Rotation and Keyboard are working.

Installation instructions

For instructions on how to install the operating systems to the eMMC or microSD card see PinePhone Installation Instructions. The information is almost the same for the PineTab, as it is a very similar device. Do not try to use the PinePhone images though, use the PineTab images linked above.

Testing

To test an OS, just flash its image onto an microSD card, plug it into PineTab, and reboot. Note that USB stick won't work. Also note that you need to "flash", not just copy the file onto the card. Also remember that you need to unpack image file if it's packed!

You can do it using Ubuntu Touch installed on the PineTab! For now, only Mobian is supported by the guide below.

  • First, make sure you have enough free disk space and empty Downloads directory on the PineTab (while not strictly necessary, empty Downloads dir will simplify your typing. You can just move all files from there to another directory).
  • Turn off Sleep when idle in the settings. Settings > Battery > Sleep when idle: Never
  • Go to the Mobian link above and download compressed image (the one ending with .img.gz) - usual recommendation is to download latest, i.e. lowest one.
  • Open terminal and type this in it:
 cd Downloads
 ls
  • It should show you the name of the file you've just downloaded
  • This file is compressed, so first you need to uncompress it. Type this into terminal:
 gunzip *.gz && echo done
  • This command will take some time (you won't see any progress until it's done). It either will succeed (and print "done") and fail (and print why).
  • Now, let's have a look at disks. Type this into terminal:
 lsblk
  • It should show you a tree of disks and their partitions. If you don't have microSD card inserted yet, all of them begin with mmcblk2. Also, some of them have something in the "MOUNTPOINT" column
  • Insert microSD card into PineTab. Note that all information on it will be deleted, so don't insert one with valuable information on it!
  • type `lsblk` into terminal again.
  • Note that now tree of disks has one or more new entries - starting with mmcblk0 - that's partitions of your microSD card.
  • Confirm that size of mmcblk0 is close to size of the microSD card, and all lines starting with mmcblk0 have empty "MOUNTPOINT" column.
  • now type this:
 sudo dd if=`ls` of=/dev/mmcblk0 bs=1M status=progress
  • It will take some time, depending on speed of your microSD card and size of image file
  • Now, reboot your PineTab - type this into terminal:
 sudo reboot
  • PineTab should boot from the microSD you've just flashed

Tips and tricks

Reset

If your PineTab is in unknown state or doesn't want to start. Press power button for 7-8s. It makes a sound and you know it's totally off. 3 seconds after, power button again for 2-3s and it will start to boot. - thanks @Aperricio on IRC for this hint

Display rotated 90° on Arch ARM

With the following command you can turn the display to landscape:

  • echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/class/graphics/fbcon/rotate

This command does not persist a reboot.

External Links