Q-LINK SCEPTER 8
OVERVIEW:
This is a general info and discussion thread for any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8 tablet. This is an 8" Android tablet manufactured specifically for eligible recipients of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, a federally funded FCC initiative to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the Covid-19 pandemic. As of December 31, 2021, the EBB was renamed the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Ironically, even though the EBB was originally intended specifically for assistance with internet service, and although this tablet is branded by Q-Link, a major mobile service provider of the federal Lifeline program, the Q-Link Scepter 8 is a WiFi-only device and does not support cellular connectivity. Because there is very little info available online for this device, a general info and discussion thread was needed as a collective forum and resource for device owners.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Device Name: Q-Link Scepter 8
Manufacturer: Hot Pepper, LLC
WLAN Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth: v4.0
OS/Version: Android 11 (Go Edition)
Internal Storage: 16 GB (eMMC)
RAM: 1 GB (LPDDR3)
Display: 8" IPS (800 x 1280)
Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion
Board Platform: Allwinner-A100
Arch/ISA: 64-bit / ARMv8-A
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
CPU Max Clock: 1.46 GHz
Lithography: 28 nm HPC
Partition scheme: Dynamic A/B
GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300
GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz
Camera: 2 MP Rear / 0.3 MP Front
DEVELOPMENT STATUS:
This tablet is supported for bootloader unlocking by way of the standard fastboot mode procedure. Root access can be attained by the standard Magisk systemless strategy of ramdisk patching. Unfortunately, I no longer own one of these tablets and I did not save copies of any of the firmware images I was able to pull from the device by way of a flash tool in read-back mode. Likewise, as luck would have it, the modded flash tool is no longer accessible due to a broken download link online and no working mirrors As it stands, we are lacking a stock boot/recovery image with which to patch the ramdisk for root. To date, despite numerous formal requests made to the manufacturer, the kernel source code has not been released to the public. Likewise, the manufacturer has released no factory images or stock firmware for this device, making custom development a futile effort at this point. I am presently attempting to locate a chipset-supported version of an Allwinner flashing utility which can be used to dump partition images.
This thread is intended for general discussion of any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. As resources for source code, firmware, etc., become available, additional development threads will be posted and maintained. For now, however, this is the catch-all device thread. Although I no longer own one of these devices, I will try to diligently maintain this thread and make efforts to break ground on custom development projects. A couple of days ago, on January 11th, I emailed support for Hot Pepper, Inc., and made formal written requests for both the kernel source code (which the manufacturer is required to provide pursuant to the GNU General Public License) and factory images or a stock firmware package for this tablet. Because Hot Pepper, Inc., recently changed hands in terms of ownership and operations, I am hopeful that at least one of my requests Is granted.
UPDATE: On January 27th, I received a reply from a support specialist of Hot Pepper, Inc. His correspondence advised me that my request for kernel source code had been forwarded to Hot Pepper's software developers in China, who should be returning to the office from Chinese Holiday on February 6th. Accordingly, access to the kernel source code should be forthcoming in just a matter of days.
Update: February 22, 2022:
I have received correspondence from the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile regarding my request for stock firmware and kernel source code for the Scepter 8. It appears that the delay was merely an issue of English--Chinese translation with respect to my original request. This is the correspondence in full:
Per the CEO's instructions,, I have clarified my requests and provided specific examples. It now looks as though development for this tablet is imminent. I will, of course, keep this thread updated accordingly and post links to stock firmware/source code here just as soon as Hot Pepper Mobile grants access.
Update: February 23, 2022:
Finally, after weeks of back-and-forth correspondence, the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile has provided me with two factory images for the QLink Scepter 8: one package is V6 and the other appears to be the latest build, V9. The links for both images are listed below. Although I did not receive the actual kernel source code, I'm content that the factory images will advance our efforts for rooting and a TWRP port build, which I will be working on as soon as free time permits.
UPDATE ON TWRP: As it currently stands, the TWRP port for this device is at a standstill. Because this tablet is Allwinner-based, uses the Dynamic partition scheme, and supports seamless updates (A/B), there are simply too many obstacles to complete the build at this time. I am requesting assistance from a TeamWin developer on this project. I will keep this thread updated with the status on the unofficial TWRP port. However, on a positive note, I am currently porting LineageOS 19.1 (Android 12) to this tablet, which will be installable with PhoenixSuit, LiveSuit, or PhoenixUSBPro. Believe it or not, a custom ROM is child's play in comparison to porting TWRP.
DOWNLOADS & LINKS:
Q-Link Scepter 8 User Manual (PDF)
Q-Link Scepter 8 FCC Report
Bootloader Unlocking & Rooting Guide
Stock Firmware Restoration Guide
PLEASE CONSIDER:
Please keep this thread on topic and post only about subject matter relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. While all discussion and questions are welcome, please keep it device specific. Also, please be respectful to others when posting or replying. Keep in mind that English is not the primary language of every member, as the XDA community spans the entire globe. As such, it is often easy to misinterpret text which has been translated into English, or to take statements out of context. Be patient with, and kind to, new members who seek knowledge and answers. Remember when you were a noob and others patiently assisted you here on XDA. In short, it is my wish to keep this thread an open and welcome platform for all members, regardless of language, experience, nationality, etc. Please be respectful.
THANKS & MENTIONS:
Thanks goes out to Hot Pepper Mobile, Inc., for providing factory firmware images for this device. Specifically, I want to thank Hot Pepper Support Specialist Joshua G. and Hot Pepper CEO Shawn Sun for their professional assistance.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Device Name: Q-Link Scepter 8
Manufacturer: Hot Pepper, LLC
WLAN Connectivity: WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth: v4.0
OS/Version: Android 11 (Go Edition)
Internal Storage: 16 GB (eMMC)
RAM: 1 GB (LPDDR3)
Display: 8" IPS (800 x 1280)
Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion
Board Platform: Allwinner-A100
Arch/ISA: 64-bit / ARMv8-A
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
CPU Max Clock: 1.46 GHz
Lithography: 28 nm HPC
Partition scheme: Dynamic A/B
GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300
GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz
Camera: 2 MP Rear / 0.3 MP Front
DEVELOPMENT STATUS:
This tablet is supported for bootloader unlocking by way of the standard fastboot mode procedure. Root access can be attained by the standard Magisk systemless strategy of ramdisk patching. Unfortunately, I no longer own one of these tablets and I did not save copies of any of the firmware images I was able to pull from the device by way of a flash tool in read-back mode. Likewise, as luck would have it, the modded flash tool is no longer accessible due to a broken download link online and no working mirrors As it stands, we are lacking a stock boot/recovery image with which to patch the ramdisk for root. To date, despite numerous formal requests made to the manufacturer, the kernel source code has not been released to the public. Likewise, the manufacturer has released no factory images or stock firmware for this device, making custom development a futile effort at this point. I am presently attempting to locate a chipset-supported version of an Allwinner flashing utility which can be used to dump partition images.
This thread is intended for general discussion of any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. As resources for source code, firmware, etc., become available, additional development threads will be posted and maintained. For now, however, this is the catch-all device thread. Although I no longer own one of these devices, I will try to diligently maintain this thread and make efforts to break ground on custom development projects. A couple of days ago, on January 11th, I emailed support for Hot Pepper, Inc., and made formal written requests for both the kernel source code (which the manufacturer is required to provide pursuant to the GNU General Public License) and factory images or a stock firmware package for this tablet. Because Hot Pepper, Inc., recently changed hands in terms of ownership and operations, I am hopeful that at least one of my requests Is granted.
UPDATE: On January 27th, I received a reply from a support specialist of Hot Pepper, Inc. His correspondence advised me that my request for kernel source code had been forwarded to Hot Pepper's software developers in China, who should be returning to the office from Chinese Holiday on February 6th. Accordingly, access to the kernel source code should be forthcoming in just a matter of days.
Update: February 22, 2022:
I have received correspondence from the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile regarding my request for stock firmware and kernel source code for the Scepter 8. It appears that the delay was merely an issue of English--Chinese translation with respect to my original request. This is the correspondence in full:
Per the CEO's instructions,, I have clarified my requests and provided specific examples. It now looks as though development for this tablet is imminent. I will, of course, keep this thread updated accordingly and post links to stock firmware/source code here just as soon as Hot Pepper Mobile grants access.
Update: February 23, 2022:
Finally, after weeks of back-and-forth correspondence, the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile has provided me with two factory images for the QLink Scepter 8: one package is V6 and the other appears to be the latest build, V9. The links for both images are listed below. Although I did not receive the actual kernel source code, I'm content that the factory images will advance our efforts for rooting and a TWRP port build, which I will be working on as soon as free time permits.
UPDATE ON TWRP: As it currently stands, the TWRP port for this device is at a standstill. Because this tablet is Allwinner-based, uses the Dynamic partition scheme, and supports seamless updates (A/B), there are simply too many obstacles to complete the build at this time. I am requesting assistance from a TeamWin developer on this project. I will keep this thread updated with the status on the unofficial TWRP port. However, on a positive note, I am currently porting LineageOS 19.1 (Android 12) to this tablet, which will be installable with PhoenixSuit, LiveSuit, or PhoenixUSBPro. Believe it or not, a custom ROM is child's play in comparison to porting TWRP.
DOWNLOADS & LINKS:
Q-Link Scepter 8 User Manual (PDF)
Q-Link Scepter 8 FCC Report
Bootloader Unlocking & Rooting Guide
Stock Firmware Restoration Guide
PLEASE CONSIDER:
Please keep this thread on topic and post only about subject matter relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. While all discussion and questions are welcome, please keep it device specific. Also, please be respectful to others when posting or replying. Keep in mind that English is not the primary language of every member, as the XDA community spans the entire globe. As such, it is often easy to misinterpret text which has been translated into English, or to take statements out of context. Be patient with, and kind to, new members who seek knowledge and answers. Remember when you were a noob and others patiently assisted you here on XDA. In short, it is my wish to keep this thread an open and welcome platform for all members, regardless of language, experience, nationality, etc. Please be respectful.
THANKS & MENTIONS:
Thanks goes out to Hot Pepper Mobile, Inc., for providing factory firmware images for this device. Specifically, I want to thank Hot Pepper Support Specialist Joshua G. and Hot Pepper CEO Shawn Sun for their professional assistance.
Last edited:
lol
