I need to put linux in there along with other programs... I need rw permission to create xbin folder because that is where all the files including linux need to go @Viva La Android thank you for helping me with a resolution
[INDEX][GUIDE] Q-Link Scepter 8 Tablet / General Info & Discussion Thread
- Thread starter Viva La Android
- Start date
When you reference putting "Linux" into /xbin, I'm assuming you are wanting the BusyBox utilities, which are developed to work with interfaces provided by the Linux kernel.
In the older days of Android (mainly the pre-Marshmallow 6.0 era) the default root directory was indeed /system/xbin/su. This is no longer the case with Magisk and similar methods, which employ a systemless strategy of rooting the Android OS. As you are likely aware, from rooting this device, root is now achieved from modifying and flashing the stock boot.img, which makes modifying /system completely unnecessary; hence, the phrase, "systemless" root. The precise mechanics involved with systemless root are rather complex and multi-tiered, and have evolved with the progression of major Android releases versions. This is a link to a very thorough and elaborate explanation of the systemless root components and actions. https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/213167/how-does-magisk-work
I recommend giving that a good read. Notwithstanding the default root directory employed by Magisk, the mods you are referring to in your inquiry are certainly feasible. You are merely going to be working with the systemless root environment versus the legacy system-wide /system/xbin/su environment. From your reply, I have a general understanding of what you're wanting to do. However, please elaborate more on your meaning of placing Linux in the root directory, as well as the other files you want to add. If I knew more about your end goal, I could perhaps give you some concise instructions.
In the older days of Android (mainly the pre-Marshmallow 6.0 era) the default root directory was indeed /system/xbin/su. This is no longer the case with Magisk and similar methods, which employ a systemless strategy of rooting the Android OS. As you are likely aware, from rooting this device, root is now achieved from modifying and flashing the stock boot.img, which makes modifying /system completely unnecessary; hence, the phrase, "systemless" root. The precise mechanics involved with systemless root are rather complex and multi-tiered, and have evolved with the progression of major Android releases versions. This is a link to a very thorough and elaborate explanation of the systemless root components and actions. https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/213167/how-does-magisk-work
I recommend giving that a good read. Notwithstanding the default root directory employed by Magisk, the mods you are referring to in your inquiry are certainly feasible. You are merely going to be working with the systemless root environment versus the legacy system-wide /system/xbin/su environment. From your reply, I have a general understanding of what you're wanting to do. However, please elaborate more on your meaning of placing Linux in the root directory, as well as the other files you want to add. If I knew more about your end goal, I could perhaps give you some concise instructions.
Thank you @Viva La Android I want to create an xbin directory to place a Linux container in so I can use Linux in my terminal and this will allow me to use python3
WARNING: This can cause a soft brick of your device, which will require firmware restoration. Modifying the logical /system partition without first extracting it from super.img can result in a boot loop.
You can certainly create /system/xbin. However, this gets tricky because, technically speaking, the Scepter 8 has no logical /system partition. Rather, it uses the dynamic partition scheme whereas /system, /product & /vendor are all part of one large partition called /super. There are some file management apps that support dynamic partitions and allow mods to be made with the logical partitions like /system. MiXplorer is one such app. Install it, go to app Settings,>More Settings and enable the root option. Open the directory menu in the upper left and select Root directory. The app will request root access. Grant it. Now you will simply select add a new folder and name it /xbin. Here is a link to the MiXplorer app https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...released-fully-featured-file-manager.1523691/
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Thank you @Viva La Android when I try to create new folder it says failed pic attached also I enabled root but the app is not requesting... I might of granted it initially since I been had mixplorer downloaded since the last time you recommended it also doesnt allow forward slash please see attached photo
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Unfortunately, that's typical of dynamic partitioning. The only feasible way you can add /system/xbin on this tablet is going to be a rather invasive procedure. You'll need to pull the /super partition from your device as a super.img file. This can be best done on a Windows PC or laptop using the ImgRepacker tool (available here on XDA). Then unpack super.img and extract /system_a, /system_b, /product_a, /product_b, /vendor_a & /vendor,_b. Then, depending on your active slot (_a or _b), unpack the corresponding system.img, mount it, and add /xbin to the /system directory. Be sure and set the appropriate permissions to /xbin and remount it as read/write. Now, repack your system image, repack all files back into super.img and flash it using FastbootD, and not standard Fastboot mode. Upon reboot, you'll have a /system/xbin directory.
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Thank you @Viva La Android when I try to create new folder it says failed pic attached also I enabled root but the app is not requesting...
@Viva La Android ooof! I will have to ponder on that smh thanks again
Do you mean this? In that case it's a MD if not please advise where to find this information... thank you @Viva La Android
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There's a label on the rear of your tablet with the SN printed on it. The SN will begin either with MD or CF. Yes, yours is MD. I will be repairing all firmware links tonight.
You need build v06. The link should be workingOk its def MDso what is the build please @Viva La Android
Let's be sure we are on the same page. You have the Android 11 model and MD serial number variant and you need a factory firmware image, correct?
I'm not sure what you're asking exactly. What build number? Your firmware build number? Elaborate a little on what you mean and I'll try to give you a concise answer. Thanks
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1Hate to bother you but I'm having trouble flashing the twrp image I got from this thread. And even LineageOS1Everytime I make a request for source code, they send me the latest firmware package. I've sent examples of what I'm needing and I've spelled it out to the letter. My meaning could very well be getting lost in the English to Cantonese translation. I simply don't know how else I can ask. On the bright side, they have now sent me a total of 10 factory images for the Scepter 8.
@SamuEDL, if you want, I can put you in contact with the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile. Perhaps if we both make formal requests, it could make the difference. I should note that Hot Pepper's actual software development team is located in mainland China. The US-based CEO, Shawn Sun, corresponds with the team on my behalf. Every factory image I've procured has originated from China upon the request of CEO Shawn Sun on my behalf. I'm actually testing a new Hot Pepper smartphone right now for Mr. Sun, called the Chilaca. Very nice people. I think the language barrier is the issue.1
I apreciate it. But I am not a user of a q-link device, so I think I am not the best person to make requests.Everytime I make a request for source code, they send me the latest firmware package. I've sent examples of what I'm needing and I've spelled it out to the letter. My meaning could very well be getting lost in the English to Cantonese translation. I simply don't know how else I can ask. On the bright side, they have now sent me a total of 10 factory images for the Scepter 8.
@SamuEDL, if you want, I can put you in contact with the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile. Perhaps if we both make formal requests, it could make the difference. I should note that Hot Pepper's actual software development team is located in mainland China. The US-based CEO, Shawn Sun, corresponds with the team on my behalf. Every factory image I've procured has originated from China upon the request of CEO Shawn Sun on my behalf. I'm actually testing a new Hot Pepper smartphone right now for Mr. Sun, called the Chilaca. Very nice people. I think the language barrier is the issue.
Thank you also for everything you have done and for paying attention to me, despite not having the tablet.
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6QLINK SCEPTER 88" WiFi Android Tablet
Gen 1 & Gen 2 Models
By Hot Pepper Mobile
1st Gen QLink Scepter 8 (2021)
The original, 1st Gen model, is powered by the Allwinner-A100 chipset platform, has 1 GB RAM, and ships with the Android 11 Go Edition OS. This model has an FCC-ID of 2APD4-AP10, which will be embossed on the manufacturer's label, located on the tablet's rear casing. The 1st Gen model was released by Hot Pepper Mobile in April, 2021.
2nd Gen QLink Scepter 8 (2022)
The newer, 2nd Gen model, released in mid-July, 2022, integrates an upgraded Allwinner-A133 chipset, has 2 GB RAM, and ships with the latest build of Android 12 Go Edition preinstalled. The 2nd Gen model has an FCC-ID of 2APD4-AP15, printed on the manufacturer's label affixed to the rear housing of the device.
TABLET VARIANTS
Both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models of the Scepter 8 were released with two board variants. These variants are codified by the first two letters of the device serial number: either CF or MD. In other words, the Gen 1 model includes the CF and MD variants, as does the latest Gen 2. Hence, in total, there are 4 variations of this tablet Knowing your exact model & variant is crucial when restoring the factory firmware and/or when rooting your device. My firmware and rooting guides are both outlined in a format which categorizes the relevant downloads under separate headings, consistent with each particular model and variant of the Scepter 8.
Determining your model and variant is a very straightforward task. If your device is running on Android 11 Go Edition, you have the Gen 1 model. Likewise if your tablet is running on Android 12 Go Edition, you have he latest Gen 2 model. Regardless of which model you own, the serial number, located on the manufacturer's label on the back housing, will begin either with the letters CF or MD. Again, this information is pertinent to both my firmware restoration and bootloader unlocking/rooting guides.
The CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile, Mr. Shawn Sun, has most graciously provided me with factory firmware images for both the 1st Gen & 2nd Gen models of this tablet. These firmware packages are available over in my stock firmware restoration guide linked in the downloads section below. Likewise, instructions for unlocking the bootloader and attaining root access on both variants can be found on my below-linked guide as well.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Gen 1 Model (2021)
Release Date: April, 2021
FCC-ID: 2APD4-AP10
Board Platform: Allwinner-A100
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
Architecture: ARMv8-A (64-bit)
CPU Max Clock: 1.46 GHz
Process: 28 nm HPC
GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300
GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz
RAM: 1 GB (LPDDR3)
Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion
Camera: 2 MP Main / 0.3 MP Front
Internal Storage: 16 GB eMMC 5.1
WLAN: 802.11/b/g/n
WiFi Band Support: 2.4 GHz Only
Bluetooth: v4. 0
OS: Android 11 (Go Edition)
Partition Scheme: Dynamic A/B
USB OTG: Supported
Project Treble: Supported
Gen 2 Model (2022)
Release Date: July, 2022
FCC-ID: 2APD4-AP15
Board Platform: Allwinner-A133
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
Architecture: ARMv8-A (64-bit)
CPU Max Clock: 1.6 GHz
Process: 12 nm HPC
GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300
GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz
RAM: 2 GB (LPDDR3)
Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion
Camera: 2 MP Main / 0.3 MP Front
Internal Storage: 16 GB eMMC 5.1
WLAN: 802.11/b/g/n
WiFi Band Support: 2.4 GHz Only
Bluetooth: v4. 0
OS: Android 12 (Go Edition)
Partition Scheme: Dynamic A/B
USB OTG: Supported
Project Treble: Supported
OVERVIEW:
This is a general info and discussion thread for any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8 tablet. This is an 8" budget 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.
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. Both firmware images are available in my Stock Firmware Restoration Guide, which I have linked 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.
Update: December 5, 2022
I have recently resubmitted a request for the kernel source code for both the Gen 1 & Gen 2 models of the Scepter 8. I have a new contact over at Hot Pepper Mobile who is over software development, OTA updates, bug reports, etc. I am in hopes that kernel source code is now imminent.
DOWNLOADS & LINKS:
Gen 1 QLink Scepter 8 User Manual
Gen 2 QLink Scepter 8 User Manual
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. Any topics relating to factory firmware, bootloader unlocking or rooting should be posted in the appropriate device threads linked below.
$$ DONATIONS $$
I do not request or expect donations from members for my work. I adhere firmly to the open source spirit of the Android OS. With that said, for any members who want to help and are financially able during these hard economic times, I do have two completely broken and inoperable QLink Scepter 8 tablets at the moment. I am presently unable to continue any development work, custom ROMs, custom recovery projects, , etc., due to having no functional device. Any little bit would help tremendously with buying a working device from eBay or Amazon. I think $30 to $40 is avarage on a new device. With an abundance of bills at the moment, I simply don't have the extra to buy one.
Below is my PayPal link and my CashApp link, where you can give as little as $1. For those unable to help financially, I understand. A tap on the thanks button, however, doesn't cost a thing.
Donate via CashApp
Donate via PayPal
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, but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to @fuzzyTew for donating the funds that allowed me to order both hardware variants of this tablet. Because I have been without a working device, and have been suffering a bit financially, this donation was most helpful. I will now be able to continue my work on projects for this tablet. @fuzzyTew, you are a scholar and a gentleman, and most gracious. A heartfelt thank you.
4Update: The manufacturer of this tablet, Hot Pepper, Inc., has replied to my formal requests for kernel source and factory images. I was asked to elaborate more on my requests, which I have done. Hopefully they will accommodate soon.4I got a successful root with magisk! I'll include a rough how-to
1. enable USB debugging in developer options. (unlock by tapping 5x on build number in settings>about tablet)
2. enable OEM Unlocking in developer options. Mine was originally greyed out, but it corrected after I linked a google account in setup.
install minimal adb/fastboot on your pc, connect tablet via microusb https://androiddatahost.com/uq6us
run cmd-here.exe, and type: adb reboot bootloader, and then fastboot oem unlock
3. download firmware v9 to pc
4. open firmware img with 7zip, and extract boot_a.img
5. transfer that boot img file back into your tablets storage.
6. install Magisk on github, go to install, and select that boot image when prompted.
7. copy the img it spits out onto your computer, into the root directory of your adb/fastboot. Rename it something simple like patchedboot.img
8. download and install Phoenix Suite https://androidmtk.com/download-phoenixsuit
9. enable USB debugging on your tablet and keep it connected. you can verify a good connection if 'adb devices' in cmd shows a device.
10. Phoenix Suite will recognize your adb device. proceed to install the v9 firmware to your tablet
11. after its finished, in CMD enter: adb reboot fastboot
12. enter: fastboot flash boot patchedboot.img
13. reboot your tablet, and check in magisk to see if it you're rooted, it will show: Installed 24.1 instead of N/A
14. I highly reccomend sideloading librechair for a launcher, and Openboard for keyboard; they use minimal ram and run reliably on such a low spec tablet. My tablet no longer freezes doing light tasks.
https://t.me/librechair/7269
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.dslul.openboard.inputmethod.latin/
https://www.bromite.org/ for going full degoogled
here's the patched v9 boot.img to save people some time
patchedboot.img
drive.google.com
3Ok folks now we are making progress on source code. After being forwarded to Hot Pepper's lawyers, my request has now been sent to the actual developers of the tablet's firmware in China. The following is support's response:
So the best I can tell, we will have source code in early February. Hopefully, shortly after. Feb 9th. I'm not having luck with the Phoenix tool so far, so the source code may be our savior here.3
Yeah the person I bought my original tablet from jokingly said that the government had a $10.01 lien on the tablet. Except, he wasn't actually joking because QLink had billed him for $10.01 a couple weeks after he received it. My guess is, half the recipients of the Scepter 8 probably will never pay QLink a dime.
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